Severine Autesserre studies the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is in the middle of the deadliest conflict since World War II; it's been called "the largest ongoing humanitarian crisis in the world.” The conflict seems hopelessly, unsolvably large. But her insight from decades of listening and engaging: The conflicts are often locally based. And instead of focusing on solutions that scale to a national level, leaders and aid groups might be better served solving local crises before they ignite.

Severine Autesserre: To solve mass violence, look to locals

To solve mass violence, look to locals

The deadliest conflict since WWII in Congo is misunderstood; local disputes, not just minerals and rape, fuel ongoing violence.

Effective peace in Congo requires addressing local conflicts through bottom-up peacebuilding, beyond international interventions.

Sustainable peace in conflict zones like Congo hinges on empowering local NGOs and communities to resolve grassroots disputes.