Research in the War, Conflict and Migration focus area is concentrated on differentiation and marginalization. Globalization is seen as a process of differentiation, in which individuals, groups or geographical areas may end up as excluded. Such marginalization may take place in the wake of globalization, as profit revenue-making circuits often are developed by exploiting the truly disadvantaged. Such circuits of globalization overlap with some of the major dynamics that fuel globalization. Empirical studies on (forced) migration, conflict/peace studies and studies of post-crisis reconstruction support this theory of differentiation and marginalization.

Professionals from a wide range of disciplines at NTNU work with various issues related to international migration, internal displacement and reconstruction after wars and natural disasters. A specific focus within this theme is the study of post-crisis interaction played by various stakeholders in the transformation and the re-establishment of order in society and peace, development and reconciliation. The studies relate to how reconstruction work could become more people-focused, or how local interaction may relate to global processes and vice versa.