Seminar Series
Each year, the WPF hosts a number of closed-door research seminars that bring leading experts from around the world to share their research and engage in focused discussion with a small group of colleagues. Designed to stimulate innovative thought, these seminars provide a rich environment for the exchange of ideas on issues that will help WPF reinvent peace.
Research Projects
Justice and Security Research Program
In partnership with the London School of Economics, this research program explores patronage markets and hybrid political orders: how fragile and conflict-ridden countries really function in fragile and conflict affected states.
How Mass Atrocities End
Most research on ending mass violence takes a normative turn, dictating what international actors ought to do to facilitate the termination of violence. This research project starts from the study of empirical evidence of how mass atrocities have ended and explores key questions: who defines an ending and how is it recognized? What factors contribute to cessation of atrocities? And what is the relationship between an ending and the production of new socio-political dynamics?
Peace and security
African Union High-Level Implementation Panel for Sudan
The AU High-Level Implementation Panel on Sudan was established by the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and is headed by three former African Presidents, Thabo Mbeki (South Africa), Abdulsalami Abubaker (Nigeria) and Pierre Buyoya (Burundi). WPF Executive Director Alex de Waal is a Senior Advisor to the Panel. Pictured is Alex de Waal with the Chairman of the AU High Level Panel, President Thabo Mbeki, in Ain Saro, Darfur, with SLA Commander Ali Haroun.
Human Rights and Justice
African Union Human Rights Memorial
The new African Union headquarters building stands on the site of the former Addis Ababa central prison, known as Alem Bekagn (“farewell to the world”). In recognition of the thousands of people who perished at this site, and the millions of other survivors and victims of human rights abuses in Africa, including genocide, the AU has resolved to establish a permanent memorial on the site, and to hold regular commemorative events. Pictured is the inner courtyard of the former central prison in Addis Ababa, known as Alem Bekagn, during the Dergue Era, 1975-1987 (courtesy of the Ethiopia Red Terror Research and Documentation Center).
Student Opportunities
The WPF offers several opportunities for Fletcher School students to work with us: as research assistants aiding with communications, organization, and project-based work, as well as teaching assistants associated with specific courses offered by WPF staff. The WPF also runs an annual student seminar competition, which invites student groups to conceptualize, organize and run a seminar with top experts from around the world on a topic of the students' choosing paid for by the WPF. Learn more.