nepal

John Paul’s involvement in peacebuilding in Nepal began with a phone call and unfolded through a foundation’s acceptance of his long-offered suggestion that peacebuilding and sustainable social change are only effectively imagined and possible in decades. John Paul accompanied the McConnell Foundation’s pledge to support peacebuilding in Nepal stretched from ten years, to twelve, and beyond. The primary locus of this work was supporting local Nepali communities focused on natural resource conflicts, rural women’s empowerment, and community mediation. He helped facilitate the work of Nepal Transition To Peace and their efforts to support national political dialogue and the implementation of the Nepali peace agreement. The insights he shares from his experience offer a unique glimpse into the dilemmas and lessons from sustained peacebuilding engagement across all scales of society.

Foreword, Acting Together

The foreword to the first volume of Acting Together: Performance and the Creative Transformation of Conflict, which describes peacebuilding performances in regions beset by violence and internal conflicts.

Staying True in Nepal: Understanding Community Mediation Through Action Research

A chapter focusing on a community mediation initiative in Nepal that employed participatory action research as the mode for understanding practice and the development of relevant training materials for local use. 

Mission Forward Podcast A Recipe for Cooling Down American Politics with Peacebuilder Dr. John Paul Lederach

John Paul shares insights about how ordinary people can take action to interrupt cycles of toxic polarization in their communities.

Grateful Living in Conversation

A conversation between John Paul and Joe Primo in contribution to the course, “Grateful Hope: Passion for the Possible.”

Hope and Liberation

John Paul shares a story and reflections from his experience accompanying a conflict transformation movement in Nepal with Duke Divinity School's Summer Institute for Reconciliation.

Reconciliation: In Theory & In Practice

A panel discussion hosted by ConnexUs discussing themes pertinent to reconciliation both generally and specifically in the contexts of South Africa, Colombia, and Nepal.

Peace & Jesus, Episode 23

A contribution to Peaceworks' series entitled “Peace & Jesus” in which John Paul shares about recent experiences alongside women and politicians working toward peace in Nepal.

Peace, Security and the Future of Conflict

Article 3's celebration of Human Rights Day 2021, honoring Leymah Gbowee.

The Foundation of Institutionalization: Reflective Practice

A speaking notes for a conference presentation delivered in Nepal on mediation, institutionalization, and reflective practice, drawing on experiences accompanying local community mediation networks.