swisspeace is a practice-oriented research institute spezializing on conflict analysis and peacebuilding.
It researches the causes of wars and violent conflicts, develops tools for early recognition of tensions, and formulates conflict mitigation and peacebuilding strategies. The current research projects at swisspeace have two general objectives: (1) lay the ground for policy work in peacebuilding; (2) contribute both to general academic debates on conflicts and peace research and to the dissemination of research results towards practice through publications.
The Foundation is involved in post-graduate courses, social science study programs and the training of doctoral candidates at the University of Basel. It is also part of the International Graduate School North-South run by the Universities of Bern, Basel and Zürich. Through the interdisciplinary NCCR North-South network, partnerships are developed with scholars and institutes in Africa, Asia and Central America.
swisspeace conducts research in all its thematic programs
Statehood & Conflict
Statehood & Conflict analyses the concrete day-to-day practices of states in order to understand how new forms of statehood emerge as the result of negotiation processes between various local, national and international actors. The focus is on post-violent conflict settings because civil wars open up new arenas of negotiation where social actors contest for power and control as well as for the definition of statehood in the aftermath of conflict. Statehood & Conflict research
Dealing with the Past
swisspeace subscribes to a holistic Dealing with the Past approach that combines specific restorative and retributive measures, which are all inter-linked and inter-related. Further, Dealing with the Past focuses on rights of individuals and corresponding duties of the State, with individual as well as collective ones. Dealing with the Past research
Mediation
swisspeace aims at carrying out research mainly to develop mediation methodology and topical expertise that is crucial for filling the mediation gaps in peace processes. The Mediation Support Project (MSP), implemented together with the ETHZ, focuses on specific issues linked to mediation which will allow filling the gaps identified by practitioners. The knowledge and insights gained from this research is made available to mediators and facilitators (in the form of reports, guidance notes, articles, or workshops). Mediation research
Peacebuilding Analysis & Impact
swisspeace supports development and peacebuilding organizations in assessing and increasing the effectiveness and impact of their interventions. To this end we develop and multiply methodological knowhow in areas such as conflict analysis, conflict- and gender-sensitive project cycle management (PCM), strategy development, or peacebuilding evaluation. Analysis & Impact research
Business & Peace
The Business & Peace program concentrates on the role of private companies that can be key social actors for peace processes. They are able to make positive contributions to the prevention and settlement of violent conflicts and to the rebuilding process in post-war societies. Our activities concentrate on problem-oriented and policy relevant research and consultancies for government agencies, private business as well as other NGOs. Collaboration with other institutions and organizations in the field as well as private business is key. Business & Peace research
