Discover our collection of research and stories

With careers in journalism and humanities education, in both Australia and New Zealand, Steve Liddle is currently an independent researcher and writer. While allowing his interviewees in The War Inside to speak for themselves, he has also provided medical, historical and political contexts to their prisoner-of-war experiences. If stress reactions are an occupational hazard of war, POW experiences tested not just morale and character but also societal attitudes—and carried an often hidden toll. In 2015, Liddle co-wrote an online course in democracy for the 2016 Somali elections. In 2017-18, pre-Covid, he worked on both sides of the separation wall in Israel-Palestine. Published in 2023, The War Inside has been reprinted this year.

Mohamed Ibrahim, former Somali Minister of Posts and Telecommunications and current researcher at Swinburne University, Melbourne, has combined political leadership, diplomacy, and community engagement throughout his career. Educated at Monash, Deakin, and Melbourne Universities, he has represented Somalia at ICANN, ITU, UPU, and other global fora. His ongoing research fosters financial inclusion, governance, and institutional rebuilding in post-conflict contexts. By linking policy entrepreneurship with grassroots and diaspora needs, Ibrahim's work underscores the role of diplomacy and technology in shaping resilient societies.

Ahmed M. Nur Ahmed is a former economist and development banker with deep knowledge of the Somali financial sector. He worked for Ministry of Finance coordinating with the International Financial Institutions, and represented government in the Board of Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). He ensured compliance of financial institutions with Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) norms and was key in adopting Somali remittance and banking operations—notably through the Business Association with Somali Banking Association and Somali Money Transfer Business Association. His work seeks to introduce licensing, self-regulation, and AML/CFT compliance.

Hussein Mohamed Mohamoud is a former Somali diplomat who served with distinction in Ankara and Abu Dhabi, where his leadership was instrumental in strengthening Somalia's international presence and forging meaningful partnerships with host nations. Throughout his career, he demonstrated a rare ability to bridge political and cultural divides, championing dialogue and cooperation as cornerstones of effective diplomacy. Respected for his vision and integrity, he brought a positive outlook to his work, advancing not only Somalia's strategic interests but also the broader ideals of peace, stability, and mutual understanding. His legacy reflects the enduring power of diplomacy and leadership in shaping a hopeful future for Somalia and its role in the world.