north america

Alongside John Paul's extensive international experience, he has been involved in numerous peacebuilding and mediation initiatives in his home context of North America. He served as director of the Mennonite Conciliation Service, and in that capacity contributed as a mediator and consultant with a range of organizations including nonprofits, religious organizations, and universities. In a training and education capacity, John Paul has designed and led trainings, courses, and programs on peacebuilding and conflict transformation for institutions across the region. The content in this section includes a range of resources, including books, interviews, blog posts, and more, in which John Paul offers insights regarding peacebuilding within the North American context and between the United States and the global community.

The Wow Factor and a Non-Theory of Change

A thought piece that explores positive approaches to peacebuilding as a composite moment in which the creative process lifts sight to a new, more holistic view.

The Heart of Reconciliation: A Conversation with John Paul Lederach

A conversation that explores John Paul's work, dynamics of conflict in congregational and church settings, and the centrality of reconciliation to the Christian life.

Making Our Way Back to Humanity: Beyond September 11

A chapter reflecting on the significance and impact of the events of September 11, 2001, for the world of peacebuilding a year after they transpired.

The Paradox of Popular Justice: A Practitioner’s View

A reflection highlighting the authors' tensions around the concepts of popular, justice, community, and empowerment and an inside view and assessment of the success and potential of the movement toward popular justice.

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.

The Growing Edge Podcast Unexpected Hope in Improbable Actions

John Paul provides thoughtful, sometimes surprising ideas and advice on how to navigate, disrupt and mitigate the patterns that lead to deeper conflict, with attention to what is happening in contemporary U.S. politics.

Starting Point for Implementing Large-Scale Social Change

In a podcast hosted by Rational Games, John Paul and Mark Young dive deep into the transformative power of negotiation, peacebuilding, and social change.

C-SPAN Interview John Paul Lederach on Solutions to Overcome Political Polarization

John Paul speaks with Tammy Thueringer about solutions to overcome toxic political polarization and the threat of civil war in the United States.

Environmental Silence: A Century Dedicated to the Nine Million

A preface in the form of a century for the volume entitled Exploring Environmental Violence.