Dr. David Connolly

Biography

David Connolly's work sits at the intersection of evidence, policy, and practice in international peacebuilding and development. His primary interests include assessing the impact of mediation processes, primary education in post-conflict settings, and community-driven development. As a practitioner, he leads evaluation, research, and learning initiatives that enable organizations to make informed decisions, demonstrate measurable impact, and adapt to complex, fragile environments. Since 2000, he has directed programs for organizations based in The Hague, Washington, D.C., and Berlin, and has worked in 15 conflict-affected countries, collaborating with development agencies, international NGOs, philanthropic foundations, and community organizations to strengthen strategies, improve implementation, and demonstrate results. In teaching, Connolly aims to foster critical thinking and practical skills, encouraging students to integrate theoretical knowledge with real-world challenges through collaborative learning and interdisciplinary perspectives, preparing them for impactful careers in the field. He has taught postgraduate courses in the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Italy, and the United States. At the University of York, he co-founded and led the MSc in International Humanitarian Affairs and convened the MA in Post-war Recovery Studies. His research has received support from the Dutch Research Council, British Council, UNICEF, and the U.S. Department of State. Connolly writes for both academic and practitioner audiences, publishing in journals such as Comparative Education and Civil Wars, and contributing commentary on platforms like openSecurity.

Research Interests

Courses