About
While most of the literature on the private sector in peace promotion stresses the negative impact of business on conflict, recent policy debates have identified the private sector as a potentially important social actor that can contribute to the prevention and settlement of violent conflicts as well as to reconstruction and development in post-war societies. Business & Peace contributes through its problem-oriented and policy relevant research, with academic and practice-oriented workshops and roundtables and consultancy services for government agencies, private businesses as well as non-governmental organizations to the invovlement of private actors in peace processes.
Research questions
Our academic (NCCR North-South) or mandated research projects explore a multitude of theoretical questions from different perspectives.
- What are the contributions of international and local business actors to a sustainable peace and stable economic development? What positive roles can companies play in a high-risk setting?
- What are the determinants, advantages or disadvantages of business activities in conflict-settings? Why are some companies more endangered to trigger conflict than others? Why are business activities in some conflict-settings more problematic?
What kinds of initiatives have been established to tackle companies' behavior in conflict zones and why do the latter participate?
Business Advisory Board
Business & Peace cooperates closely with the Business Advisory Board. This strategic advisory body includes representatives from companies of different sectors, branches and sizes. It helps swisspeace to better understand corporate positions, constraints and interests on issues related to violent conflicts and peace building and opens new channels of communication to the private sector.
