Transforming protracted sociopolitical conflicts requires the active participation of all stakeholders willing and able to bring about behavioural, relational and structural change. This programme builds on our long-standing experience in analysing and engaging with civil society actors and resistance/liberation movements in war-affected or post-war regions. Its central aim is to support the active participation of conflict stakeholders, both armed and unarmed, in inclusive processes of nonviolent resistance and conflict transformation. It does so by conducting collaborative research, offering capacity-building assistance and providing policy advice regarding the roles of formal and informal actors as peace- and state-building agents in asymmetric state-society conflicts.
In addition to our project work, this programme is also very active in the fields of training, teaching, publishing, consulting and providing policy advice. Thus, we recently edited a book on the factors of transition from armed to nonviolent insurgencies and regularly edit the Berghof Foundation’s publication series “Resistance/liberation movement and transitions to politics” (Transitions Series).
We provide bilateral technical support to political leaders and peacebuilding practitioners in conflict-affected regions such as Colombia, Nepal, the Basque Country and the Palestinian territories, and also offered capacity-building assistance to the Afghan High Peace Council (see Completed Projects). In collaboration with colleagues from the Dialogue, Mediation & Peace Support Structures programme, we facilitate annual negotiation trainings for members of resistance/liberation movements (see From Other Programmes). In addition, we conduct and support research and policy dissemination activities on the impact of terrorist proscription on conflict transformation efforts. We have also conducted various consultancy studies and assignments for inter-governmental agencies such as the European Parliament, European Commission, UNDP and UN Staff College.
Programme director Véronique Dudouet represents the Berghof Foundation at relevant international academic events and teaches classes and modules for students and practitioners on various topics linked to non-state armed groups, civil resistance and conflict transformation. She is also an academic advisor for the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict (Washington).