Beyond Conflict

“Democracy is a work in progress. It's a process. It's not a state in which you are. You need to continue the fight for a more inclusive, stable, and prosperous society.” – Roberto Patiño In the final episode of our podcast mini-series, How Do We Get Through This?, we speak with two activists, Roberto Patiño and Avila Kilmurray. They share hard-won insights on how to bridge divides and fight for democracy in a fractured country—lessons that are incredibly pertinent for Americans in this challenging time. Listen, like, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. 📍 https://lnkd.in/eGW-kUqs

Join us for a post election Circle discussion with historian Timothy Ryback, moderated by Timothy Phillips, founder and CEO of Beyond Conflict our co-host, on 2nd December from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST Sign up here; http://bit.ly/4fyvKqI Read more about misperceptions around democratic norms here; https://bit.ly/3CRsYyc

📣 New P/CVE Policy Note 📣 We're so pleased to announce the publication of our latest research, "Youth, Social and Behavioral Change, and Violent Extremism in Niger," produced in partnership with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and The RESOLVE Network. Here are some key takeaways from this project, which sought to better understand and provide recommendations to address youth vulnerability to violent extremism in Niger: 🔹 Malign perceptions of youth, in some cases reinforced by P/CVE policies, can have the impact of supporting the continued marginalization of youth, further motivating young people to seek alternative sources of agency and status, including through violent extremist groups 🔹P/CVE policies and programs must pay attention to the critical role played by political actors and institutions in perpetuating youth marginalization 🔹Effective P/CVE policy and practice must be grounded in a deep understanding of the norms, beliefs, and behaviors facilitating youth marginalization and exclusion Read it here: https://lnkd.in/ezjaiScE

Given the vitriol and toxic polarization that characterized this election cycle, how do Americans move forward constructively? What lessons can we learn from others who've navigated similar political and societal divisions and found ways to work together for the common good? In partnership with our co-host, Global Citizens Circle, join us virtually on December 2nd at 12 PM ET for a discussion of these questions between Timothy Ryback, historian and Director of the Institute for Historical Justice and Reconciliation, and Beyond Conflict's Timothy Phillips. 📍 Register today: https://lnkd.in/e3ss9Jiw

Exploring New Approaches to Peacebuilding How can international norms align with culturally sensitive approaches to create more effective peacebuilding frameworks? Over four years, the International Norms Project – a unique collaboration between The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Uppsala University, and FBA (Folke Bernadotte Academy) – brought together Islamic scholars, Muslim political leaders, and international peace practitioners. Their shared efforts led to the development of the Guide to Peacemaking Using Islamic Principles, a pioneering resource for mediators, conflict resolvers, and peacemakers worldwide. 🎙️ Eldridge Adolfo, Senior Mediation Advisor at FBA, and Mark Muller KC, LSE Professor in Practice, will share insights from this collaborative process and highlight how synergies between early Islamic teachings and international norms can support contemporary peacebuilding efforts. 📢 Learn more about cutting-edge methodologies at the upcoming panel discussion, hosted by LSE and chaired by Professor Joanna Lewis. The discussion will also feature: ✅ Monica McWilliams, Professor Emeritus at Ulster University, exploring how this guide intersects with Women, Peace, and Security frameworks. ✅ Timothy Phillips, founder of Beyond Conflict, introducing insights from neuro and behavioral science in peace processes. 📅 Register now through the link below and 📥 download the Guide to Peacemaking Using Islamic Principles here: https://bit.ly/3RgNcWD #Peacebuilding #ConflictResolution #IslamicPrinciples #WomenPeaceSecurity #NeuroScience 

Just out! The latest from The RESOLVE Network's Local Approaches to Peacebuilding project. The National Democratic Institute (NDI)'s Lauren Van Metre, Ph.D. and Beyond Conflict's Jasmine Ramsey, Opeyemi Adeojo, & Karen Bernstein Pinto present findings and considerations for policy and practice based on their joint P/CVE pilot with youth in Niger. Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eeUgb3fJ

In the days before the recent U.S. election, Beyond Conflict's Timothy Phillips was joined by Monica McWilliams, Founder of the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition and key negotiator in the Northern Ireland peace process, along with Donna Hicks, Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University, for a timely discussion about the importance of building coalitions and respecting democratic principles in times of great turmoil. As Americans move beyond a divisive election season, history tells us that it will take creative leadership and empathy across difference to chart a new path forward. The insights from this conversation remain relevant as we look ahead and work towards better functioning and more inclusive governance. Listen to "We Can Get Through This: Navigating a Divided Country in Times of Great Uncertainty," hosted by the Ford Hall Forum, now: https://lnkd.in/eAfX5kjs

“The armchair warriors sit back with their violence of the tongue that leads to the violence of the gun, or the assaults on the streets, or the tearing down of your own community and your businesses. And that can be prevented.” – Monica McWilliams On episode two of our new podcast mini-series, How Do We Get Through This?, we speak with two courageous individuals who lived through the Troubles in Northern Ireland and challenged their own communities to make peace. Like Americans today, our guests and their communities had to navigate living together in an atmosphere of deep mistrust. We can learn from their mistakes and their successes in rebuilding trust and constructive communication. Listen, like, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. 📍 https://lnkd.in/gZvA5yzK

Thank you Dr. Eileen Borris for featuring our new podcast's first episode, How South Africa Avoided Civil War and Built a Democracy, in Political Forgiveness Monthly. Roelf and Mohammed's story of helping bring an end to Apartheid is a profound example of the humility and empathy necessary to bridge deep social and political divides. 📍 https://lnkd.in/ed44aaxh

"Visual art can be a side door into the most difficult conversations." Last week, we were pleased to host a symposium with SFMOMA San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and California College of the Arts on the crucial role that art and art institutions can play in fostering meaningful connection and social repair amidst political turmoil. Over two days, these interdisciplinary conversations traced the creative power of resistance and reconciliation that can flourish at the nexus of art, conflict management, and neuroscience. Many thanks to Gamynne Guillotte, Kathleen Maguire, Tricia Brand, Chris Bedford, David C. Howse, Monica McWilliams, José María Argueta, Bill Casebeer, Daisy Nam, Maria Jensen, Makeda Best, Lava Thomas, and Hank Willis Thomas for their support and participation in this event.