Many countries of the Middle East and North Africa have experienced years of instability, slow growth and social discontent, generating major regional and global challenges in the form refugees, forced migration and extremism. In this In-Depth article, distinguished diplomat Rolf Holmboe argues that the international community has tended to focus on addressing immediate crises – but that stability will not be achieved until deep reform processes are instituted across the region to bring about social, economic and political change.

Over 2016 and 2017 CEIA convened expert discussions on the role of empathy in conflict resolution and mediation. In an article for the European Journal ‘Perspektive Mediation’ CEIA Director Matt Waldman encapsulates insights, ideas and case examples generated by these discussions. In short, experts and practitioners believe empathy has limitations but furnishes mediators with important information, helps to build trust, enables individuals to feel recognised, and can catalyse new approaches to conflict resolution.

Numerous evidence-based studies in social neuroscience and cyberpsychology have shown how Virtual Reality has immense potential to promote empathy, counteract biases and lead to changes in behavior. This article, by social entrepreneur Dr Alexandra Ivanovitch, explores how VR works in practice and its potential application in the field of peacebuilding and conflict resolution. She calls for a new wave of collaboration between technology, science and art to strengthen peace.  

In March 2017, the Center for Empathy in International Affairs and Conciliation Resources hosted a roundtable discussion in London involving 21 mediators, peacebuilders, and experts to consider the role that empathy can play in helping to establish and sustain dialogue with non-state armed groups. Our new report, Hard Feelings, published jointly with Conciliation Resources, captures their wide-ranging views and insights.