Peacebuilding in Post-Conflict Societies: Radicalisation Prevention and Cultural Security

● 9–10 January 2027 | Online weekend session

This session introduces reconciliation, conflict transformation and peacebuilding as an interconnected theoretical framework for understanding and addressing conflict in divided and post-conflict societies. Participants examine core concepts of peace, conflict and reconciliation, distinguishing negative peace—the absence of direct violence—from positive peace, which involves addressing structural violence, injustice and exclusion. Conflict transformation addresses underlying relationships, institutions and inequalities, while reconciliation supports the rebuilding of trust and peaceful coexistence.

The session critically examines the post-conflict reconstruction cycle, including stabilisation, recovery, institutional rebuilding and longer-term peacebuilding, recognising that these processes often overlap and face setbacks. Drawing on Western Balkans and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) contexts and the experience of partner institutions, participants apply the core concepts to regional cases and identify priorities for inclusive reconstruction and sustainable peace.

● 23–24 January 2027 | Online weekend session

This session introduces the theoretical and practical dimensions of diplomacy, public diplomacy, mediation and negotiation in conflict and post-conflict environments. It examines how states, international organisations and non-state actors contribute to conflict management, and how diplomatic engagement is used to promote peace. Particular attention is given to Track I, II and III diplomacy, strategic communication, and interest-based and principled negotiation, alongside third-party mediation, confidence-building measures and strategies for managing spoilers in complex political environments. Through real-world case studies from international contexts, participants analyse how negotiating parties identify interests, build channels of communication, engage different audiences, navigate competing demands and reach sustainable, mutually acceptable agreements.

● 6–7 February 2027 | Online weekend session

This session explores leadership in societies marked by institutional weakness, social divisions and political instability, including those undergoing democratic or post-conflict transitions. It examines how leaders in public institutions, organisations and civil society act under uncertainty and resource constraints, build and maintain public trust, and balance competing interests.

Major leadership theories and approaches relevant to complex institutional environments are analysed, with particular attention to leadership in crisis and during difficult institutional transitions in societies marked by social and political tension.

International case studies illustrate how leadership shapes institutional and social resilience, democratic governance and sustainable peace. Particular attention is given to the role of women and young leaders in decision-making and social change. Participants work through practical scenarios on making critical decisions under pressure, communicating across diverse settings and managing competing interests. Delivered online, the session combines interactive lectures, discussions, simulations and group exercises, enabling participants to critically assess leadership approaches and apply leadership, coalition-building and crisis-management skills to real-world scenarios.

● 13–14 March 2027 | Online weekend session

This session examines individual, social, ideological and structural drivers of radicalisation in post-conflict and transitional settings. Participants explore how unresolved grievances, weak institutions, exclusion and competing narratives can contribute to violent extremism and polarisation, while recognising that these factors operate differently across contexts.

Comparative case discussions consider how peacebuilding, inclusive governance and community engagement can support prevention. Participants practise identifying contextual risks and protective factors and formulate responses that address grievances without stigmatising communities.

● 3–4 April 2027 | Online weekend session

This session examines the role of religion, identity, honour, gender and social hierarchy in conflict, negotiation and reconciliation. Participants explore cultural security as the protection of cultural identity and participation within an inclusive framework that respects the rights and dignity of different communities.

Drawing on regional examples, participants develop intercultural competence for negotiating and working across cultural and confessional boundaries. Guided discussion and practical exercises focus on recognising assumptions, communicating respectfully and adapting dialogue to local contexts.

● 24–25 April 2027 | Online weekend session

This session examines forced displacement, refugees and returnees as consequences of conflict and as central concerns in post-conflict recovery. Participants explore how access to housing, services, livelihoods and community participation shapes reintegration and social cohesion in multicultural environments.

The session distinguishes the needs of displaced civilians from the specific challenges associated with returning fighters. Regional case discussions examine institutional responses, community acceptance and coordination among relevant actors, enabling participants to identify inclusive approaches to reintegration.

● 8–9 May 2027 | Online weekend session

This session explores negotiation across political, cultural, religious and social boundaries and the role of digital transformation in supporting reconciliation, conflict transformation and peace. Participants examine how online dialogue, digital mediation, social media and artificial intelligence can strengthen communication, build trust and enable inclusive participation in divided societies.

Particular attention is given to disinformation, extremist narratives and online polarisation, alongside ethical challenges concerning privacy, algorithmic bias and digital exclusion. Through comparative cases from the Western Balkans and MENA, interactive discussions and digitally supported negotiation exercises, participants develop practical strategies for cross-boundary cooperation and responsible digital peacebuilding.

● 22–23 May 2027 | Online weekend session

This session introduces national and international frameworks for preventing and countering violent extremism, with attention to community resilience, multi-agency coordination and cross-border cooperation. Participants examine the roles of local actors, education and civil society in addressing grievances and strengthening social inclusion.

Selected European and regional practices provide a basis for assessing how prevention measures can be adapted to local settings. Through collaborative exercises, participants develop context-sensitive cooperation strategies that support reconciliation, respect human rights and avoid deepening social divisions.

● 5–6 June 2027 | Online weekend session

This session addresses the mechanisms, concepts, challenges and sensitivities of reconciliation – both as a theoretical category and as a practical process – and of transitional justice in post-conflict areas, with a focus on the Western Balkans, the Middle East and North Africa. It analyses the role of truth-telling, collective memory, post-conflict reconstruction, acknowledgement and public apologies, accountability and justice mechanisms, and the appropriate handling of human rights violations as key enablers of reconciliation.

Different approaches to dealing with the past are examined, truth commissions, judicial processes, reparations, memorialisation, and retributive and restorative transitional justice, focusing on how societies move from fragile coexistence towards sustainable reconciliation, mutual understanding and peaceful relations. Particular attention is given to the experiences of victims and survivors and to the impact of inclusive, victim-centred approaches.

Through selected case studies and comparative analysis, participants develop the skills to assess the achievements and limitations of transitional justice mechanisms in different contexts. Delivered online, the session combines interactive lectures, guided discussions, digital case-study analysis and collaborative learning activities. By the end of the session, participants will be able to critically evaluate transitional justice approaches and formulate context-sensitive recommendations for promoting reconciliation and sustainable peace in post-conflict societies.

● 26–27 June 2027 | Online weekend session

This integrative, practice-oriented session brings together the theoretical perspectives and the analytical and practical skills developed throughout the programme. Knowledge is applied through regional case studies, negotiation exercises, multi-stakeholder formats and role-play scenarios.

Participants engage in a negotiation laboratory addressing complex political, diplomatic, security and governance challenges, drawing on cases from Kosovo, the Western Balkans, the Middle East and North Africa, as well as penitentiary and migration settings. Through role-play and structured simulations, participants assume the roles of policymakers, diplomats, institutional representatives and other relevant stakeholders, and examine conflicting interests, common agreements and strategies for handling disputes and reaching compromise. Negotiation technique, leadership, mediation and strategic communication receive particular attention, as participants practise evidence-based decision-making.

Working individually and in teams, they formulate practical, context-sensitive policy recommendations, which they present and defend before an expert panel, followed by discussion and feedback. A structured lessons-learned segment allows participants to evaluate their negotiation strategy, identify strengths and areas for development, and assess how their skills transfer to other contexts.