The “Bavarian Centre for Peace and Conflict Research: Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions” (BZeFK), set up in 2022, has been awarded €925,000 by the BMFTR for two more years (2026–2028). Coordinated at the University of Bayreuth, BZeFK studies how societies contest interpretations of the past and present during periods of change to shape the future. The network particularly seeks to expand regional and interdisciplinary cooperation in peace and conflict research by integrating approaches from sociology, history, international relations, and political science.

The dynamics of these disputes and their implications for peace are investigated in timely case studies — for example, in struggles over Ukraine’s position, climate change, the reckoning with sexualized violence, and the responsibility of arms manufacturers for violence. The network members also situate current conflicts in historical perspective, e.g. by examining the collapse of the Soviet Union and its consequences for the European peace order. „Thereby, the research network significantly contributes to international academic debates while also providing impetus for societal and policy advice in these times of rapid change, enabled by closer regional and interdisciplinary collaboration,“ says Prof. Dr. Jana Hönke (BZeFK project leader and Chair for Sociology in Africa at the University of Bayreuth).

Dynamics of meaning struggles and their effects on political change

The BZeFK network is funded by the BMFTR for strengthening and further developing peace and conflict research in Germany. It aims to promote interdisciplinarity, methodological pluralism, and knowledge transfer to politics and society. To this end, the network brings together scholars from political science, history, international relations, sociology, and peace research.

In the first funding phase (2022–2026), coordinated by PD Dr. Florian Kühn (Universities of Bayreuth and Gothenburg) and Dr. Jan Sändig (University of Bayreuth), the BZeFK researchers developed an innovative approach. It reconstructs how meaning struggles unfold, analyses their relationship to violence, and reflects the (self-)positioning of scholars. At the core is a praxeological perspective that does not view actions in isolation but situates the discursive struggles in their temporal and ideational context. The network’s research shows how interpretive struggles do not necessarily lead to violence but often result in regulated conflict management – linked to multidimensional understandings of justice that need to be politically negotiated.

In the new funding phase, the Bayreuth team will continue to coordinate the network and participates via three subprojects: In a subproject on struggles over climate change, Prof. Dr. Jana Hönke and Dr. Jan Sändig examine the role and influence of Ugandan climate activists on transnational civil society and international climate policy debates. A further subproject, led by PD Dr. Julia Eichenberg and Prof. Dr. Jana Hönke, analyses debates on the responsibility of arms manufacturers for violence committed with their weapons. Moreover, PD Dr. Florian P. Kühn deepens his research on the role of ambiguity in political conflict using Ukraine’s ambiguous positioning between Europe and Russia.

At the University of Augsburg, Prof. Dr. Christoph Weller is leading a subproject that addresses discursive struggles regarding sexual violence against children and youths. The project aims to uncover the tensions, conflict settings, and interactions within these debates, focusing on the attribution of responsibility, societal norms, and social and institutional practices. It will illustrate how societies negotiate responsibility in this context and how political responses have (or have not) been implemented.

At the IfZ in Munich, Prof. Dr. Isabel Heinemann (the new director of IfZ), Prof. Dr. Andreas Wirsching (former IfZ director), and Dr. Christian Methfessel are involved in the research network. Christian Methfessel will continue his research from the initial funding phase, focusing on the collapse of the Soviet Union and the interpretations of international order following the Cold War. This subproject specifically analyzes British and German positions regarding the renegotiation of international norms – such as territorial integrity, the right to self-determination, and minority rights – in response to the violent disintegration of the multi-ethnic Yugoslav Federation.

Fostering regional and interdisciplinary structures in peace and conflict research

The BZeFK strengthens regional networking and institutional development in peace and conflict research across Bavaria and beyond. Its researchers are also Fellows of the Bavarian Scientific Alliance for Peace, Conflict and Security Research (FoKS), of which the University of Bayreuth is a founding member and continues to participate in the steering committee. Funded by the Bavarian Ministry of Science, the alliance offers outreach, policy advice, networking events, and teaching support.

In the city of Augsburg, known for its commitment to peace (“Friedensstadt Augsburg”), the project partners support the newly established Transferzentrum Frieden Augsburg. It offers public events, targeted training programs, and networking activities.

Bayreuth’s BZeFK members also take part in the UBT Peace and Conflict Research Network, which has linked peace and conflict researchers at the University of Bayreuth in a new research focus since late 2022. The network runs the Bayreuth Peace Talks lecture series, outreach activities, early-career workshops, and teaching support, and coordinates research projects at Bayreuth that, for instance, investigate cross-border dynamics of violence and peace-building. This strengthens local activities for fostering peace and conflict research while also ensuring that insights and impulses from the BZeFK are transferred into policy advice and public debates.

(Adapted version, based on the press release by the University of Bayreuth)

Der Beitrag Extension of the regional network “Bavarian Centre for Peace and Conflict Research” erschien zuerst auf Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions.

Promoting peace as part of urban culture – the Chair of Political Science, Peace and Conflict Research at the University of Augsburg also contributes to this effort. That is why the latest episode of “Augsburg direkt” centers around peace, as discussed by Mayor Eva Weber and Prof. Dr. Christoph Weller.

What does it actually mean to be a Peace City – beyond ceremonial occasions? How can peace be lived, researched, and translated into practice in everyday life? Why is this particularly exciting in Augsburg? How has our understanding of peace changed? And what is the new Transfer Center Peace Augsburg all about?

In the conversation between Weber and Weller, the focus is on the potential of constructive conflict resolution and where it is needed within an urban society. They explore how academic research and practical action work hand in hand to promote peace as a part of diverse urban culture – and how the Transfer Center Peace Augsburg connects the university and the city in Augsburg, the Peace City.

The Chair of Political Science, Peace and Conflict Research at the University of Augsburg, headed by Prof. Dr. Christoph Weller, is a member of the research network Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions.

Der Beitrag Peace and conflict researcher Christoph Weller in conversation with Mayor Eva Weber at the “Augsburg direkt” podcast (in German) erschien zuerst auf Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions.

Background on AFK

The German Association for Peace and Conflict Research (AFK) was founded in 1968 as a German scientific association of peace and conflict researchers from all academic disciplines. The AFK currently has over 300 members and is represented by the board and the twelve-member team.

The AFK promotes research that contributes to a deeper understanding of the causes, forms and consequences of war and peace and thus aims to provide the basis for peace-oriented political practice. In addition, it supports (where possible interdisciplinary) cooperation between academics by setting up working groups on peace and conflict research topics. It also represents the concerns of the peace and conflict research community in science funding bodies, in public and in politics.

More on AFK

Der Beitrag AFK Statement on Academic Freedom erschien zuerst auf Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions.

A central part of the event is the unveiling of a new commemorative plaque next to the existing Welser plaque on Annastraße. The new plaque highlights the violence tied to these early colonial ventures: including the enslavement of 4,578 Africans and the killing of thousands of Indigenous people. It offers a much-needed counterpoint to the one-sided glorification of the Welsers’ role in history.

Traces of Colonialism in Augsburg

The day begins with a colonial history walking tour organized by the Werkstatt Solidarische Welt. The tour explores how Augsburg—from Roman times to today’s global consumer society—has repeatedly been embedded in global power and exploitation systems.

Following the tour, artists Magda Agudelo and Adelheid Schulz present their lecture performance “Intersecciones II”at Moritzplatz. This artistic and historical performance reflects on the Welsers’ colonial legacy in Latin America and connects it to contemporary questions of global justice.

Shaping Memory – Toward a Postcolonial City of Peace

The event is part of the project “Struggles over Meaning in the Coloniality of Peace” within the Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions research network. The aim is to promote a critical culture of remembrance that makes colonial entanglements visible and takes historical responsibility seriously.

The event is open to all who are interested in postcolonial perspectives, global justice, and new approaches to collective memory.

Further information about the event can be found here.

Der Beitrag From El Dorado to Augsburg: Making Colonial History Visible erschien zuerst auf Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions.

Summary

The global conflict situation has intensified further in the past year: the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine as well as military coups and jihadist violence in Africa have claimed tens of thousands of victims. Military interventions in conflicts, on the other hand, have shown little success, and the fight against poverty and hunger is also faltering. Extremist movements are also putting pressure on democracies around the world. The Peace Report 2024 recommends initial steps to break through spirals of violence and address the causes of conflict.

To the report (summary)

The Peace Report is the joint yearbook of the German institutes of peace and conflict research (BICC, IFSH, INEF, PRIF). It has been published annually since 1987. Researchers from various disciplines investigate the realities of conflicts in various countries around the world. Their analyses are the basis for the Editors’ Statement, which summarizes and assesses the results and formulates policy recommendations for peace and security policy in Germany and Europe.

Copyright picture and abstract: friedensgutachten.de, [transcript] Verlag

Der Beitrag Peace Report 2024 released erschien zuerst auf Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions.

The German Foundation for Peace Research (DSF) awards funding to support research projects that deal with the effects of the climate crisis on peace and security. Smaller projects (like pilot projects and conferences) can be applied for at any time, while applications for larger cooperation and profile projects are subject to deadlines.

The funding line is aimed at scientists from various disciplines who work in peace and conflict research. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is supporting the call for proposals (750,000€).

To access the call for proposals, click here.

Further info can be accessed here (in German)

Der Beitrag New funding opportunity: “Responses to the climate crisis” (DSF) erschien zuerst auf Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions.

As part of the Bavarian Scientific Alliance for Peace, Conflict and Security Research, two full-time (40h/week) positions as Academic Coordinator (m/f/d) for 3 years are to be filled at the University of Regensburg as soon as possible. The positions are suitable for part-time work. Remuneration is according to TV-L EG 13.

For details see the job advertisement.

BACKGROUND

The BMBF network Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions (“Deutungskämpfe im Übergang”/Bayerisches Zentrum für Friedens- und Konfliktforschung) is involved in the Scientific Alliance via the Chair for Sociology in Africa at the University of Bayreuth and via the FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg.

Der Beitrag CfA – Scientific Coordinator for Peace, Conflict and Security Research (2x, 100%, Uni Regensburg) erschien zuerst auf Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions.

The cooperation – Bayerische Wissenschaftsallianz für Friedens-, Konflikt- und Sicherheitsforschung – involves the Universities of Bayreuth, Regensburg, and Erlangen-Nuremberg, the University of the Federal Armed Forces Munich, and the Munich School of Philosophy. It is supported by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts and by Universität Bayern e.V.

In these turbulent times, the issues of social cohesion, peace, and security have become all the more important. The interdisciplinary alliance will therefore strengthen and institutionalize networking between the participating universities and create synergies in cooperation. “It is only through interdisciplinary collaboration and networking of the brightest minds in Bavaria that answer can be given on the current pressing issues and that a contribution to global security can be made”, expressed Prof. Stefan Leible (President of the University of Bayreuth and Chair person of Universität Bayern e.V.).

Drawing on the expertise of leading researchers from various disciplines, the alliance will play an important role in making Bavaria a center of excellent research in this field. Its head office will be based at the Munich School of Philosophy.

The alliance’s scientific steering group comprises renowned colleagues from the participating universities: Prof. Heiner Bielefeldt (FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg), Prof. Jana Hönke (University of Bayreuth), Michael Reder (Munich School of Philosophy), Prof. Stefan Stetter (University of the Federal Armed Forces Munich), and Dr. Cindy Wittke (University of Regensburg).

Our Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions research network is part of the alliance via the Universities of Bayreuth and the FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg and via Prof. Jana Hönke who is part of the scientific sterring group.

(Picture: Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Wissenschaft und Kunst)

Der Beitrag Newly founded – Bavarian Scientific Alliance for Peace, Conflict, and Security Research erschien zuerst auf Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions.

As a research associate at the University of Bayreuth and a doctoral student within the Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions network, he is conducting research on the topics of nationalism, anti-Semitism, and the Freikorps. His dissertation project examines the question why the (Franconian) Freikorps and government troops unleashed violence in Munich in May 1919, which has since been known as the “White Terror.”

Link to the poster in the virtual poster exhibition of the Gerda Henkel Foundation

To Alexander’s profile at the Institute for Franconian Regional History

Der Beitrag Poster – doctoral thesis by Alexander Schwarz erschien zuerst auf Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions.

©”Resume free icon” by Freepik, Flaticon

Der Beitrag Stellenausschreibung: Wiss. Koordinator*innen für Friedens-, Konflikt- und Sicherheitsforschung (2x, 100%, Augsburg/München) erschien zuerst auf Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions.