Nathan Shea is the Assistant Director for Conflict and Fragility at The Asia Foundation and the Programme Manager for XCEPT. In this interview, he discusses how XCEPT has challenged dominant narratives about conflict-affected borderlands—shifting the focus from disorder and criminality to opportunity, resilience and local innovation.

Nathan highlights the importance of bringing in the voices of those who live and work in these peripheral regions. By prioritising researchers and communities from borderlands, the programme has changed the nature of the conversations at national, regional and international levels. These insights have contributed to more nuanced understandings of conflict, informality and development—centred on those most affected.

He reflects on the power of partnership in delivering this work, particularly the collaboration with the Rift Valley Institute and Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center. From researchers to admin teams, the programme has fostered learning, creativity and mutual support across borders. For Nathan, the most meaningful takeaway has been the collaborative spirit of XCEPT and its commitment to inclusion, representation and long-term change.