Addressing Conflict: Peacebuilding in Theory and Praxis

How do we relate to conflict around us? What are the challenges and opportunities for constructive engagement within intergroup conflict? How can we – ultimately – transform conflict? In this programme, we will explore these questions and dive into the theory and praxis for peacebuilding. Throughout the course, we will make a link to the personal self: how we ourselves – as (potential) peacebuilders – relate to conflict around us. We will equip students with hands-on peacebuilding skills, including dialogue, negotiation, reconciliation and trust-building activities as well as opinion writing, ensuring they are prepared not only to understand but also to actively engage in the field of peacebuilding and to reflect on their own role within that field.

Course leader

Judith van den Boogert

Target group

Level: Final year Bachelors, Masters and working professionals Background: Students should have some background – and a strong interest – in fields such as Conflict Studies, Peace and Security Studies or Humanitarian work. Working professionals who have experience in the above and would like to continue their education in this field are also welcome to apply.

Course aim

In this three week programme we seek to understand the interrelation between peacebuilding theory and praxis and provide a space to reflect on the professional and personal dimensions of peacebuilding. The focus will be on conflicts between social groups in various contexts such as ethnicity, nationality, gender.