The steadily increasing number of violent conflicts around the globe is evidence of a world in turmoil. The war in Ukraine and the scale of violence in Gaza once again emphasise the need for conflict prevention. In addition, the world is faced with the consequences of climate change as well as increasing social polarisation and radicalisation on the political fringes, all of which pose serious challenges to peace, security and democracy in Europe.
PEACE Action: a unique network of peace researchers
Against this backdrop, European peace research institutes have now joined forces to form a scientific network: the Peace Research Community Europe, or PEACE Action for short. This one-of-a-kind network aims to contribute to a better understanding of the current challenges to peace and security, and to provide solutions as well as an impetus for research, policy and practical application. PEACE Action also supports young peace and conflict researchers in building their careers.
Kick-off in the centre of Europe
The PEACE Action kick-off event took place from 8 to 9 May. It was hosted by the Flemish Peace Institute in Brussels, bringing together around 200 peace researchers from all over Europe. The focus of the network, which is to be funded by the European Union for the next three and a half years, will be on five main topics:
- Climate change and peace
- Peace from a feminist perspective
- Local peace
- Peace and new technologies
- Peace and security in Europe
The IFSH is one of the network’s founding institutes. IFSH Director Professor Dr Ursula Schröder and Dr Holger Niemann lead the working group ‘Europe, Peace & Security’.
Further information about PEACE Action can be found here: https://www.peaceresearchnetwork.eu/.