The Threat Convergence project's research encompasses the domains of terrorism studies, nonproliferation and arms control, and weak and failing states.

The FfP's approach to threat convergence is distinguished by the following factors:  a focus on the role of weak and failing states in terrorist or criminal demand for weapons of mass destruction (WMD); the compilation of a wide evidence base generated from field research; the refinement of indicators of the phenomena of threat convergence; and a comparative assessment of which indicators have greatest influence in varying local, on-the-ground conditions.

The project builds on a strong base of scholarly and policy attention to the intersections of weak and failing states, terrorism, and WMD proliferation.

The Fund for Peace is also performing fact-finding missions and field research globally in the regions identified to be at particular risk of a threat convergence scenario. In September/October 2007 and February/March 2008, FfP staff undertook two field research trips, first to the Black Sea region and then to the Tri-border region of South America. Findings from these trips can be found by selecting the Publications link on the Threat Convergence page.Throughout 2008, field research will be conducted in Southeast and Central Asia as well as parts of Africa. Further research is also planned for the wider Caucasus in the late spring. 

To shape its research agenda, the Fund for Peace relies heavily on experts in the fields of terrorism studies, nonproliferation, and weak and failing states, as well as cross-cutting issues such as the characteristics of criminal networks and terrorist finance, and supporting disciplines in the physical and social sciences.

A public outreach initiative on individual and cumulative findings from the field research will guide evolving lines of inquiry.