Lauren Gould is Associate Professor in Conflict Studies and the principle investigator and project leader of (IRW) programme, the (RAW) project and at NIOD).
From a critical conflict and war studies perspective these trans- and interdisciplinary research programmes trace and conceptualize the changing character of the Western way of war and its impact on civilian harm and democratic transparency and accountability. Gould has conducted fieldwork amongst Western militaries and in conflict zones across the Middle East and East Africa. Her aim is to use the knowledge her teams generate to inform academic, public and policy debates.
From 2020-2024, she led a consortium of civil society partners (including Amnesty, Pax and Airwars) in a Transparency Road Map process with the Dutch Ministry of Defence that has culminated into concrete policy change regarding the protection of civilians in military operations.
Gould is the co-founder of the Contesting Governance platform at Institutions for Open Society. She is a UU Public Engagement fellow and departmental Impact Developer. In a professional capacity she sits on the board of the In 2019-2020 she participated in the UU Westerdijk Programme for talented female scholars.
She is a lecturer in the Conflict Studies and Human Rights Master and programme, the co-founder of the public lecture series Concerning War and Conflict and the coordinator of the UU Summer Schools Contemporary Conflict Analysis, Meaningful Leadership, Transformational Coaching and Advanced Communication Skills, designed for practioners and (international) students.
Lauren is the co-promotor of three PhD candidates, including David Snetselaar, Linde Arentze and Jack Davies.
For a selection of thematic academic publications, see:
- Gould et el. (2025) Antipode: 1-22.
- Gould L et al. (2024) . Global Society: 1-18.
- Gould, L., Stel, N. (2021) : The Hawija bombardments. Security Dialogue. (53) 1: 57-74
- Demmers, J., Gould, L (2018) . Security Dialogue 49(5): 364 - 381.
Popular science publications:
- Gould, L. et al. (2024) . De Groene Amsterdammer.
- Gould, L. et al. (eds.) (2022).
- Gould L et al. (2022) . IRW, PAX for Peace & Al-Ghad: 1- 123.
Op-eds:
- Gould, L. et al. (2024) . The Conversation UK.
- Gould, L. & Zoetbrood, I. (2020) . NRC.
- Gould, L. & Stel, N. (2020) . NRC.
Podcasts:
- Gould, L. (2025)
- Gould, L. & Kanetake, M. (2022)
- Gould, L. & Demmers, J (2021)