Working Paper

Since 2013 the governance of lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) has been discussed under the framework of the 1980 United Nations Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). The discussion is still at an early stage, with most states parties still in the process of understanding the issues at stake—beginning with the fundamental questions of what constitutes ‘autonomy’ and to what extent it is a matter of concern in the context of weapon systems and the use of force.

This paper details the development of a Social Cohesion Index for the assessment of social cohesion in the Kyrgyz Republic within the framework of the 'Social cohesion through community-based development' project. A concept of social cohesion was applied which understands cohesion to be made up of close social relationships, intensive emotional connectedness, and a strong orientation towards the common good.

This report features the baseline survey findings for the project Social Cohesion through Community-based Development. The baseline survey, administered at the individual, household, and community levels, and with a sample of 2,000 households and over 6,000 individuals, offers comprehensive information on a wide range of topics facilitating a rigorous impact evaluation analysis. The findings based on the data indicate success in randomization, but the levels of outcome indicators are found to be high which raises implications for both research and intervention components of the project.