Explore our publications, from research papers and series to educational materials, covering all aspects of conflict transformation and peace promotion.
As the social, humanitarian and political crises become more acute in Venezuela, social actors who were previously marginalised have acquired more prominent roles within the pro-democracy movement– among them, women. Moreover, for the first time in its history, the Venezuelan opposition has a woman –María Corina Machado – as its main leader. This study stems from the need to understand the strengthened roles of civil society and women in these negotiations and explores the roles of women as insider mediators within the Venezuelan pro-democracy movement.
In an era where violent conflicts are increasingly complex and deeply rooted in sacred values and identities, traditional peacemaking strategies often fall short. Deeply held beliefs, as they are core to identity, are not only difficult to negotiate but also challenge conventional tactics for transforming conflicts and settling violence. Integrating insights from neuro- and cognitive sciences can enhance the practice of designing communication and processes for high-level peace negotiations. Drawing on neuroscience-informed research and insights from global (high-level) peace processes, the recommendations for peace practitioners in this policy brief emphasise the relevance of emotional and psychological underpinnings of conflict.
The October 2019 protests in Iraq were notable for their scale, spontaneity, and widespread participation, particularly by young people and women. This report documents the roles of Iraqi women as insider mediators within the movement, highlighting their efforts to maintain peace and build trust among protesters, police, and other stakeholders. Based on interviews with activists across five governorates, the report also examines the gender dynamics and challenges these women faced in mediation, offering insights into their capacity-building needs.
The youth-led pro-democracy protests in Thailand from 2020-2022 represented a major turning point in the country’s political landscape. Women played prominent roles, demonstrating resilience and leadership throughout the movement. This research report focuses on women’s roles as insider mediators in resolving conflicts between protesters and authorities, examining the gender dynamics at play. It also explores strategies to support women in sustaining their mediation roles, providing recommendations for enhancing their capacities and effectiveness.
This policy brief examines the critical roles of women as insider mediators in peaceful protest movements (PPMs) across Iraq, Thailand, and Venezuela. Based on qualitative interviews and case studies, this brief highlights how these women build bridges between diverse actors and offers recommendations for empowering them to deepen their mediation roles. The findings aim to inform international policy actors and enhance support for sustainable peacebuilding.
The inaugural edition of The Berlin Moot conference brought together experts from diverse fields with peace and mediation practitioners to explore how we can reshape peacemaking. Read key findings and recommendations from the conference.
In his book, Andrew Gilmour explores how climate change contributes to conflict and undermines prospects for peace. He also examines how we can ensure that our efforts to address the climate crisis advance sustainable peace.
قامت منظمة الكفاح من أجل الإنسانية ومؤسسة بيرغهوف، بدعم من وزارة الخارجية الألمانية، بالتعاون لإنجاز بحث عمل تشاركي في اليمن ضم ثلاث حركات أو كيانات سياسية رئيسية: حزب الإصلاح، والمجلس الانتقالي الجنوبي، وأنصار الله. وقد أجرى فريق من الباحثات المحليات، إلى جانب منسقة وطنية، هذا البحث لتحديد وفهم أفضل للعوامل التي تشجع هذه الحركات السياسية على تعزيز جهود التنفيذ لإطار المرأة والسلام والأمن وخاصة في مجالات حماية النساء والفتيات ومشاركتهن السياسية في حالات النزاع المسلح.
Together with Fight for Humanity and supported by the German Federal Foreign Office, we initiated a participatory action research initiative in Yemen involving three key political movements or entities: The Islah Party (Al Islah), the Southern Transitional Council (STC), and Ansar Allah. A team of local researchers, alongside a national coordinator, set out to identify and better understand the factors that encourage the movements to promote the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security framework.
