Asa Cooper 

Asa is the Sudan Program’s research assistant, who is working primarily on producing options for different processes linked to the country’s democratic transition such as implementing peace agreements, drafting a permanent constitution, and preparing for elections. His work includes assisting with events designed to strengthen civil society’s participation in governance. He is also a member of the Peace Action Program’s Research and Methodology Team, leading the publication of Conflict Dynamics’ Peace Pulse digest.

 

Asa is currently a Master’s candidate at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, where he studies Human Security and Conflict Resolution. His current academic focus is on inclusive governance in East Africa, with an emphasis on Somali politics. After his studies, he hopes to continue to work with peacebuilding organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

 

Prior to Conflict Dynamics and his studies at Tufts University, Asa studied International Affairs in France where he worked for an NGO assisting refugees in Paris. His experience working with migrants who were forced from their homes directed his interests towards working in conflict and post-conflict settings. He subsequently completed an internship with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, where he narrowed his interests to development in fragile contexts.