Refining the tools of peacemaking for a more turbulent world Careers Talk with Paul Dziatkowiec, Director of Mediation and Peace Support

Paul Dziatkowiec will reflect on the evolving geopolitical environment and how it affects the practice of conflict mediation.

The return of big power politics has been accompanied by the marginalisation of inter-governmental organisations from central roles in peace processes, the steady erosion of fundamental international norms, and the search for ‘quick fixes' to complex conflicts. There is also more violent conflict now than at any time since World War II, and these conflicts are increasingly complicated and multi-layered. All of these trends have added complexity to the task of mediators, who are forced to adapt to the changing times and refine their professional toolkit.

Paul will assess these significant changes and what they mean for the practice of mediation, as well as share some of his own experiences conducting mediation in diverse contexts.