whole system approach

Social change processes are predicated on a holistic understanding of the dynamic relational patterns that give rise to conflict. It is through a whole system approach that the full scope of interdependent relationships can be grasped and the simplicity on the far side of complexity can be discerned. For this, two habits are key: stillness and visiblizing. While not always referencing the technical language, John Paul has long embraced a systems approach. His understanding and integration of this approach for peacebuilding has many sources, notably spiders, entomologists, and poetry, with the language and frameworks of systems theory a more recent feature in his reflections. The content in this section features iterations of the application of a whole system approach in John Paul's reflections and practice across a range of contexts.

Memoirs of Nepal: Reflections Across a Decade
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Memoirs of Nepal: Reflections Across a Decade

Reflections gathered from a decade and more of work in Nepal, written for The McConnell Foundation and friends and partners in Nepal.

2015
The Poetic Unfolding of the Human Spirit
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The Poetic Unfolding of the Human Spirit

A travelogue reflecting on what it means to be fully engaged in the world.

2011
The Little Book of Conflict Transformation: Clear Articulation of the Guiding Principles by a Pioneer in the Field
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The Little Book of Conflict Transformation: Clear Articulation of the Guiding Principles by a Pioneer in the Field

A clearly articulated statement offering a hopeful and workable approach to the transformation of conflict.

2003
The Moral Imagination: The Art and Soul of Building Peace
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The Moral Imagination: The Art and Soul of Building Peace

A book weaving thoughts and insights about the nature, challenges, and possibilities of constructive social change.

2005
Building Peace: Sustainable Reconciliation in Divided Societies
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Building Peace: Sustainable Reconciliation in Divided Societies

An exploration of the dynamics of contemporary conflict and presentation of an integrated framework for peacebuilding and the transformation of conflict.

1997
Zen Brain: Mind, Brain, Social Perspectives of Views, Values, Ethics
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collection
Zen Brain: Mind, Brain, Social Perspectives of Views, Values, Ethics

John Paul's contributions to the Upaya Zen Center's Zen Brain conference in 2017, which explored the theme, "Mind, Brain, Social Perspectives of Views, Values, Ethics."

2017
The Peace Professor
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The Peace Professor

An article offering a glimpse into John Paul's practice of peacebuilding in La Pedregosa, Colombia.

2007
Practicing Peace: Psychological Roots of Transforming Conflicts
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Practicing Peace: Psychological Roots of Transforming Conflicts

An article that links psychosocial theories with the social energies of reconciliation, then applies this framework to the case of Guatemala, emphasizing the value of linking the literatures of peace psychology and conflict transformation.

2014
Addressing terrorism: A theory of change approach
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Addressing terrorism: A theory of change approach

A chapter examining isolation and engagement strategies of responding to violent conflict and terrorism, assessing their potential effectiveness through their respective theories of change.

2011
more reflections