Societal peace formation builds on interpersonal exchange and open, committed discussions. Especially in times of populism, nationalism and authoritarianism, personal encounters between scholars and students from Europe and the post-Soviet region are an important contribution to mutual understanding. For three years, the Eurasia Peace Study Exchange (<http://site.uit.no/epse/>) between members of the State Universities of Odessa and Tbilisi, the Academy of Education Sciences in Kiev, the American University of Central Asia in Bishkek, the Centre for Peace Studies at the Arctic University of Tromsø and the IFSH has provided a framework for academic exchange. In the early years Russia's role in the post-Soviet space and the war in Eastern Ukraine determined many conversations. At this year's intensive workshop in Bishkek and at the Issyk Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan, aspects of cultural, religious and ethnic identities came to the fore. Common challenges such as the protection of minorities, religious radicalization, practices of local actors, confidence building and the debate on climate protection came now to the fore. The coordinators aim to continue their academic exchange in greater depth.
For the IFSH Ann-Kathrin Benner, Madina Bizhanova, Tigran Gasparian, Anna Kreikemeyer and Patricia Schneider took part.