Our Approach
Beyond Conflict began to integrate research from brain and behavioral science into our shared experience model of conflict resolution and transformation in 2010. After decades of work to promote peace and reconciliation, we struggled to understand why so many conflicts remained intractable and why so many peace agreements remained fragile in the aftermath of seemingly successful negotiation processes. In questioning what we missing about the human experience of conflict, we came to recognize that brain and behavioral science offered a powerful, paradigm-shifting new lens that allows us to better understand human nature and the often unconscious forces that help shape and sustain conflict and division.
Science-Informed Design
The Shared Experience Model
In 1992, Beyond Conflict (then called ‘The Project on Justice in Times of Transition’) developed a simple yet powerful methodology of shared experience to assist leaders in divided societies struggling with conflict, reconciliation, and societal change. It is grounded in two core principles: that people can learn from each other, and that people can change. This methodology stems from the insight that on a biological, emotional, and psychological level, humans have many of the same response mechanisms to the formative experiences of their lives. While it is true that every country has its own unique national experience and history, how people around the world respond to the terrifying, humiliating, and dehumanizing experience of life under dictatorship or during civil war is fundamentally the same. By bringing leaders from countries around the world together to share their experiences in addressing conflict or repression with their counterparts in a country grappling with similar challenges, Beyond Conflict has helped build trust between once bitter enemies in seemingly intractable conflicts and given leaders the courage to introduce changes key to generating peace.
Case Studies
This method of Science and Practice-Informed Design has been used in Kenya to build resilience in communities being targeted for recruitment by terrorist organizations, such as Al-Shabaab. It has also been tested in Colombia to assist in the reintegration of former rebels into the political community, and has guided early-stage engagement with artists, cultural institutions, and city officials in London, Baltimore and Boston interested in assessing and improving the effect of integration efforts, art exhibits, and structural drivers of racism.
The Field Guide for Barefoot Psychology, that we are now deploying and testing with Syrian refugees in Jordan, uses a Science and Practice-Informed Design approach to help refugees and migrants understand the impact of trauma and forced displacement on the mind and body, and teaches them self-care exercises to boost their resilience and well-being.
The Shared Experience Methodology has been used in several countries to advance dialogue, peace, and reconciliation. In Northern Ireland, Beyond Conflict organized 17 programs that helped leaders to develop the skills needed to develop a political settlement, develop a shared vision for the future, work towards reconciliation, and address the critical issue of demobilization of former combatants.
The Science and Practice-Informed Design process can be applied repeatedly to create systemic transformative brain and behavioral change in a variety of circumstances. This includes better measurement and evaluation of the effect of existing interventions and the creation of entirely new solutions to conflict and its consequences.
Our Work
STRENGTHENING AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
Helping to pave the way for democratic renewal in the United States and abroad.
INTERNATIONAL PEACEBUILDING
Innovating ways to reduce violent conflict, promote cooperation, and strengthen democratic institutions and practices.
PROMOTING PSYCHOLOGICAL & SOCIAL REPAIR
Addressing the effects of trauma in conflict and post-conflict settings.