The Conflict Tipping Podcast

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In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, Laura May speaks with conflict scholar Joshua Akintayo, whose research explores how communities in Nigeria are rebuilding peace amid violent extremism. Josh’s work examines what “local peace” actually means—through both traditional mediation practices and deeply taboo issues that shape conflict and recovery. As a bonus, you'll hear some local Nigerian birds in the background.

HighlightsWhy Study Violent Extremism?
Josh shares what first drew him to study terrorism and radicalisation in Nigeria, from early research into suicide bombings to the government’s uneven de-radicalisation programmes.

Taboos and Silence
Sexual violence against men and boys remains one of the most silenced issues in Nigerian society. Josh discusses what it’s like to research a topic that’s both legally and culturally taboo, and how those taboos affect survivors’ access to help.

Sex Trafficking and Power
Drawing on his earlier fieldwork, Josh reveals how conflict, poverty, and patriarchy combine in a hidden economy of sex trafficking involving men and boys—and how masculinity itself can be weaponised in war.

What’s the “Local” in Local Peace?
Josh introduces Sulhu, a traditional Islamic-cultural approach to mediation and reconciliation in northern Nigeria. Through Sulhu, communities emphasise forgiveness, respect, and the authority of local leaders—offering an alternative to Western models of peacebuilding.

Top-Down vs. Ground-Up Peace
How government “rehabilitation” programmes for extremists differ from community-led processes—and what this contrast tells us about who truly owns peace.

Where to Find JoshLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joshua-akintayo-a50074229

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=JuIHLfEAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

ResearchGate: Joshua Akintayo on ResearchGate

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In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, Laura May speaks with political neuroscientist and psychologist Dr Leor Zmigrod, author of incredible new book The Ideological Brain. Leor’s groundbreaking research explores what makes our brains susceptible to rigid beliefs, ideological extremism, and group identity—drawing from cognitive science, psychology, and neuroscience.

Key Highlights:

Why This Research?
Leor shares what drew her to study ideological extremism, including her initial interest in understanding why some young people in Europe were drawn to join ISIS.
What She Found
From the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test to creative uses for a cup, Leor explains how unconscious cognitive patterns can predict a person’s openness—or vulnerability—to extreme ideologies.
Intelligence vs. Rigidity
Cognitive rigidity is distinct from intelligence. Flexible thinkers are more adaptable and less drawn to simplified worldviews.
The Role of Culture and Stress
Our brains react to environmental stress—and even mild discomfort—by narrowing perception and reducing openness. Scarcity and insecurity can make us more rigid, more tribal, and more susceptible to dehumanising others.
Emotional Impulsivity and Extremism
People drawn to ideological extremism tend to be more emotionally impulsive and reactive—highlighting the importance of emotion regulation and broader psychological support.
So What? Practical Takeaways
Why cognitive flexibility matters—for individuals and societies. How we can better design counter-extremism approaches, and what you can do to cultivate more flexible thinking.

Note from Laura May: due to circumstances beyond our control, a chunk of the recording where we talked about the brain on social media, and about even more findings from Leor's fantastic book, was lost—so I insist you buy a copy of her book!

About the Book

Leor’s new book, The Ideological Brain, takes readers on a journey through the psychology and neuroscience of belief, showing how dogmatic ideologies can shape not just our thinking, but our biology—and why this matters now more than ever.

Where to Find Leor:

Website: www.leorzmigrod.com
Twitter/X: @LeorZmigrod
Instagram: @LeorZmigrod
Book available at your favourite independent bookstore or online. Find a store using Leor's LinkTree: http://linktr.ee/leorzmigrod

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Inside Conflict Transformation with MBBI's Prabha Sankaranarayan

Host Laura May speaks with Prabha Sankaranarayan, president and CEO of Mediators Beyond Borders International, on her journey spanning child advocacy to conflict mediation. Recorded in June 2024 and including discussion of societal conflict in the United States, this episode has become even more relevant today.

The episode starts with an exploration of Prabha's transition from therapy to mediation, her commitment to creating spaces for transformation, and the formation of the Trust Network to build a peace infrastructure in the U.S. Prabha emphasizes the importance of community, ongoing self-awareness, and the global shift towards pluralistic cultures. The conversation concludes with an invitations for listeners to get involved in transformative conflict work.

Useful links:

mediatorsbeyondborders.org
thetrustnetwork.net
Prabha's LinkedIn

Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction
01:15 Prabha's Career Journey
10:45 Personal Influences and Family Background
14:16 Activism and Early Influences
19:03 The Importance of Community and Collective Efforts
26:00 Self-Awareness and Continuous Practice
33:18 Building a National Peace Infrastructure
42:02 How to Get Involved

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In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast we welcome Fleur Ravensbergen, mediator, author, and co-founder of the Dialogue Advisory Group. Fleur shares stories and lessons from her work mediating violent armed conflicts in some of the world’s most challenging regions, including Northern Ireland, Iraq, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Her book Disarmed, newly available in English, provides a rare glimpse into the important work of facilitating dialogue in violent conflict zones.

Highlights:

Why Fleur decided to write a book about her experiences in peace mediation and the challenges of maintaining confidentiality while telling these stories.
The story of a surprising act of cooperation during a dialogue in Iraq and how it saved lives, illustrating the hidden impacts of mediation.
How gender norms can shape the opportunities and challenges of being a mediator
The differences between facilitating dialogues in violent conflict zones and mediating workplace or political disputes.
Fleur’s perspective on the current challenges facing the peacebuilding field, including funding issues and shifts in global dynamics.
Practical and inspiring guidance for those looking to contribute to the field of conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

Links:

Disarmed: From IRA to IS: My Life as a Peace Negotiator by Fleur Ravensbergen is available in English and in Dutch, on Amazon or wherever you buy good books.
Fleur's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fleur-ravensbergen/

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:01:16] Writing Disarmed
[00:05:34] A moment of generosity during dialogue in Iraq
[00:16:19] Mediating violent conflict and gender norms
[00:27:08] Public and political mediations vs armed conflict mediation
[00:34:21] Is peacebuilding in crisis?
[00:46:02] Advice for aspiring peacemakers
[00:53:00] Where to buy Disarmed

This episode offers insights into the often unseen work of peace mediation and the transformative power of dialogue in violent conflict.

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In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, host Laura May welcomes Dr Rachel Adams, founder and CEO of the Global Center on AI Governance and author of The New Empire of AI: The Future of Global Inequality. Rachel’s book explores how AI is reshaping global inequalities and examines its historical ties to colonialism. Together, Laura and Rachel explore the complexities of AI governance, the AI divide, and the ethical challenges facing emerging technologies.

Key Highlights:

[00:00:00] Rachel’s journey into AI and governance: From her PhD on transparency and surveillance to becoming a global thought leader on AI governance, Rachel shares her professional journey.
[00:05:10] Why isn't AI transparent?: What makes AI systems so complex and why transparency in AI remains a critical and elusive goal.
[00:08:16] AI, inequality, and colonialism: How AI’s development and supply chains echo historical patterns of extraction and exploitation, and its disproportionate impact on the Global South.
[00:18:21] The AI divide: Examining the stark disparities in access to AI technologies and their benefits, and the resulting social and economic inequalities.
[00:23:26] Who does the work, and where?: Exploring the human cost of AI production, from data labelling to e-waste, and the economic challenges for workers in the Global South.
[00:28:36] AI governance and policy-makers: The need for international regulation, capacity-building in the Global South/Global Majority Countries, and empowering oversight institutions to create fairer systems.
[00:36:35] What can we do to help?: Concrete steps for individuals to support more equitable AI development and the importance of raising awareness about AI’s impact on global inequality.
[00:40:53] Where to learn more?: Connect with Rachel--and buy her book!

Links:

The New Empire of AI: The Future of Global Inequality by Rachel Adams (Polity Press): Available Here (Polity Press), Amazon US (hardback releasing January 2025, Kindle already available), Amazon UK (hardback releasing November 22), Waterstones
Global Center on AI Governance: globalcenter.ai
African Observatory on Responsible AI: africanobservatory.ai
Follow Rachel on LinkedIn and Twitter/X

Key Takeaway: Dr Rachel Adams argues that AI’s inequalities cannot be fully understood without recognising their roots in colonialism. Her book challenges us to rethink AI’s role in society and invites us to join the conversation about building a more equitable future.

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"Making Friends Among the Taliban" with Ankur Delight

In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, host Laura May is joined by returning guest Ankur Delight, mediator and founder of a funk collective, to discuss Making Friends Among the Taliban by Jonathan Larson. The book tells the story of Dan Terry, a Methodist missionary who dedicated his life to development work, building relationships and trust in Afghanistan.

Highlights:

Learn how Dan's lack of judgment and dedication to finding common ground allowed him to build bridges with communities that held vastly different beliefs, all in pursuit of shared goals like clean water access.
Ankur reflects on the deep lessons of perseverance, optimism, and non-judgment that come from Terry’s life and work, and how these lessons have inspired him in his own journey.

Links:

Ankur's podcast, 10k heroes: http://10kh.show/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankurdelight/
His website: https://tenthousandheroes.club/

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Rwanda’s Gacaca Courts and Gender-Based Violence with Dr Judith Rafferty

In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, host Laura May speaks with Dr Judith Rafferty, an expert mediator and researcher, about the complex role of Rwanda’s Gacaca courts in addressing sexual violence in the aftermath of the Rwandan Genocide. Dr Rafferty draws on her extensive experience and research to explore how these community-based justice mechanisms handled gender-based violence cases and whether they met the justice needs of survivors.

Key Highlights:

Dr Rafferty’s Journey into Sexual Violence Research: Discover what led Dr Rafferty to focus on conflict-related sexual violence, beginning with her work in the Central African Republic and her exposure to informal justice systems.
Understanding the Gacaca Courts: Learn about the history and purpose of Rwanda’s Gacaca courts, traditional community-based justice processes that were reimagined to address the aftermath of the genocide.
Sexual Violence in the Gacaca Courts: Dr Rafferty explains how sexual violence cases were eventually incorporated into the Gacaca system, and the challenges this brought for victim-survivors.
Justice Needs of Survivors: Explore the justice needs identified in Dr Rafferty’s research, including safety, validation, and perpetrator accountability, and how the Gacaca courts succeeded or fell short in meeting these needs.
Social Cohesion and Healing: A discussion on whether the Gacaca courts were able to foster societal healing and reintegration for survivors of sexual violence, and the ongoing challenges faced by survivors today.

This episode provides valuable insights into the intersection of traditional justice systems, gender-based violence, and post-conflict recovery in Rwanda.

Links:

TEDx Talk: When Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word. But I Don’t Care | Judith Herrmann
3-Minute Thesis: Judith Rafferty for Conflict Management and Resolution
Policy Brief: Sexual Violence After Genocide
Journal Article: Justice Interests of Female Victim-Survivors of Sexual Violence in Gacaca
Article: Interviewing Rwandan Survivors of Sexual Violence
Critical Analysis: Transitional Justice Measures in Gacaca

Full Citations:

Herrmann, J. (2017). When sorry seems to be the hardest word, but I don’t care. TEDxJCUCairns. Link to TEDx Talk
Rafferty, J., & Fox, N. (2023). Sexual violence after genocide. Policy Brief. International Association of Genocide Scholars. Link to Policy Brief
Rafferty, J. (2018). "I wanted them to be punished or at least ask us for forgiveness”: Justice interests of female victim-survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and their experiences with Gacaca. Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal, 12(3), 95–118. Link to Article
Herrmann, J. (2017). Experiences, challenges, and lessons learned; interviewing Rwandan survivors of sexual violence. Griffith Journal of Law & Human Dignity, 5(1), 165–188. Link to Article
Herrmann, J. (2012). A critical analysis of the transitional justice measures incorporated by Rwandan Gacaca and their effectiveness. James Cook University Law Review, 19, 90–112. Link to Article

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:01:08] What drew Judith to study sexual violence?
[00:08:35] What were the Gacaca Courts?
[00:14:31] Rape and the Gacaca trials
[00:19:28] Protecting victims in Gacaca
[00:23:50] Outcomes for victims?
[00:29:19] Justice and outcome needs of victim-survivors
[00:34:55] Did Gacaca repair victims (enough)?
[00:41:42] Coping with the research
[00:44:22] Where to learn more about Judith's work

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Reframing Peace Mediation with Dr Owen Frazer: A Deep Dive into Conflict Transformation

In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, host Laura May engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr Owen Frazer, a seasoned conflict resolution expert and Senior Advisor for Conflict Transformation at Helvetas. Dr Frazer, with over two decades of experience and a new book titled Reframing Peace Mediation, shares invaluable insights into the art and science of mediation in conflict settings.

Key Highlights:

Dr Frazer's Journey and Motivation: From Belfast to becoming a leading voice in peace mediation, explore Owen's motivations and how his experiences shaped his approach to conflict resolution.
The Gaps in Mediation Literature: A critical look at the disconnect between academic research on mediation and practical, on-the-ground conflict resolution. Discover why Dr Frazer embarked on his PhD to bridge these gaps.
The El Salvador Peace Process: An in-depth exploration of Dr Frazer’s research on the 1989-1992 peace negotiations in El Salvador, focusing on the complexities of facilitative mediation and the power dynamics at play.
Framing in Mediation: Uncover Dr Frazer's innovative framework that explains how mediators can effectively influence outcomes through strategic framing actions—naming, claiming, and gaming.
The Role of Pragmatism in Peacebuilding: A discussion on how pragmatic decision-making impacts the longevity and acceptance of peace agreements, particularly in the context of political mediation.
Dr Frazer's Current Work: Insights into Owen’s current role at Helvetas, where he advises on conflict transformation across various contexts, from grassroots peacebuilding to navigating complex political landscapes.

This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the evolving practice of peace mediation and the intricate dance of framing that underpins successful conflict resolution.

Links:

Reframing Peace Mediation by Dr Owen Frazer: Routledge
Helvetas: Helvetas Official Site
Dr Owen Frazer's LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile

Timestamps:

Introduction and Welcome - [00:00:00]
Owen's Journey into Peace Mediation - [00:01:00]
Gaps in Mediation Literature - [00:02:00]
The El Salvador Peace Process - [00:06:00]
Framing in Mediation - [00:10:30]
Pragmatism in Peacebuilding - [00:30:00]
Dr Frazer’s Current Work at Helvetas - [00:35:33]
How to Get Involved in Conflict Transformation - [00:40:42]
Conclusion and Contact Information - [00:44:00]

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Innovating Peace with Stephen Gray: Embracing Inclusive and Adaptive Strategies

Join host Laura May in this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast as we explore the world of inclusive peacebuilding with Stephen Gray, Director of Adapt Peacebuilding and Doctoral Researcher at the University of Sussex. With 18 years of experience in developing non-violent solutions for conflict zones, Stephen shares his journey and insights on transformative approaches to peace. Highlights include:

Stephen's journey from New Zealand to various global conflict zones, exploring his motivations and experiences.
The impact of the 2021 Myanmar coup on local peace processes and the role of social movements in challenging power dynamics.
An in-depth discussion on the crucial role of women in peace processes, highlighting how their inclusion transforms power structures and outcomes.
Stephen’s current PhD research on the differences between structured peace processes and broad-based social movements.
Innovative methodologies used by Adapt Peacebuilding to empower local communities to create their own conflict solutions.

This episode offers a profound look at the evolving landscape of international peacebuilding, emphasising the need for innovative, inclusive, and adaptive strategies in addressing modern conflicts.

Links

Adapt Peacebuilding: https://adaptpeacebuilding.org/
Adapt Peacebuilding podcast: https://adaptpeacebuilding.org/podcast/
Stephen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-the-gray/

Bookmarks

Introduction to the Conflict Tipping Podcast - [00:00:00]
Stephen's Journey into Peacebuilding - [00:01:04]
PhD Research and Myanmar's Peace Process - [00:06:07]
The Role of Women in Peace Processes - [00:12:56]
Defining Peace and Its Challenges - [00:18:07]
Challenges in Peacebuilding Funding - [00:22:05]
Adapt Peacebuilding's Approach - [00:28:43]
Innovations in Peacebuilding - [00:30:10]
Personal Reflections and Inspirations - [00:32:16]
Conclusion and Contact Information - [00:39:04]

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Bridging Divides: Conflict Resolution with Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison

In this episode of the Conflict Tipping Podcast from Mediate.com, host Laura May interviews Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison about their work and their co-authored book, 'From Conflict to Convergence: Coming Together to Solve Tough Problems.' Rob, founder and senior advisor at Convergence, and Mariah, the president and CEO, discuss their extensive experience in conflict resolution, spanning policy differences and community mediation. They share powerful case studies from their book, including successful collaborations on healthcare and police-community relations. The episode includes the methodologies they use to foster trust, build relationships, and achieve consensus, as well as the challenges in convening people and implementing solutions. The conversation highlights the importance of collaborative leadership and offers practical advice for listeners dealing with conflicts in their own lives.

"From Conflict to Convergence" comes out on 30 July 2024, and you can order and pre-order it wherever you buy good books.

Convergence website: https://convergencepolicy.org/
Buy the book: https://convergencepolicy.org/from-conflict-to-convergence/
Rob's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-fersh-8b752314/
Mariah's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariah-levison-130b2716/

Chapters

00:00 Meet the Authors: Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison
01:33 Inspiration Behind 'From Conflict to Convergence'
05:01 The Emotional and Relational Approach to Conflict Resolution
08:06 Higher Ground Solutions: A New Mindset
10:19 Real-Life Stories of Conflict Resolution
17:24 Methodologies and Strategies for Conflict Resolution
24:59 Challenges and Future of Collaborative Problem Solving

About the guests

MARIAH LEVISON serves as the President and CEO at Convergence. Mariah uses a deep understanding of human relations to build trust and relationships across differences which lead to consensus-based solutions to complex and contentious issues. Prior to joining Convergence, Mariah led the Minnesota State Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution and has worked for several nonprofit dispute resolution centers. Additionally, Mariah has been teaching collaborative problem-solving for twenty years in settings ranging from community trainings to law schools to trainings for foreign governments.

ROBERT FERSH is the Founder and Senior Advisor of Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, which he started in 2009 to promote consensus solutions to issues of domestic importance. Convergence has successfully addressed a wide array of national and state level concerns including health care, K-12 education, incarceration, economic mobility, nutrition and wellness, and more. Previously, Rob served on the staffs of three Congressional committees, directed a national anti-hunger organization, and served as the U.S. country director for Search for Common Ground, an international conflict transformation organization.

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Join special guest Ankur Delight and Laura May as we review Amanda Ripley's book, "High Conflict".

Book blurb:

New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist Amanda Ripley investigates how good people get captured by high conflict—and how they break free.

Our journey begins in California, where a world-renowned conflict expert struggles to extract himself from a political feud. Then we meet a Chicago gang leader who dedicates his life to a vendetta—only to find himself working beside the man who killed his childhood idol. Next, we travel to Colombia, to find out whether thousands of people can be nudged out of high conflict at scale. Finally, we return to America to see what happens when a group of liberal Manhattan Jews and conservative Michigan corrections officers choose to stay in each other’s homes in order to understand one another better.

All these people, in dramatically different situations, were drawn into high conflict by similar forces, including conflict entrepreneurs, humiliation, and false binaries. But ultimately, all of them found ways to transform high conflict into something good, something that made them better people. They rehumanized and recategorized their opponents, and they revived curiosity and wonder, even as they continued to fight for what they knew was right.

People do escape high conflict. Individuals—even entire communities—can short-circuit the feedback loops of outrage and blame, if they want to. This is a mind-opening new way to think about conflict that will transform how we move through the world.

Books, authors, and episodes mentioned

High Conflict, by Amanda Ripley
Ankur's podcast, 10k heroes: http://10kh.show/
George Lakoff, e.g. The Political Mind
Episode on Colombian conflict with Solveig Richter and Laura Camila Barrios: https://conflicttipping.podbean.com/e/reincorporating-combatants-in-colombia-with-dr-solveig-richter-and-laura-camila-barrios-sabogal-ep-19/
Episode on Convergence with Rob Fersh and Monika Glowacki https://conflicttipping.podbean.com/e/episode-2-rob-fersh-and-monica-glowacki-of-the-convergence-center-for-policy-resolution/
Episode on the Interactivity Foundation with Shannon Wheatley Hartman: https://conflicttipping.podbean.com/e/making-lives-more-complex-and-democratic-with-shannon-wheatley-hartman-ep-17/
Episode on peacebuilding with Juan Diaz-Prinz: https://conflicttipping.podbean.com/e/episode-4-juan-diaz-prinz-of-the-united-states-institute-of-peace/
Laura's PhD thesis: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351515871_Blame_Making_a_Villain_out_of_EU
Samantha Hardy's book on conflict stories: Conflict Coaching Fundamentals
Episode with Sam Hardy: https://conflicttipping.podbean.com/e/episode-5-dr-samantha-hardy-lawson-principal-at-conflict-coaching-international/
Book about Derek Black: Rising Out of Hatred, by Eli Saslow
Against Empathy, by Paul Bloom
Business Plan for Peace, by Scilla Ellsworthy

Ank's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankurdelight/

And website: https://tenthousandheroes.club/

00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:25 The Book
00:03:06 The Concept of High Conflict
00:06:38 Gary Friedman's story
00:13:49 Curtis' Journey
00:15:37 The Challenge of Escaping Conflict
00:19:21 Complexifying Identities to Address Conflict
00:22:16 Sandra's Story
00:24:12 A fruity segue
00:25:18 Sandra's Journey to Freedom
00:27:09 Breaking Down Stereotypes
00:29:15 The Power of Storytelling
00:35:25 Key Takeaways
00:44:54 Final Thoughts

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Resilience in Adversity: Mediation and Climate Action in Malawi with Brown Masingati

(Info on how to donate to Brown's work below!)

Join host Laura May as she speaks with Brown Masingati, a member of Mediators Beyond Borders International. Brown talks about his roots in Malawi, the 'Warm Heart of Africa,' spotlighting his incredible work in addressing poverty, gender-based violence, and the impact of climate change. Discover how Brown kick-started his mediation journey in 2020, tackling family conflicts through community dialogue. Hear firsthand about the severe cyclones that hit Malawi and Brown’s heroic efforts in voluntary mediation and counseling amidst disaster. Learn how he champions women's and girls' empowerment through education and small businesses. Perhaps most importantly, find out how you can support this work.

To make a donation to support Brown's community work in Malawi, there are two options: contact Brown directly for Western Union details, or make a transfer to Laura and she will make sure the donations reach him. If you use Wise, use this link to make a transfer to Laura: https://wise.com/pay/me/lauras98. If you use Revolut instead, or don't use Wise, then the link is https://revolut.me/lauramay98, and you can donate by card. USD is preferred if possible, and please do put in a comment if you remember.

To contact Brown or learn more:

WhatsApp him on +265999237560
Email him with brown.masingati@gmail.com
Check out his personal Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/brown.masingati
Visit him on LinkedIn athttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brown-masingati-1b3a8a130/
Visit his NGO's Facebook page athttps://facebook.com/hfc.malawi.zomba/

0:00 Introduction
01:14 Malawi: The Warm Heart of Africa
02:47 Mediation and Gender-Based Violence: Brown's Story
09:18 Devastation by Cyclone
14:56 Community Mediation During Crisis
21:30 How You Can Help
25:22 Future Plans and Collaboration
27:41 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

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Peace, Conflict, and the Power of Inclusion: Insights from Dr. Julia Palmiano Federer

What happens if you put two mediation fangirls who also happen to be intersectional feminists together into the same conversation? This episode! Host Laura May and guest Dr. Julia Palmiano Federer dive into critical discussions on peacebuilding and conflict mediation. Highlights include:

Julia's journey from Manila to Vancouver, and her path to becoming a researcher in peace and conflict studies.
Exploration of critical, feminist, and decolonial approaches to peace research and the significance of unofficial peace dialogues.
Insights from Julia's work on NGOs mediating peace in Myanmar, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and local cultures in peace processes.
Discussion on the impact of climate change on conflict, with a focus on Indigenous communities in Turtle Island (North America).
Preview of Julia's forthcoming projects, including a book on mediation process design and an edited volume examining apocalyptic narratives in peacebuilding.

This episode provides a look into the challenges and opportunities within international peace mediation, emphasizing the importance of empathy, inclusivity, and critical self-reflection in addressing modern conflicts.

Links

Julia's academic website - https://juliapalmianofederer.com/
The Power to Protect (Report) - https://ottawadialogue.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/PowertoProtect-Report_IDRC_JDr.-Julia-Palmiano-Federer-Ms.-Lorelei-Higgins-Parker_compressed.pdf
NGOs Mediating Peace (Book) - https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-42174-7
University profile - https://css.ethz.ch/en/center/people/dr-julia-palmiano-federer.html
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliapalmianofederer/

Co-authors mentioned: Samantha Marie Gamez, and Lorelei Higgins Parker.

Julia Palmiano Federer

Dr. Palmiano Federer is a Senior Researcher at the Center for Security Studies at ETH Zürich. She is also currently a Senior Fellow at the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Collaboratory at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership. Her research interests include critical, feminist and decolonial approaches to inclusive peace processes, unofficial peace dialogues and the nexus between climate change and conflict. She is the author of NGOs Mediating Peace: Promoting Inclusion in Myanmar’s Nationwide Ceasefire Negotiations, published in Open Access format by Palgrave Macmillan. She is a Laureate of the 2022 Women, Peace and Security Research Awards for her work on women, peace, security, and climate change. She was born in Manila, Philippines, and raised on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations (Vancouver).

Bookmarks

00:00 Meet Dr. Julia Palmiano Federer: A Trailblazer in Peace Research
01:25 The Journey to Peace Building: Manila, Geneva, and beyond
09:06 Unpacking the Ethical Ick
16:21 NGOs in the Peace Process: Mavericks or Cowboys?
23:13 Decolonizing Peace: A Critical Look at Norm Spreading
27:46 The Future of Peace Mediation: More Caveats, More Care
28:28 Unveiling 'The Power to Protect'
29:02 Bridging Worldviews: Indigenous and Western Perspectives on Conflict
31:11 The Journey of Research: Unlearning and Relearning
33:47 Exploring Indigenous Women's Agency in Climate Change
37:02 Positionality and Identity: Navigating Research as an Outsider
44:50 Mediation Process Design and Apocalyptic Imaginaries
48:37 Witches and Peacebuilding: Reclaiming Feminist Imagery
52:57 Find out more about Julia's Work

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Exploring Indigenous Approaches to Peacebuilding: The Idea of Ubuntu

In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, host Laura May interviews Bryony Vince, a PhD candidate at the University of Sheffield in the UK and an advocate for context-specific indigenous approaches to peace-building. Bryony talks about her PhD focus on Ubuntu, a South African worldview that underscores interconnectedness and mutual dependence, as a tool for peace-building in South Africa. She discusses the challenges and nuances in implementing Ubuntu on the ground and its misinterpretations or misuse by governments and NGOs. In addition, Bryony shares her personal experiences in conducting field work, and her hopes for future research focusing on participatory methods, dialogue, and public space in peace-building.

0:00 Introduction
00:56 Why Ubuntu? Why this subject?
04:00 Why is this topic important to you?
05:06 What is Ubuntu?
09:05 The link between Ubuntu and peace-building
12:10 Bry speaks IsiXhosa
13:35 Back to peace-building and Ubuntu
16:42 Do you practice Ubuntu?
19:00 What's participatory research?
20:58 Ubuntu as a peace 'tool'?
26:31 Ubuntu post-Apartheid and structural conflict
29:40 The favourite thing you learnt?
31:39 Who's doing the unpaid care work? Who is peace building?
36:26 What surprised you?
39:57 What's next?
41:47 How can people find you?

Links:

Twitter: @bryvince
Academic blog
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryonyvince/
University profile

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Power Perception and Conflict Prevention in the Black Sea Region: A Conversation with Neli Kirilova

In this episode of 'Conflict Tipping Podcast', host Laura May speaks with Neli Kirilova, a researcher focused on power perception and conflict prevention in the Black Sea Region. Kirilova discusses why the Black Sea region is a nexus for conflict, largely due to cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity. She also delves into how foreign policy strategies can signal triggers for potential conflicts and effectively prevent escalation. The conversation then turns to discussing the importance of psychology and therapy in leadership.

Contents:

The Black Sea region and conflict
Influence and the six elements of power
Conflict prevention by formula
Applying conflict prevention
Refocusing on the constructive
What's next for Neli?

Neli's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neli-kirilova

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Strengthening Mental Health in Conflict Zones: A Conversation with Dr. Nawaraj Upadhaya

In this episode of the Conflict Tipping Podcast, host Laura May interviews Dr. Nawaraj Upadhaya, Global Mental Health Director at HealthRight International. Dr. Upadhaya shares about his experience developing and implementing a WHO-associated Self-Help Plus intervention in Uganda and Sudan, targeting individuals dealing with mild to moderate stress. The intervention uses techniques based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and mindfulness and is delivered by lay health workers who need only a week's training. Dr. Upadhaya further elaborates on the intersection of mental health and conflict, the ethical dilemmas faced when working in conflict zones, and the need to care for frontline workers. He discusses how his personal background and experiences inform his work. Dr. Upadhaya's approach aims to empower individuals in difficult situations to find resilience and make positive changes in their lives.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation
01:16 Understanding the Self-Help Plus Intervention
04:29 The Impact of the Intervention on Participants
07:25 The Power of Resilience in Conflict Zones
08:25 The Process of Implementing the Intervention
14:22 The Future of the Intervention
28:52 The Role of Mental Health in Conflict
31:57 Ethical Considerations in Conflict Work
34:17 Caring for the Carers: Staff Wellbeing
35:27 Conclusion and Contact Information

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Dr Nawaraj Upadhaya, PhD, is a public health researcher and mental health system specialist. He is currently working as Global Mental Health Director at HealthRight International, New York, USA where he provides strategic and technical support in mental health and psychosocial support programming. Dr Upadhaya is also associated with the Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark as Associate Researcher.

He has over 18 years’ experience in community health, mental health and public health systems. He has experiences of working in humanitarian settings in Afghanistan, Burundi, Nepal, Uganda and South Sudan. He has also supported the programmes in Kenya, Vietnam, Ukraine and the USA. He co-directed the scaling up grant on Self Help Plus (SH+) in Uganda and also coordinated the Nepal program for a large multicountry consortium project called Emerging Mental Health Systems in Low- and- Middle Income Countries (EMERALD). He also coordinated the Post Research Ethics Analysis (PREA) project in Afghanistan, Nepal and South Sudan.

Dr Upadhaya’s work focuses on community mobilisation, community system strengthening, mental health systems, community mental health and policy engagement. He has published more than 30 papers in international journals and contributed in book chapters and manuals.

https://healthright.org/profile/nawaraj-upadhaya-phd-msc/

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In the latest episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast from Mediate.com, meet Dr Louise Ridden, a specialist in nonviolence and Unarmed Civilian Protection. We talk about:

What is Unarmed Civilian Protection? Where is it used?
How does UCP 'happen' in conflicts?
What is the role for mediation and mediators in UCP?
False binaries in war and peace
The role of peace-keeping and UCP in violent conflicts
Spaces, bodies, and time in conflict

About Louise:

Louise Ridden is a postdoctoral research fellow working on the sustainable security practices project , hosted by the Politics Unit in the Department of Management and Business and Tampere Peach Research Institute (TAPRI). She holds a PhD from Aberystwyth University, UK, where she was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. Her thesis 'Making alternative worlds: Unarmed civilian protection and nonviolent imaginaries of conflict' studied nonviolence as a way of knowing, doing, and being in armed conflict through the practice of unarmed civilian protection.

Her current research interests include: principles and practices of unarmed civilian protection, the politics of nonviolence, Feminist IR theory, existentialist theory, knowledge production, and the intersection of nonviolence and political narrations of embodiment, space, and temporality.

Connect with Louise:

Twitter: @louise_ridden
Faculty page: https://www.tuni.fi/en/louise-ridden

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In this episode, Laura engages in a riveting conversation with Anne Ikiara, the Executive Director of the nonprofit Digital Action. She has a remarkable background directing social enterprises in Global Majority countries and is known as an author, poet, speaker, gender consultant, and social advocate.

We talk about:

Lived Experience of Disinformation and Violence: Anne shares her personal connection to the impacts of disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech during the 2007 elections in Kenya, where violence ensued. This experience inspired her to join Digital Action and make a global impact on protecting democracy from digital threats.
Understanding Disinformation and Violence in Elections: We delve into the factors that lead to disinformation and violence in elections, particularly in Kenya, where ethnic divides play a significant role. Anne sheds light on how misinformation and hate speech are propagated online and offline, contributing to social conflicts.
Digital Action's Mission and Initiatives: Anne outlines the role of Digital Action, a nonprofit organization focused on holding tech giants accountable for safeguarding democracy from digital threats. She explains the disparities between investment in Global Majority and Global Minority countries and how Digital Action seeks to bridge that gap.
Challenges and Strategies in Tech Justice: Anne discusses the challenges presented by the ever-evolving social media landscape and the fragmentation of platforms. She elaborates on how Digital Action's coalition is working to ensure that tech companies invest in safeguarding democracy across the globe, not just in certain regions.
Global Campaign for Tech Justice and Protecting Elections: Discover Digital Action's campaign for 2024 to make it the Year of Democracy and Safe Elections. Anne emphasizes the importance of partnering with various organizations to raise awareness about digital harm during elections and compel tech companies to address these issues.
The Power of Context-Specific Safeguards: Anne stresses the significance of context-specific content moderation and safeguards in addressing digital harm. She discusses how tech companies should collaborate with local organizations, governments, and civil society to ensure effective protection.
Anne as an Author and Poet: Learn about Anne's creative side as an author and poet. She shares her passion for writing about justice, equity, human rights, and women's rights. Her forthcoming book sheds light on the nonprofit sector's inequalities for people of color.
Personal Responsibility in Combating Disinformation: Anne provides practical advice for individuals to combat disinformation and hate speech. She emphasizes the importance of verifying information before sharing it and encourages spreading positive messages that promote democracy and human rights.

Don't miss this informative and thought-provoking episode with Anne Ikiara as we explore the complexities of digital threats, democracy, and the power of collective action.

Connect with Anne and Digital Action:

https://digitalaction.co/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-ikiara-4543265/
https://anneikiara.com/

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Hear from Dr. Samuel Ritholtz, a Max Weber fellow at the European University Institute and specialist in queer experiences of conflict, crisis, and displacement, as they talk about their research into anti-LGBT violence during Colombia's civil war. We explore the violence's impact on LGBT communities, the dynamics of paramilitaries, and the concept of queer peacebuilding. Let's dive in!

In this episode, we discuss:

The logic behind anti-LGBT violence by paramilitaries during Colombia's civil war.
Paramilitaries' history, including their connection to narco-trafficking and role in the conflict.
The concept of queer peacebuilding and its relevance in post-conflict settings.
The ontology of cruelty in civil war and the perception of different forms of violence.

Thanks to Sam for offering their insights into the intersection of conflict, violence, and queer experiences. Connect with them here:

Samuel.RITHOLTZ@eui.eu
https://www.samuelritholtz.com/
https://twitter.com/SamRitholtz/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sritholtz/

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Laura May is joined by Dr. Patricia Cernadas Curotto, a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Geneva interested in compassion, conflict resolution, inter-group relations, and emotions. Laura attempts to convince Patricia to add kite surfing to her interests as they dive into Patricia's research:

💑 How sleep deprivation affects even "perfect" relationships.
🧐 The connection between basic needs like sleep and handling conflicts.
⏰ Time travel: Pro-social behavior and projecting into the future.
🤗 How compassion-based meditation can assist with conflict resolution.
👥 Patricia's research on compassion towards disliked individuals and its challenges.

Connect with Patricia:

Patricia's university profile: https://www.unige.ch/fapse/e3lab/members1/post-docs/patricia-cernadas-curotto/

Her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-cernadas-curotto-a41415152/

About Laura: Laura is a former Executive Director of the International Mediation Institute and a negotiation and mediation lecturer. Her doctoral research asked “in what ways does blame make villains in politics” and covered the gamut from literature studies and linguistics to psychology and neuroscience, victimology to political science. Her expertise includes emotions, polarization, blame, and international politics. Feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn or ResearchGate—or even both!

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Welcome to the Conflict Tipping podcast from Mediate.com, where we explore social conflict and what to do about it. In this episode, we explore the effects of party polarization on electoral participation with Dr. Morgan Le Corre Juratic, a postdoctoral researcher at Aarhus University in Denmark. She recently completed her PhD at the European University Institute, focusing on party competition, political behavior, and support for democracy. Get ready to uncover the fascinating insights from her doctoral research and gain a deeper understanding of the impact of polarization on democratic processes.

We discuss:

Party polarization: Examining the rise of extreme parties and its impact on party competition.
Motivating turnout: How polarization can influence people's motivation to participate in elections.
Clarifying political alternatives: Understanding how polarization makes party positions more distinct and aids voter decision-making.
Emotions and indifference: Exploring the emotional responses triggered by party polarization, including fear, anxiety, and indifference towards all parties.
Implications for democracy: Discussing the potential consequences of increased indifference and declining trust in the political system.

Join us on the Conflict Tipping podcast as we delve into these intriguing topics with Dr. Juratic and uncover the intricate relationship between party polarization, emotions, and electoral participation.

Where to learn more:

Morgan's Twitter: https://twitter.com/morganlcj
Her website: https://www.morganlecorrejuratic.com/

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In this episode, learn about Stanford PhD candidate Luiza Almeida Santos' research into fostering empathy across political divides. Listen if you are interested in learning more about:

What empathy is (and is not)
How empathy helps us - and 'them'
Building common ground
Carrying out conversations across divides

About Luiza:

Luiza is a psychology Ph.D. candidate at Stanford University, studying how political conflicts develop, and how to minimize their most corrosive aspects. Originally from Brazil, Luiza examines how political beliefs become moral convictions, how to reduce empathic failures across group divides, how to foster more productive cross-partisan conversations, and how to improve support for democratic principles.

Luiza's website is luiza-santos.com, and her Twitter handle is @luiza_a_santos. You may be interested in reading her already-published paper:

Santos, L., Voelkel, J. Willer, R., & Zaki, J. (2022) Belief in the Utility of Cross-Partisan Empathy Reduces Partisan Animosity and Facilitates Persuasion. Psychological Science (view)

Her supervisor Dr Jamil Zaki's book, referenced in the episode, is "The War for Kindness".

About the host: Laura is a facilitator, people and culture director, and former Executive Director of the International Mediation Institute. Her doctoral research asked “in what ways does blame make villains in politics” and covered the gamut from literature studies and linguistics to psychology and neuroscience, victimology to political science. Her expertise includes emotions, polarization, blame, and international politics. Feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn or ResearchGate—or even both!

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In this episode, meet Dr Benjamin Abrams, who has just released his brand-new book about mass mobilisations called "The Rise of the Masses". Listen if you are interested in:

Why mass mobilisations such as protests happen
The Black Lives Uprising, Arab Spring, Occupy Wall Street, or even the French Revolution
The emotions of protest
How physical space can support mass mobilisations
Ben's admiration for guillotines

Buy the book at theRiseoftheMasses.com.

About Dr Abrams:

Benjamin Abrams is Lecturer in Sociology and Leverhulme Fellow at University College London. Alongside the study of mobilization, Benjamin also works on revolutions, resistance and contentious politics broadly considered. His approach to these topics focuses on exploratory macro-causal comparisons and case studies, designed to generate new, durable theoretical insights. Much of his work fuses these macro-level techniques with in-depth investigative within-case methods, with a specialism in the analysis of ethnographic interviews and archival sources.

In addition to authoring The Rise of the Masses, Benjamin's second book is called Symbolic Objects in Contentious Politics. Written in collaboration with Peter R. Gardner and bringing together an international and interdisciplinary community of scholars, the book was published open access by the University of Michigan Press in 2023.

Benjamin is also Chief Editor (with Giovanni A. Travaglino) of Contention: The Multidisciplinary Journal of Social Protest.

More information about Benjamin's scholarly work can be found on his faculty page at UCL. He tweets at @bdmabrams.

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In this episode, Laura speaks with David Liddle, founder and CEO of the TCM Group, about his career as a dedicated mediator and 'people first' professional. Listen if you are interested in:

His early career mediating in estates in the UK
Transformational culture and restorative justice in the workplace
A role for mediators in broader social conflicts
Redefining HR in modern organisations

About David:
David has developed significant expertise and authority in the areas of people and culture, conflict resolution, leadership and organisational development. He is author of two highly acclaimed books, ‘MANAGING CONFLICT’ and ‘TRANSFORMATIONAL CULTURE’.

David has spent the last 30 years reframing HR systems, management processes, and leadership behaviours. He puts purpose, people and values at the heart of his customers organisations. With a passion for collaboration, inclusion and empowerment, he brings people together to deliver high impact transformational change.

In 2001, having been awarded an MBA with Distinction, David established The TCM Group (Train. Consult. Mediate). His vision for TCM was, and still is, to integrate fair, just, inclusive, sustainable and high performance cultures by creating the conditions for leaders, managers and employees to have quality conversations.

David is a Fellow of the RSA and he is the founder of the Institute of Organizational Dynamics (www.organisationaldynamics.org). David is a well respected speaker and he has written numerous articles and contributed to a number of texts.

Contact David at david.liddle@thetcmgroup.com or via www.thetcmgroup.com. His LinkedIn is https://www.linkedin.com/in/liddledavid/.

About the host:
Laura is a facilitator, people and culture director, and former Executive Director of the International Mediation Institute. Her doctoral research asked “in what ways does blame make villains in politics” and covered the gamut from literature studies and linguistics to psychology and neuroscience, victimology to political science. Her expertise includes emotions, polarization, blame, and international politics. Feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn or ResearchGate—or even both!

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In this episode, Host, Laura May, talks with guests, Dr. Solveig Richter and Laura Camila Barrios Sabogal about Colombia as a case study for how conflict behaves and how conflict transforms itself. Topics discussed include:

The role of language in the Peace Accords
Security concerns
Listening to local partners
Psychological support
Involving communities in the research and the final products

Connect with the Guests:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-barrios-sabogal-6a9440b6

https://mobile.twitter.com/LauraC_Barrios

https://www.linkedin.com/in/solveig-richter-b451b1193

https://mobile.twitter.com/SolveigRichter

About the Guests:

Laura Camila Barrios Sabogal's bio:

Doctoral Researcher at the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF) and Goethe Universität Frankfurt. Former Director of the Master’s Program in Conflict, Memory and Peace at Universidad del Rosario and former member of the Center for Conflict and Peace Studies of the same University. Master of Public Policy with a specialization in Conflict Studies and Management, Willy Brandt School of Public Policy, University of Erfurt, Germany. Bachelor Professional in government and international relations, Universidad Externado de Colombia. Her research interests cover gender, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR), democratization and peacebuilding in post-conflict countries.

Solveig Richter's bio: https://www.uni-erfurt.de/en/brandtschool/the-school/people/visiting-lecturers/prof-dr-solveig-richter Solveig Richter's bio and institutional profile:https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/profile/mitarbeiter/prof-dr-solveig-richterAbout host, Laura May, PhD:

Laura is a former Executive Director of the International Mediation Institute and a negotiation and mediation lecturer. Her doctoral research asked “in what ways does blame make villains in politics” and covered the gamut from literature studies and linguistics to psychology and neuroscience, victimology to political science. Her expertise includes emotions, polarization, blame, and international politics. Feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn or ResearchGate—or even both!

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In this episode, Laura speaks with Dr. Miguel Varela Rodriguez, an academic at the University of Valladolid in Spain, and peace mediation expert. Listen if you're interested in: * How cancer and conflict are portrayed on social media * Use of images in peace mediation * The role of technology and AI in peace mediation

About Miguel: Miguel is a PhD sociologist and photographer. His work looks at social conflict, public health and collective photographic practices, focusing on social media. He teaches negotiation and mediation at the University of Valladolid in Spain, has a long history of peace work with organisations such as MediatEUr and Conciliation Resources, and consults for NGOs and development agencies. Links:* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguel-varela/ * Website: https://www.miguelvarela.me/

About Laura:

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In this episode, Laura speaks with Dr. Shannon Wheatley Hartman of the Interactivity Foundation. Listen if you are interested in learning more about:* A collaborative approach to academia and the classroom * Dealing with group think * When NOT to collaborate * Embracing cultural humility * Community conversations and democracy as an aspirational idea * Avoiding both-sides-ism * Bringing together communities and building inclusive events

About Shannon:

Shannon is vice president of the Interactivity Foundation in the US, an organisation that engages citizens in the exploration and development of possibilities for public policy. Prior to working at IF, she was full-time lecturer of international relations at Arizona State University, and her academic interests include nonviolent resistance, postcolonialism, participatory action research, and deliberative democracy. Links:https://www.interactivityfoundation.org/people/shannon-wheatley-hartman/https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-wheatley-hartman-420ba41bhttps://www.collaborativediscussionproject.com/ About Laura: Laura is a former Executive Director of the International Mediation Institute and a negotiation and mediation lecturer. Her doctoral research asked “in what ways does blame make villains in politics” and covered the gamut from literature studies and linguistics to psychology and neuroscience, victimology to political science. Her expertise includes emotions, polarization, blame, and international politics. Feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn or ResearchGate—or even both!

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In this episode, Laura speaks with Dr. Zdena Mtetwa-Middernacht, whose doctoral research focused on whiteness in migration. Listen if you are interested in: Why you might need to learn to fake an Australian accent Colonisation and legacies of privileged whiteness in Zimbabwe What intersectionality means and how it affects our lives Transnationalism and living in two places at once Wearing different identity hats, and living different lives About Zdena:Zdena Middernacht began reading for a PhD in International Relations in 2013. Prior to this she earned a Masters in International Relations from the Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan (2012),a BA Honours in Organisational Psychology from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in South Africa (2008) and a BA Psychology degree (2007) also from the NMMU. She has worked for civil society organisations in South Africa and in Belgium, including Khulumani (South Africa), The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples’ Organization (Belgium) and Save the Children (Belgium). She is currently working as a Senior Research Consultant for ODS in Brussels, and as Non-Executive Director for Seefar Enterprise, whose mission is working with vulnerable people to build a better future.

She has also served as a member of the executive committee of the South African Youth for International Diplomacy.

About Laura:Laura is a former Executive Director of the International Mediation Institute and a negotiation and mediation lecturer. Her doctoral research asked “in what ways does blame make villains in politics” and covered the gamut from literature studies and linguistics to psychology and neuroscience, victimology to political science. Her expertise includes emotions, polarization, blame, and international politics. Feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn or ResearchGate—or even both! Links to learn more:* Zdena's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zdena-mtetwa-middernacht-phd-111bb59/ * Her Twitter: https://twitter.com/zdenamtetwa/

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In this episode Laura interviews Brianna Hernandez, a Ph.D. Candidate in the International Relations program at Florida International University.

Brianna is interested in the role of language as a product and producer of the actors and actions that comprise the international system and constructions of power dynamics. Her dissertation work exists at the nexus of environmentalism and feminism, and she earned her MA in International Studies en-route to the Ph.D.

In addition to pursuing her Ph.D., she has completed FIU certificates in Women and Gender Studies and in National Security Studies.

Links:

https://briannanhernandez.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brihz1/
https://twitter.com/_brihernandez1

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In this episode Laura interviews Adrian Wagner, Research Fellow at European School of Governance and an experienced coach for organizational transformation. Adrian was co-initiator of the Black Forest School of Metamodernism and served as an expert at the Institute of Transformational Leadership Berlin. For seven years he was a transformational facilitator and project manager for organizations such as the German Embassy of Turkey, Foreign Ministry of Germany, Ludwigsburger Schlossfestspiele, European Commission, and the World Human Forum. He studied Public Policy at the Humboldt-Viadrina School of Governance and was an independent researcher in Bruxelles for the Global Cooperative Trust. He also worked with Sam Pitroda on his new book Redesigning the World. Links: https://pocketproject.org/about/what-is-collective-trauma-integration/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-wagner-blackforrestconsulting/* Research report https://pocketproject.org/collective-trauma-democracy/

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In this episode Laura interviews Laura Aumeer, Director of the Europe-Asia Department of Conciliation Resources, overseeing work in the South Caucasus and South Asia regions, as well as cross-regional peacebuilding work.

Laura brings expertise on adaptive peacebuilding management and led our work with the Smart Peace consortium, an innovative consortium integrating research and implementation to address complex conflict problems. She also worked closely with the Women Mediators across the Commonwealth Team, providing secretariat support to the network.

Before Laura joined Conciliation Resources, she set up and managed violence reduction programmes with a focus on learning and innovation, for an international development consultancy, where she managed teams in Nigeria, South Sudan and Malawi. She previously worked in DFID, to support adaptive programming and learning.

Before this, she worked in and with grassroots UK-based charities to advocate for an inclusive approach to tackling gender-based violence, and to increase support for women's organisations. She holds an MSc from LSE in politics and democracy, for which she conducted research with women's organisations and wider civil society organisations in Thailand and Egypt on the changing nature of civil society-state relations.

Laura Aumeer | Conciliation Resources (c-r.org)

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In this episode Laura interviews Sebastian F. Winter, a physician-scientist working at the intersection of public health policy, medicine, and academia with a vision to shape healthcare and inspire a lasting social impact.

He is currently Head of Policy and Research at the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), where he works with an interdisciplinary team committed to make epilepsy a global public health priority and improve the lives of over 50 million people living with epilepsy worldwide.

Beyond previous roles in clinical medicine and research, he co-founded and co-lead a social venture that promotes mental health and peace-building among refugee communities. A globally trained MD-PhD with exposure to various healthcare systems across four continents, he is passionate about public health and education policy (past projects at WHO Europe and UNESCO), as well as academic research, including projects in neurotoxicity, oncology, refugee mental health, brain health, NCD prevention, and public health ethics.

His work has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as Neuro-Oncology, Neurology, the European Journal of Cancer, The Brookings Institution Press, Conflict Resolution Quarterly, and the International Journal of Health Policy and Management, and he has gathered substantial experience as a public speaker at international conferences and platforms including TEDx.

An alumnus of the German Academic Scholarship Foundation (Studienstiftung) and affiliate researcher at the MGH Cancer Center at Harvard Medical School, he holds a Ph.D. (summa cum laude; '22) and M.D. (Distinction; '20) from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and a B.Sc. (1st Class Honours; '13) in Neuroscience from King’s College London, UK.

The brain health paper can be found here: https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Brain-health-directed-policymaking_Final.pdf

Additional links:* https://www.sfwinter.com/ * https://twitter.com/SebastianWinter * https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastianfwinter/

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In this episode Laura interviews Mediator and Facilitator Felicity Steadman. Felicity's career started out in the turbulent apartheid years in South Africa where she honed her dispute resolution skills and her capacity to work with diverse groups of people in the industrial relations field. She has mediated in 32 countries for more than thirty years, with more than 500 cases completed. After arriving in the UK in 2002 she quickly adapted to a new jurisdiction, qualified as a CEDR mediator and began mediating commercial disputes through CEDR. She was first accredited as a CEDR mediator in 2003, and in 2019 was appointed Head of Faculty at CEDR. In 2021 she was ranked by Legal 500 amongst their top mediators in the UK. She is a founding member of Oxford Mediation.

Felicity Steadman | Achieving Sustainable Outcomes

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In this episode Laura interviews Tamsin Parnell, a linguistics researcher whose doctoral work focuses on identities, discourses, and division around Brexit. She is a research associate at the University of Warwick, visiting lecturer at Birmingham City University, and is interested in media and political discourses. In this episode, Tamsin (and her cat Willow!) join Laura to talk about Brexit, covid-19, immigration, and how to reduce inflammatory speech and division.

Tamsin's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamsinparnell/ Tamsin's twitter: @tamsinparnell

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In this episode Laura interviews Jan Gerrit Voelkel, who is a Ph.D. Student in Sociology at Stanford University. Jan's research studies intergroup and interpersonal relationships with two guiding research questions. First, what causes people's willingness to harm others and defend inequalities? And second, how can personal or societal change be achieved that increases equality and/or reduces harm? Jan has developed interventions that increase support for policies that aim to reduce economic inequality or increase opportunity for immigrants. Jan has also led the Strengthening Democracy Challenge, a megastudy that tested 25 crowdsourced interventions for reducing anti-democratic attitudes and partisan animosity.

Jan's academic page: https://sociology.stanford.edu/people/jan-gerrit-voelkel Jan's twitter: https://twitter.com/jgvoelkel Project: https://www.strengtheningdemocracychallenge.org/ Lab twitter: https://twitter.com/pascl_stanford

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In this episode Laura interviews Professor Aleksandra Cichocka, Professor of Political Psychology at the University of Kent School of Psychology. Prof. Cichocka received her PhD in Psychology from the University of Warsaw in 2013. During her doctoral studies she was a Fulbright Fellow at New York University. After completing her PhD, she joined Kent, where she leads the Political Psychology Lab.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alekscichocka, https://twitter.com/PolPsychKent
Publications: https://www.kent.ac.uk/psychology/people/219/cichocka-aleksandra

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In this episode Laura interviews Oded Adomi Leshem, a Senior Research Associate at the PICR Lab and a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace, both housed in the Hebrew University, Jerusalem. His research is located at the nexus of international relations, political science, and social psychology with a specialization in the beliefs and perceptions of people mired in protracted conflicts.

Oded studies the hopes and fears of people living in conflict zones and the impact of these future-oriented perceptions on political behavior. More broadly, he's interested in the formation and transformation of political attitudes and ideologies during violent conflicts. Apart from his focus on advancing theories in conflict resolution and political psychology, a key aspect of his research agenda is to design and test psychological interventions aimed at conflict transformation.

More about Oded: https://www.eranhalperin.com/oded-adomi-leshem
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Oded-Leshem
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oded-adomi-leshem/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/adomi101
Email: oded.leshem@mail.huji.ac.il

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In this episode Laura interviews Helen Winter, Co-Founder and CEO of R3SOLUTE.com, a program that strives to accelerate mutual integration of refugee and local communities and the rebuilding of refugee lives. R3SOLUTE aims to foster sustainable peace by reducing the social and economic costs of conflicts and maximizing the value of constructive debate for individuals, organizations, and communities.

Helen is an avid certified mediator and lawyer. She previously worked as a mediator with L. A. Superior Court and consultant with OnDeckMediation where her expertise included anti-discrimination law. In addition, her experience includes working with the United Nations Office of the Ombudsman and Mediation Services where she analyzed and addressed systemic issues within the organization. She is also an ambassador with International Justice Mission in Germany.

https://r3solute.com/

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In this episode Laura interviews Dr. Samantha Hardy Lawson, Principal at Conflict Coaching International and Adjunct Associate Professor at James Cook University.

Dr. Lawson is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the James Cook University (JCU), Conflict Management Resolution (CMR) Program. Sam is accredited under the National Mediator Accreditation System and certified as a transformative mediator by the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation in the United States. She is an experienced conflict coach and the founder of the REAL Conflict Coaching System.

A leader in the field of conflict management and resolution, Sam is a principal at Conflict Coaching International and runs a consultancy practice in creative conflict engagement and education. She has published widely in conflict resolution, including her books Dispute Resolution in Australia, 3rd ed. (2014), co-authored with David Spencer, and Mediation for Lawyers (2010), co-authored with Olivia Rundle.

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In this episode Laura interviews Dr. Juan Diaz-Prinz, a senior expert on mediation and dialogue at the U.S. Institute of Peace.

Juan is a mediator, trainer, and facilitator who has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between theory and practice in mediation. He started his career in the Office of the International Mediator in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1998-2004) and then co-founded the CSSP: Berlin Center for Integrative Mediation. He served as its director and senior mediator between 2005 and 2013. He later supported the founding of the European Institute of Peace for mediatEUr: the European Forum for International Mediation and Dialogue. Before joining USIP, he was working on developing the Conflict Management Space as an online platform for developing simple innovative training material for practitioners working in the field.

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Stefan Pfattheicher is Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and Behavioural Science at Aarhus University. Pfattheicher’s work is primarily in social psychology, focusing on prosocial behavior, empathy, and more recently vaccine-hesitancy. His work as appeared in many international journals, among which Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Health Psychology, and Psychological Science.

You can learn more about his research (and read some of his excellent articles) here: Stefan Pfattheicher - Research - Aarhus University (au.dk)

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In this episode Laura interviews Rob Fersh and Monika Glowacki of the Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, a non-profit organization founded in 2009 to promote consensus solutions to issues of domestic and international importance.

Prior to co-founding Convergence, Rob served as the United States country director for Search for Common Ground, an international conflict resolution organization. While at SFCG, he directed national policy consensus projects on health care coverage for the uninsured and U.S.-Muslim relations. In the 1986-98 period, Rob served as president of the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), a leading NGO working to alleviate hunger in the United States. Rob also served on the staffs of three Congressional committees, working for U.S. Representative Leon Panetta and for Senators Patrick Leahy and Edmund Muskie. While a Congressional staff member and at FRAC, he was deeply involved in shepherding passage of bipartisan legislation to reduce hunger in the United States.

Monika is the Director of the initiative on Digital Disinformation at Convergence, where she will bring together people across differences to explore the root causes of problems with online information and media systems, and pathways towards a more equitable vision for the future of the internet. Monika has worked in research and analysis exploring the intersection of technology, people, politics and power. She is interested in critical analysis of the impact of technology on our lives, societies and economies, as well as how technology can be reimagined to serve the public interest and our wellbeing.

Learn more at http://convergencepolicy.org

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Colin Rule and Laura May provide an overview of what the Conflict Tipping podcast is about.

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