Risk, uncertainties and ideologies, belief and commitment

Although sometimes overlooked or marginalised in scientific research, ideologies and beliefs often feature prominently in personal and group accounts of decision-making either as causal drivers or as explanations for the actions that follow, such as the role played by Islamist beliefs in radicalisation and terrorism, and the culture war fought out in US courts on evolution v. creationism. Even in cases where actions appear to be motivated by expediency, power or financial and territorial gain, they may underpin material interests, be offered as justifications or contribute to a broad canvas of different influences.

This Global Uncertainties Fellowship investigates how ideologies, beliefs and commitments are employed in decision-making and subsequent public actions, both violent and non-violent, in the face of risk and uncertainty.

The fellowship is funded by the RCUK Global Uncertainties programme.