South Asia, home to nearly a quarter of the world’s population, faces a complex web of policy challenges that threaten stability and regional security. Among those working to address these challenges is Saraf Disha, who brings extensive experience with her academic and professional work in Bangladesh, Kenya, Myanmar and now, the United States. Disha’s policy interests focus on the instability of the Indo-Pacific and the effect of great power competition on triggering political violence and conflict in Asia.
In 2020, Disha co-founded Sonjog: Connecting People, a nonprofit organization that provides critical aid in Bangladesh. “This experience taught me how various factors interplay during crisis situations, which is crucial when analyzing complex issues like civil conflicts and their socioeconomic impacts,” she explains. Disha believes this helped her develop the necessary skills and perspectives critical to practical arms control and conflict resolution approaches.
As a development economics researcher, Disha also had the opportunity to live in Rohingya refugee camps located in Bangladesh, the displaced population fleeing from the genocidal campaign conducted by Myanmar’s military, experiencing the firsthand human impact of conflict and displacement. “It’s one thing to read about these issues, but living among affected populations provides a depth of understanding that informs my current work in profound ways,” Disha expresses.
Disha’s background from the Global South offers an objective perspective on the challenges of instability in the Indo-Pacific. “In Myanmar, decades of military rule and ongoing ethnic conflicts have created a cycle where arms proliferation and civil unrest feed into each other, diverting resources from development and deterring foreign investment,” Disha remarks. She explains that traditional arms control approaches are insufficient, necessitating a strategy that addresses the root causes of instability through diplomacy, conflict resolution, economic development, improved governance, and regional cooperation. “It's about creating environments where weapons are no longer seen as necessary, breaking the cycle of conflict and fostering stability for long-term development and prosperity,” Disha adds.
Disha’s expertise in spatial analysis and socioeconomic development research equips her to apply quantitative methods to assess the effectiveness of deterrence strategies against nuclear, chemical and bioterrorism threats. “By overlaying data on known or suspected nuclear, chemical and biological facilities with socio-economic indicators, we can identify patterns and correlations that might inform more effective deterrence strategies,” she describes.
With this background, Disha uses a multifaceted approach for translating civil conflict data into actionable policy recommendations. Combining quantitative data on conflict patterns alongside qualitative insights from field research and interviews, Disha captures broad trends, but also nuanced, context-specific factors driving conflicts. “I focus on translating my analysis into concrete, feasible policy options. For each key finding, I develop a range of potential interventions, considering their likely effectiveness, resource requirements and potential unintended consequences,” Disha shares. With this experience, Disha hopes to bridge the gap between research and practical application, contributing to more effective conflict prevention and resolution strategies.
Disha found a home at the School of Public Policy, thousands of miles away from home. “The faculty, staff and most importantly my peers, made me feel that I belong here and that I can bring changes and do impactful, policy-driven work,” she shares. “SPP has blessed me with friends and a supportive network where I know we will bring wonders as policymakers, but most importantly, a safe space where we can debate and hold discourse with empathy and compassion.”
Disha highlights Professor Nancy Gallagher as an inspiring mentor, noting the profound impact of her International Security and Cooperative Security, Arms Control and Non-Proliferation Policy classes. “The complex nature of security, and the importance and challenges of cooperative approach and nonproliferation strategies, cleared my view on my next steps in my career,” Disha reflects.
As president of the International Policy Council at SPP, Disha engages with students who have international policy interests. She is also one of the student advisors of the Norman and Florence Brody Family Foundation Public Policy Forum and is a graduate representative for the Policy Student Government Association. “I want to use my diverse experience at SPP to bring in opportunities for current students … in order to collaborate and foster networks among the next generation of changemakers.”
