Oxford Network of Peace Studies (OxPeace)

Coordinator: Dr Liz Carmichael, St John's College

@OxPeaceNetwork

The Oxford Network of Peace Studies (OxPeace) is a multi-disciplinary initiative to promote the academic study of peace, peacemaking, peacebuilding and peacekeeping at the University of Oxford. It is an affiliated centre of the Centre for International Studies.

OxPeace defines peace positively, as: ‘human security and human flourishing, in a sustainable environment, with the constructive management of conflict.’ The OxPeace Steering Committee comprises scholars, students, and practitioners from a variety of disciplines. It organizes conferences, seminars and training workshops, and publicises information about other related events. OxPeace looks toward the establishment of posts in Peace Studies, and particularly a Chair, at Oxford.

The concept of ‘peacebuilding’ has come to be central to peace studies. Successful outcomes in peacebuilding depend on inclusive perspectives drawn from many disciplines including politics and international relations, history, anthropology,  economics, law, ethics, theology and religious studies, development, education; gender studies, media, environmental, war and conflict studies, and the growing specialism of peace studies itself. OxPeace events have demonstrated how a focus on peace adds a fresh dimension to established disciplines and engenders a distinctive multidisciplinary synergy. OxPeace seeks to promote links between academic researchers, policy makers, and grassroots practitioners; and between the global North and South.

OxPeace has held an annual multidisciplinary conference each May since 2009. Hear the podcasts for these, and explore future events, via the links at the bottom of the page.

To contact OxPeace, or join its mailing lists, please email Dr Liz Carmichael at liz.carmichael@sjc.ox.ac.uk.

Committee

For an introduction to our work, with some of our Committee members and Conference speakers, please watch our YouTube video, 'OxPeace: Promoting the Study of Peace at Oxford University' (links below):