The brain and peace - How can insights from neuroscience advance peacebuilding?
The brain and peace
18 January 2024
14:00 - 15:30 CET (ics, ical)
Online event via Zoom.
This event will be held in English.
How does the brain really work? And can a better understanding of it help eludicate the causes of war and inform how we foster peace?
It’s people – not robots – behind decision-making processes; yet the role of emotions, experience and identity have long been overlooked. This event asks what becomes possible when peace processes call for a radical reflection of the self before the other, disrupt the notion of “rational” actors, and are designed to consider disparities between those who have experienced violence, benefitted from power, and face uncertain futures.
Our experiences become wired; and are all wired differently. Neuroimaging now exposes the inner workings of the brain like never before, and peacebuilders are paying attention. To start bridging disciplines, we have pulled together a range of researchers, practitioners, and experts. Together, we will discuss how integrating neuroscience into the design of peacebuilding interventions can make them more inclusive - and what kind of world becomes possible when we do.
Speakers:
- Timothy Phillips, Founder and CEO, Beyond Conflict
- Michael Niconchuk, Program Lead, Wend Collective
- Univ. Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Veronika Engert, Professor for Social Neuroscience, Institute of Psychosocial Medicine, Psychotherapy, and Psycho-Oncology, University Hospital Jena
- Dr. Nafees Hamid, Research and Policy Director for XCEPT at the Department of War Studies, King's College London
- Colette Rausch, Convener, Think Peace Learning & Support Hub, Mary Hoch Foundation
Moderated by Dr. Carla Schraml, Advisor Mediation and Negotiation Support, Berghof Foundation.
We look forward to involving you in our conversation. You can also send us your questions via email prior to the event, or join our discussion on X and Instagram.