Center for International Conflict Resolution Columbia University

The Center for International Conflict Resolution (CICR) contributes to the resolution of international deadly conflict through research, education, and practice. CICR strives to increase understanding of international conflicts through innovative, collaborative research and is committed to offering courses, fellowships, scholarships, and training programs that disseminate knowledge about conflicts and their causes

CICR’s efforts focus on participatory processes that increase social capital and engagement in long-term peace processes. We encourage the movement towards “positive,” sustainable peace and seek to generate creative opportunities to help strengthen this process. We foster inclusiveness and creative human development

The Center for International Conflict Resolution (CICR) at Columbia University, New York, contributes to the resolution of international deadly conflict through research, education and practice. CICR strives to increase understanding of international conflicts through innovative, collaborative research and is committed to offering courses, fellowships, scholarships and training programs that disseminate knowledge about conflicts and their causes.

CICR’s efforts focus on participatory processes that increase social capital and engagement in long-term peace processes. We encourage the movement towards ‘positive’ sustainable peace. We generate creative opportunities, even if they are simply instances, which can help strengthen this process. We foster inclusiveness and creative human development.

Our History

The Center for International Conflict Resolution was founded by Dr. Andrea Bartoli as the International Conflict Resolution Program in 1997. The Center began with a course on the role of religious figures as peace makers, based  on the Andrea Bartoli’s involvement in the Mozambique peace process with the Sant’Egidio Community.

In January 2002 the Center took its present name, expanding its mandate and programs. The same year, former U.S. Senator George Mitchell joined the Center as a Senior Fellow sharing the lessons learnt and his experience of mediation in Northern Ireland and, more recently, the Middle East. Professor Jean-Marie Guéhenno serves as current Director of the Center for International Conflict Resolution.

Mission

The Center for International Conflict Resolution contributes to conflict transformation and peace-building of deadly conflict worldwide through research, education, and practice. CICR responds directly to the expressed needs of parties involved in ongoing conflicts, empowering individuals and organizations to address conflicts constructively. CICR also coordinates its efforts with academics and practitioners from international, governmental and non-governmental organizations in joint research and action.

Mandate

The Center for International Conflict Resolution is located within the Salzman Institute for War and Peace Studies at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Columbia University. CICR’s mandate is to:

• Produce and disseminate research to meet the academic standards of excellence set by Columbia University as a major center of research.
• Respond effectively to the academic needs of graduate students who come to the School for its world-renowned education and specialized training.
• Equip practitioners in the field with cutting edge tools, methodologies and knowledge to help them carry out their peace-building work.
• Help ensure that practice is conducted in a sustainable and long-term manner with early-warning and conflict prevention in mind.
• Fully honor its responsibility – to those people who are touched by deadly violence and its aftermath – to address conflict sensitively in a holistic and sustainable manner.