Conflict Tipping Podcast #35: Innovating ‘Peace’ with Stephen Gray

Innovating Peace with Stephen Gray: Embracing Inclusive and Adaptive Strategies

Join host Laura May in this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast as we explore the world of inclusive peacebuilding with Stephen Gray, Director of Adapt Peacebuilding and Doctoral Researcher at the University of Sussex. With 18 years of experience in developing non-violent solutions for conflict zones, Stephen shares his journey and insights on transformative approaches to peace. Highlights include:

• Stephen’s journey from New Zealand to various global conflict zones, exploring his motivations and experiences.
• The impact of the 2021 Myanmar coup on local peace processes and the role of social movements in challenging power dynamics.
• An in-depth discussion on the crucial role of women in peace processes, highlighting how their inclusion transforms power structures and outcomes.
• Stephen’s current PhD research on the differences between structured peace processes and broad-based social movements.
• Innovative methodologies used by Adapt Peacebuilding to empower local communities to create their own conflict solutions.

This episode offers a profound look at the evolving landscape of international peacebuilding, emphasising the need for innovative, inclusive, and adaptive strategies in addressing modern conflicts.

Links

• Adapt Peacebuilding: https://adaptpeacebuilding.org/
• Adapt Peacebuilding podcast: https://adaptpeacebuilding.org/podcast/
• Stephen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-the-gray/

Bookmarks

• Introduction to the Conflict Tipping Podcast – [00:00:00]
• Stephen’s Journey into Peacebuilding – [00:01:04]
• PhD Research and Myanmar’s Peace Process – [00:06:07]
• The Role of Women in Peace Processes – [00:12:56]
• Defining Peace and Its Challenges – [00:18:07]
• Challenges in Peacebuilding Funding – [00:22:05]
• Adapt Peacebuilding’s Approach – [00:28:43]
• Innovations in Peacebuilding – [00:30:10]
• Personal Reflections and Inspirations – [00:32:16]
• Conclusion and Contact Information – [00:39:04]

Laura May, PhD

Laura is a freelancer, former Executive Director of the International Mediation Institute and a negotiation and mediation lecturer.  Her doctoral research asked “in what ways does blame make villains in politics” and covered the gamut from literature studies and linguistics to psychology and neuroscience, victimology to political science.  Her expertise includes emotions,… MORE