Strategic peace mediation and dialogue efforts to shift conflict systems

When working with or in complex conflict systems, including on dialogue, peace mediation or peace process support, a critical question is how we can best contribute to positive substantive shifts in these systems. FBA’s two thematic units working with dialogue, peace mediation and peace process support have explored these issues during the last few years. During this time, Anita Ernstorfer, an expert in peacebuilding and long-standing FBA consultant, has been a key partner in this conversation.

In this paper, Anita summarizes lessons and key approaches from CDA Collaborative Learning’s (CDA) ambitious Reflecting on Peace Practice (RPP) project, and reflects on their relevance for dialogue, mediation and peace process support. Following an introductory foreword by FBA, Anita briefly introduces the conflict systems analysis methodology, alongside concrete approaches and frameworks to reflect on how to design interventions geared towards contributing to socio-political change. Practical examples from FBA’s work in different contexts illustrate how these frameworks have been applied in select portfolios.  

The question of how to best identify, design for and implement relevant and strategic interventions to shift conflict systems requires embracing the related complexities. The intention is that this paper may contribute to reflection, discussions and to further practice around these questions.