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.

Strategic Peacebuilding: An Overview

A chapter that sketches the contours of a theory of strategic peacebuilding and offers practical suggestions for peacebuilding practitioners.

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.

Levels of Leadership

An analytical and descriptive exploration of a pyramid model to capture the overview of how an entire affected population in a setting of internal armed conflict is represented by leaders and other actors, as well as the roles they play in navigating the situation.

Civil Society and Reconciliation

An overview of how to build civil society and reconciliation in post-accord settings where protracted conflicted has created deep animosities and divisions.

Conflict Transformation in Protracted Internal Conflicts: The Case for a Comprehensive Framework

A chapter that outlines a comprehensive framework for conflict transformation in protracted, internal conflicts.

Let Us Talk: African Contributions to Peacebuilding

A chapter highlighting contributions to the practice of grassroots peacebuilding from Somalia and Liberia.

The Doables: Just Policing on the Ground

The concluding chapter to the book Just Policing, Not War that considers practices and strategies for just policing and human security that are available, accessible, and acceptable.

Gathering of the Hearts: Braiding Our Ways of Being

An open conversation and experience about facing the challenges of environmental violence and justice from diverse traditions, knowledge carriers, and forms of engagement.

Ponencia de John Paul Lederach

A lectured delivered for a conference entitled, “Desarme integral en América Latina y el Caribe,” organized by the Alianza por el Desarme.