Conflict Resolution Field Guide

Overview

Peace studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that analyzes the causes of war and systemic oppression, and explores processes by which conflict and change can be managed so as to maximize justice while minimizing violence. It encompasses the study of economic, political, and social systems at the local, national, and global levels, and examines ideology, culture, and technology as they relate to conflict and change. In different settings, this field of study is known variously as “peace and conflict studies,” “peace and security studies,” “peace and world order studies,” “justice and reconciliation studies,” “conflict resolution” and so on. What distinguishes this field from others, however, is a concern with the modalities.

Career Opportunities

Entry level positions in the peace and conflict field are diversified and often highly competitive. Functional titles include analyst, program associate/assistant, education coordinator, research assistant, public relations liaison, regional monitor, etc. As an interdisciplinary field conflict resolution positions can be found in a variety of organizations not traditionally thought of as “Peace Groups.” Conflict resolution is often a component of other policy, analyst or non-profit careers. Human resources officers often specialize in mediation and staff bargaining, for instance. These positions, especially at the corporate level, pay substantially more than would be true at a small, grassroots organization.

Types of Jobs

Policy research
Legislative lobbying
Public education
Petitioning and protest action
Mediation
Community service
Intercultural diplomacy

Qualifications + Skills

Research and analytical skills
Quantitative analysis
Foreign language proficiency
Field experience
Flexibility to be successful in unstructured environments
Conflict resolution skills (mediation, collaboration, etc.)

PRO TIP: Many of these skills can be acquired in a domestic setting and then transferred to the international arena. If you are unable to go abroad for an internship, look for domestic opportunities to build development, mediation, and research skills.

Sample Employers

African Center for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes
American Civil Liberties Union
American-Mideast Education & Training Services
Amnesty International
CARE, Inc.
Carnegie Council on Ethics & International Affairs
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Carter Center
Center for War/Peace Studies
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
INCORE (International Conflict Research)
Institute for International Mediation and Conflict Resolution
Institute for Multi-Track Diplomacy
Institute for Policy Studies
International Alert
International Crisis Group
Mercy Corps
Non-Violence International
Peace Brigades International
Peace Makers Trust
Search for Common Ground
The Carter Center
The Fund for Peace
The United Nations
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation
U.S. State Department
World Policy Institute

Sample Maxwell Classes

Stabilization and Growth in Emerging Markets
Fundamentals of Conflict Studies
Negotiating Resolution of International Conflict
Fundamentals of Post-Conflict Reconstruction
Managing Interpersonal, Group, and Systemic Conflict
UN Organizations: Managing for Change
Related courses also available in Anthropology, Law, Political Science, and Geography

Resources

INCORE (International Conflict Research)
Peace & Collaborative Development Network
Peace and Justice Studies Association
Program on the Analysis and Resolution of Conflicts (PARC)
National Peace Foundation
Search for Common Ground

Related Career Guides

International and National Security
International Development
Humanitarian Aid and Relief