International Conflicts / Center for Peace Mediation • European University Viadrina

Core Area International Conflicts / Center for Peace Mediation

Profile

What interests must we take into account if we want to get a grip on the highly complex conflicts of our time, e.g. between Russia and Ukraine or Israel and Palestine? What dilemmas need to be overcome in order to bring warring parties to the table? What can realistically be achieved in mediated negotiations and what cannot? How can the use of mediation methodology avoid enforced compromises that, in case of doubt, lead to the next war?

The Center for Peace Mediation (CPM) researches, teaches and supports the practice of conflict mediation, problem-solving and decision-making in international conflicts and polarised societies. Its particular expertise lies in processes and methods of interest-based mediation and dilemma management.

The aim of CPM's activities is to refine the methods of mediation and dilemma decision-makig to make them suitable for political realities of today's overwhelmingly complex conflicts.

The content, contexts and dynamics of these conflicts vary greatly. Some simply cannot be resolved satisfactorily. However, it is always possible to uncover the relevant interests (driving factors) and dilemmas (blocking factors) and develop customised options for action.

With the systematic use of these core methods, it is at least possible to increase the room for manoeuvre in many deadlocked conflicts, and sometimes even find new paths to a solution. With this approach, the CPM has contributed to shape applied peace and conflict research in Germany.

Dr Anne Holper | Prof Dr Lars Kirchhoff

Große Scharrnstraße 59 | 15230 Frankfurt (Oder)
Room: HG 070
+49 (0) 335-5534-5308
holper@europa-uni.de
kirchhoff@europa-uni.de

Modus operandi

The CPM works along two coordinates: Themes form one axis, contexts form a second axis.

The projects bring together thematic and context-specific questions at different points. The following overview contains a selection of projects by topic and context.

The activities of the CPM are based on critical scientific analysis and practical methodological expertise. They have the explicit impetus to improve conflict competence in concrete social and political action. To this end, they bring together conflict research, international law, applied ethics and political philosophy with practical conflict management, decision-making and crisis diplomacy. Research findings are incorporated into the Institute's university teaching and are fed into political practice through transfer activities, which in turn provide impetus and incentives for further research.

The CPM is jointly headed by Anne Holper and Lars Kirchhoff. The team also includes Anna Dick, Christian Hochmuth and Mario Clemens.