During her talk, Hanna Israel discussed ways to reduce societal divisions. As the former director of the international dialogue platform My Country Talks (2020–2024), she shared insights into the innovative project that brings people with opposing views together – what she calls a kind of “Tinder for politics.” The goal: break down prejudices and bridge political gaps.

Hosted by Prof. Jana Hönke (University of Bayreuth) and co-organized by the C³ Research Center (then the UBT Peace and Conflict Research Network) at the University of Bayreuth, the BMFTR regional network Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions, and the FoKS Alliance.

Recording and editing: Niclas Boenki (Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions).

Der Beitrag Event video – Hanna Israel on Political Polarization (Bayreuth Peace Talks) erschien zuerst auf Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions.

Lecture and discussion Lina Benabdallah
Associate Professor of Politics and International Affairs, Wake Forest University, North Carolina (USA)

December 10, 2025 | 16:15-17:45 CET | Kongressraum, Forschungszentrum Afrika (FZA), University of Bayreuth & Livestream

South-South Cooperation has always been a space of resistance to dominant power forms and collective agency for Global South. Today, in a moment of significant structural power changes with the retreat of traditional powers from the international development scene and the emergence of even more players from within the Global South as serious partners in development, South-South cooperation is even more at the center of politics. However, at a moment when countries such as China, India, and Brazil, and South Africa are battling to keep their domestic economies afloat amidst global tariffs and trade barriers imposed by the US, it is also a challenging time for South-South cooperation from a practical sense. As such, it is important to dig deeper into reflections about whether in today’s geopolitical moment South-South cooperation is truly a path of alterity for Global South states or is it indelibly caught in extractive and exploitative competition over resources and markets?

Hosted by Jana Hönke, Professor, Chair for Sociology in Africa, University of Bayreuth
Bayreuth Peace Talks, co-organized with the Postcolonial Hierarchies network (supported by the BMFTR)

Access the livestream here

Meeting-ID (Teams): 355 441 983 207 63 | Passcode: q3nM6t4t

Der Beitrag Lecture by Lina Benabdallah: “Whither Solidarity? The Global South between Fragmentation and Shifting Architectures of Power” (Bayreuth & Livestream, 10 December) erschien zuerst auf Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions.

Around 40 interested citizens listened to the lecture, in which Hanna Israel impressively demonstrated the potential of personal one-to-one conversations between divergent voices. As the former head of the international dialog platform My Country Talks (2020-2024), she gave insights into the innovative project that brings people with opposing views together – “Tinder for politics”, as she herself puts it. The aim: to break down prejudices and bridge political divides.

In her lecture, she presented, among other things, scientific findings that show how direct conversations can reduce affective polarization. It also became clear how important constructive journalism is, which does not focus on exaggeration but on solution-oriented reporting – for example in the context of conflicts such as in Gaza or Ukraine.

The subsequent discussion, moderated by Prof. Dr. Jana Hönke (member of the research association Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions), enabled a lively debate on the topic. Participants took the opportunity to ask questions and contribute their own perspectives – critical voices were also heard.

With events like this, the Bayreuth Peace Talks continue to contribute to strengthening social dialog and give an important voice to the topics of peace and conflict research in Bavaria.

Listen to the event recording (in German) here:

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All news, events and projects from the network can be found here.

Der Beitrag Event recap: Bayreuth Peace Talks – Political polarization and the power of dialogue erschien zuerst auf Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions.

In her talk, freelance journalist Hanna Israel will explore the potential of bringing together people with opposing political beliefs in one-on-one conversations. She will also present scientific findings that accompanied these encounters. A key focus will be whether such dialogues can reduce affective polarization and what role journalism can play in healing political rifts.

The subsequent discussion, moderated by Prof. Dr. Jana Hönke (University of Bayreuth), will also explore the possibilities of solutions-oriented reporting on conflicts such as those in Gaza or Ukraine—reporting that aims for constructive dialogue rather than sensationalist polarization.

The event will take place on July 17, 2025, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at the Black Box in RW21, Bayreuth City Library/VHS (Richard-Wagner-Straße 21) and will be held in German; Free admission.

The public is warmly invited, and active participation in the discussion is highly encouraged.

Bayreuth Peace Talks in cooperation with the Bavarian Scientific Alliance for Peace, Conflict, and Security Research (FoKS).

Take a look at what else exciting is happening in our research network here.

Der Beitrag Invitation to public lecture on Political Polarization (Bayreuth Peace Talks, in German) erschien zuerst auf Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions.

The evening began with a lecture by Dr. Alexander Korb from the Memorium Nürnberger Prozesse, in which he presented new perspectives on the study of Bavarian judicial history in the 20th century. In the subsequent discussion, moderated by PD Dr. Julia Eichenberg, the interaction between microhistorical approaches and macrohistorical developments was explored. The conversation highlighted the insights that can be gained from this connection for understanding the early postwar period.

Afterwards, visitors once again had the opportunity to engage in conversation with the students who played a key role in the conception and implementation of the exhibition. In personal guided tours, they provided in-depth insights into the creation, thematic focus, and design decisions behind the exhibition. Already at the opening, the students had presented their work to interested guests and were available for questions and discussions.

For more information on current and upcoming events organized by our network, click here.

Photo credit: Tom Zimmermann / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Der Beitrag Closing event special exhibition – Leben im Umbruch. Bayern 1918-1925. Zwischen Demokratie, Selbstbestimmung und Gewalt. erschien zuerst auf Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions.

Holocaust-Erinnerung, Antisemitismus und Nahostkonflikt. Überlegungen zur gegenwärtigen Debatte in Deutschland

Vortrag von Prof. Dr. Jacob Eder (Barenboim-Said Akademie, Berlin)

24.6.2025 | 18:00 | Senatssaal im Kollegienhaus, Universitätsstr. 15, Erlangen

Seit dem 7. Oktober 2023 wird die Debatte über den Nahostkonflikt in Deutschland mit neuer Vehemenz geführt, gerade auch an Universitäten. Prof. Dr. Jacob Eder lehrt Geschichte an der Barenboim-Said Akademie in Berlin – einer Musikhochschule, an der sich junge Musiker*innen aus arabischen Ländern, aus Israel und dem Rest der Welt begegnen. In seinem Vortrag analysiert er die Narrative, die diese deutsche Debatte über die historische und politische Legitimität der Ansprüche, Politiken und Handlungen Israels und Palästinas prägen.

Veranstaltet vom Lehrstuhl Neueste Geschichte und Zeitgeschichte (FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg) im Rahmen des Forschungsverbundes „Deutungskämpfe im Übergang“, gemeinsam mit dem Bayerischen Orientkolloquium und den „Bayreuth Peace Talks on Tour“

Der Beitrag Invitation to the talk: Jacob Eder on Holocaust Remembrance, Anti-Semitism, and the Middle East conflict“ (in German, 24.6.) erschien zuerst auf Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions.

Regional Shifts and the Aftermath of the Gaza War

On 13 May 2025, Prof. Chatterjee delivered a public lecture as part of the Bayreuth Peace Talks series. Titled Exit Wounds – Aftershocks of the Gaza Conflict in Levantine Middle East, the talk focused on the long-term consequences of the Gaza war that began in October 2023. He thoroughly analyzed the shifting dynamics involving Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and Israel, while also highlighting the growing uncertainties across the region.

Although some commentators expressed cautious optimism about renewed stability, Chatterjee urged for restraint. According to him, the conflict had left behind numerous “exit wounds” — unresolved issues with the potential to ignite further unrest. Among these are Syria’s stalled reconstruction, Lebanon’s political deadlock, Gaza’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, and the fragile nature of nuclear negotiations with Iran. The lecture concluded with a Q&A session moderated by Prof. Paula Schrode, which allowed for direct and enriching interaction with the audience.

Workshop on Conflict, Language, and Political Ideology with Chatterjee

On 15 May, Prof. Chatterjee joined PhD candidates and postdocs for an engaging workshop titled Language, Ideology, and the Dynamics of Conflict: Unpacking Political Behaviour. Together, they explored how language shapes conflict and influences political behavior across various contexts.

Throughout the day, participants presented their ongoing research projects, received constructive feedback, and discussed a wide range of empirical and theoretical challenges. Moreover, the small-group format fostered an open and informal environment that encouraged candid dialogue. As a result, participants walked away with valuable insights, new perspectives, and meaningful academic connections.

We sincerely thank Prof. Kingshuk Chatterjee for sharing his knowledge on conflict, language and the Middle East. Likewise, we appreciate all participants for their active engagement and thoughtful contributions.

Der Beitrag Recap: Kingshuk Chatterjee’s insights on Conflict, Language, and the Middle East erschien zuerst auf Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions.

During the event, Dr. Alexander Korb (Memorium Nürnberger Prozesse) will give a lecture on the topic: “Zwischen Revolution und Restauration: Das Recht in Bayern, 1918-1924”, hosted by PD Dr. Julia Eichenberg (University of Bayreuth). The event will take place in German, please find the invitation below.

Wir laden herzlich ein zur Finissage mit Vortrag:

“Zwischen Revolution und Restauration: Das Recht in Bayern, 1918-1924”

21.5.2025 | 18:00 Uhr | Historisches Museum Bayreuth, Kirchplatz 4

Referent: Dr. Alexander Korb (Memorium Nürnberger Prozesse)

Moderation: PD Dr. Julia Eichenberg (Universität Bayreuth)

Der Vortrag von Dr. Alexander Korb ist die Abschlussveranstaltung der Ausstellung “Leben im Umbruch. Bayern 1918 – 1925. Zwischen Demokratie, Selbstbestimmung und Gewalt“.

Im Anschluss an den Vortrag wird eine Führung durch die Ausstellung angeboten.

Die Veranstaltung wird organisiert vom BMBF-geförderten Verbund “Deutungskämpfe im Übergang“, in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Institut für Fränkische Landesgeschichte (IFLG) und dem UBT Peace and Conflict Research Network.

Keine Anmeldung erforderlich.

Der Beitrag “Zwischen Revolution und Restauration” (Between Revolution and Restoration) erschien zuerst auf Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions.

„Exit Wounds: Aftershocks of the Gaza Conflict in Levantine Middle East“

Lecture by our guest researcher Kingshuk Chatterjee (Professor of History, Calcutta University)

13.5.2025 | 18:15-19:45 | H27, GWII, University of Bayreuth

The outrage of 7th October 2023 committed by Hamas, followed by Israeli reprisals, had at one stage raised the prospect of a wider regional war involving satellites propped up by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Having an ambivalent USA underwriting the military security of Israel, Tel Aviv went about dismantling any military apparatus it considered a potential threat. With Hamas and Hizballah pummelled badly and even Iranian air defences compromised by direct attacks in October 2024, Israel was on a roll by the time Donald Trump was sworn in for his second term. There is a very gentle hint of optimism in some sections of the US media with respect to the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East that is becoming increasingly difficult to miss – nowhere more so than with respect to recently-resumed negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme. A casual observer could be forgiven for thinking that the Middle East is on the verge of being reshaped to a point there would be little prospect of future conflict.

The proposed talk suggests a tempering of the enthusiasm as being in order. It argues that the ongoing Gaza conflict has accidentally opened up a number of exit-wounds, which have the potential of ushering in an even bigger period of instability than the region has witnessed since 9/11. It evaluates the risk of rebuilding Syria from the ruins of the civil war, stopping the unravelling of Lebanon, letting Gaza smoulder and fixing the Iranian nuclear issue – all at the same time.

Moderator Paula Schrode (Professor for the Study of Religion, University of Bayreuth)

Free, no registration required | Bayreuth Peace Talks

Der Beitrag Invitation – Lecture by Kingshuk Chatterjee on the regional consequences of the Gaza Conflict (13 May 2025, Bayreuth) erschien zuerst auf Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions.

07.05.2025, Stadtbücherei (S-Forum, Ernst-Reuter-Platz 1, Augsburg)

Perspektiven der Friedens- und Konfliktforschung auf das Thema „Frieden risikieren?“

Prof. Dr. Christoph Weller, Universität Augsburg

14.05.2025, Augustana-Saal (Im Annahof 4, Augsburg)

Ist Frieden kolonial? Erinnerungspolitik und Frieden in dekolonialer Perspektive

Christina Pauls, M.A., Universität Augsburg

11.06.2025, Augustana-Saal (Im Annahof 4, Augsburg)

Frieden schaffen ohne Kompromisse? Zur Ehrenrettung einer Technik der Konfliktregelung mit schlechtem Ruf

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Willems, Universität Münster

18.06.2025, Augustana-Saal (Im Annahof 4, Augsburg)

Friedensschutz durch Strafrecht? Eine juristische Perspektive

Prof. Dr. Johannes Kaspar, Universität Augsburg

25.06.2025, Kulturhaus Kresslesmühle (Barfüßerstraße 4, Augsburg)

Erinnerung, Politik und Macht nach dem Völkermord in Ruanda

Prof. Dr. Timothy Williams, Universität der Bundeswehr München

02.07.2025, Augustanasaal (Im Annahof 4, Augsburg)

Vorstellung des „Friedensgutachtens 2025“

Dr. Claudia Baumgart-Ochse, Leibniz-Institut für Friedens- und Konfliktforschung (PRIF), Frankfurt a.M.

09.07.2025, Augustana-Saal (Im Annahof 4, Augsburg)

Hat der „gerechte Frieden“ ausgedient? Aktuelle Kontroversen protestantischer Friedensethik

Prof. Dr. Bernd Oberdorfer, Universität Augsburg

Der Beitrag Upcoming lecture series “Frieden riskieren?” as part of the 2025 Augsburg Friedensfest (in German) erschien zuerst auf Conflicts.Meanings.Transitions.