The Conflict Tipping Podcast

Creating spaces for transformation with Prabha Sankaranarayan [Ep. 41]

Inside Conflict Transformation with MBBI's Prabha Sankaranarayan
Host Laura May speaks with Prabha Sankaranarayan, president and CEO of Mediators Beyond Borders International, on her journey spanning child advocacy to conflict mediation. Recorded in June 2024 and including discussion of societal conflict in the United States, this episode has become even more relevant today.
The episode starts with an exploration of Prabha's transition from therapy to mediation, her commitment to creating spaces for transformation, and the formation of the Trust Network to build a peace infrastructure in the U.S. Prabha emphasizes the importance of community, ongoing self-awareness, and the global shift towards pluralistic cultures. The conversation concludes with an invitations for listeners to get involved in transformative conflict work.
Useful links:
mediatorsbeyondborders.org
thetrustnetwork.net
Prabha's LinkedIn
Time stamps:
00:00 Introduction 01:15 Prabha's Career Journey10:45 Personal Influences and Family Background14:16 Activism and Early Influences19:03 The Importance of Community and Collective Efforts26:00 Self-Awareness and Continuous Practice33:18 Building a National Peace Infrastructure42:02 How to Get Involved

Violent conflict "Disarmed" with Fleur Ravensbergen [Ep. 40]

In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast we welcome Fleur Ravensbergen, mediator, author, and co-founder of the Dialogue Advisory Group. Fleur shares stories and lessons from her work mediating violent armed conflicts in some of the world’s most challenging regions, including Northern Ireland, Iraq, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Her book Disarmed, newly available in English, provides a rare glimpse into the important work of facilitating dialogue in violent conflict zones.
Highlights:
Why Fleur decided to write a book about her experiences in peace mediation and the challenges of maintaining confidentiality while telling these stories.
The story of a surprising act of cooperation during a dialogue in Iraq and how it saved lives, illustrating the hidden impacts of mediation.
How gender norms can shape the opportunities and challenges of being a mediator
The differences between facilitating dialogues in violent conflict zones and mediating workplace or political disputes.
Fleur’s perspective on the current challenges facing the peacebuilding field, including funding issues and shifts in global dynamics.
Practical and inspiring guidance for those looking to contribute to the field of conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
Links:
Disarmed: From IRA to IS: My Life as a Peace Negotiator by Fleur Ravensbergen is available in English and in Dutch, on Amazon or wherever you buy good books.
Fleur's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fleur-ravensbergen/
Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:01:16] Writing Disarmed
[00:05:34] A moment of generosity during dialogue in Iraq
[00:16:19] Mediating violent conflict and gender norms
[00:27:08] Public and political mediations vs armed conflict mediation
[00:34:21] Is peacebuilding in crisis?
[00:46:02] Advice for aspiring peacemakers
[00:53:00] Where to buy Disarmed
This episode offers insights into the often unseen work of peace mediation and the transformative power of dialogue in violent conflict.

The New Empire of AI with Dr Rachel Adams [Ep. 39]

In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, host Laura May welcomes Dr Rachel Adams, founder and CEO of the Global Center on AI Governance and author of The New Empire of AI: The Future of Global Inequality. Rachel’s book explores how AI is reshaping global inequalities and examines its historical ties to colonialism. Together, Laura and Rachel explore the complexities of AI governance, the AI divide, and the ethical challenges facing emerging technologies.
Key Highlights:
[00:00:00] Rachel’s journey into AI and governance: From her PhD on transparency and surveillance to becoming a global thought leader on AI governance, Rachel shares her professional journey.
[00:05:10] Why isn't AI transparent?: What makes AI systems so complex and why transparency in AI remains a critical and elusive goal.
[00:08:16] AI, inequality, and colonialism: How AI’s development and supply chains echo historical patterns of extraction and exploitation, and its disproportionate impact on the Global South.
[00:18:21] The AI divide: Examining the stark disparities in access to AI technologies and their benefits, and the resulting social and economic inequalities.
[00:23:26] Who does the work, and where?: Exploring the human cost of AI production, from data labelling to e-waste, and the economic challenges for workers in the Global South.
[00:28:36] AI governance and policy-makers: The need for international regulation, capacity-building in the Global South/Global Majority Countries, and empowering oversight institutions to create fairer systems.
[00:36:35] What can we do to help?: Concrete steps for individuals to support more equitable AI development and the importance of raising awareness about AI’s impact on global inequality.
[00:40:53] Where to learn more?: Connect with Rachel--and buy her book!
Links:
The New Empire of AI: The Future of Global Inequality by Rachel Adams (Polity Press): Available Here (Polity Press), Amazon US (hardback releasing January 2025, Kindle already available), Amazon UK (hardback releasing November 22), Waterstones
Global Center on AI Governance: globalcenter.ai
African Observatory on Responsible AI: africanobservatory.ai
Follow Rachel on LinkedIn and Twitter/X
Key Takeaway: Dr Rachel Adams argues that AI’s inequalities cannot be fully understood without recognising their roots in colonialism. Her book challenges us to rethink AI’s role in society and invites us to join the conversation about building a more equitable future.

"Making Friends Among the Taliban" with Ankur Delight [Ep. 38]

"Making Friends Among the Taliban" with Ankur Delight
In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, host Laura May is joined by returning guest Ankur Delight, mediator and founder of a funk collective, to discuss Making Friends Among the Taliban by Jonathan Larson. The book tells the story of Dan Terry, a Methodist missionary who dedicated his life to development work, building relationships and trust in Afghanistan.
Highlights:
Learn how Dan's lack of judgment and dedication to finding common ground allowed him to build bridges with communities that held vastly different beliefs, all in pursuit of shared goals like clean water access.
Ankur reflects on the deep lessons of perseverance, optimism, and non-judgment that come from Terry’s life and work, and how these lessons have inspired him in his own journey.
Links:
Ankur's podcast, 10k heroes: http://10kh.show/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankurdelight/
His website: https://tenthousandheroes.club/

Rwanda's Gacaca courts and gender-based violence with Dr Judith Rafferty [Ep. 37]

Rwanda’s Gacaca Courts and Gender-Based Violence with Dr Judith Rafferty
In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, host Laura May speaks with Dr Judith Rafferty, an expert mediator and researcher, about the complex role of Rwanda’s Gacaca courts in addressing sexual violence in the aftermath of the Rwandan Genocide. Dr Rafferty draws on her extensive experience and research to explore how these community-based justice mechanisms handled gender-based violence cases and whether they met the justice needs of survivors.
Key Highlights:
Dr Rafferty’s Journey into Sexual Violence Research: Discover what led Dr Rafferty to focus on conflict-related sexual violence, beginning with her work in the Central African Republic and her exposure to informal justice systems.
Understanding the Gacaca Courts: Learn about the history and purpose of Rwanda’s Gacaca courts, traditional community-based justice processes that were reimagined to address the aftermath of the genocide.
Sexual Violence in the Gacaca Courts: Dr Rafferty explains how sexual violence cases were eventually incorporated into the Gacaca system, and the challenges this brought for victim-survivors.
Justice Needs of Survivors: Explore the justice needs identified in Dr Rafferty’s research, including safety, validation, and perpetrator accountability, and how the Gacaca courts succeeded or fell short in meeting these needs.
Social Cohesion and Healing: A discussion on whether the Gacaca courts were able to foster societal healing and reintegration for survivors of sexual violence, and the ongoing challenges faced by survivors today.
This episode provides valuable insights into the intersection of traditional justice systems, gender-based violence, and post-conflict recovery in Rwanda.
Links:
TEDx Talk: When Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word. But I Don’t Care | Judith Herrmann
3-Minute Thesis: Judith Rafferty for Conflict Management and Resolution
Policy Brief: Sexual Violence After Genocide
Journal Article: Justice Interests of Female Victim-Survivors of Sexual Violence in Gacaca
Article: Interviewing Rwandan Survivors of Sexual Violence
Critical Analysis: Transitional Justice Measures in Gacaca
Full Citations:
Herrmann, J. (2017). When sorry seems to be the hardest word, but I don’t care. TEDxJCUCairns. Link to TEDx Talk
Rafferty, J., & Fox, N. (2023). Sexual violence after genocide. Policy Brief. International Association of Genocide Scholars. Link to Policy Brief
Rafferty, J. (2018). "I wanted them to be punished or at least ask us for forgiveness”: Justice interests of female victim-survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and their experiences with Gacaca. Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal, 12(3), 95–118. Link to Article
Herrmann, J. (2017). Experiences, challenges, and lessons learned; interviewing Rwandan survivors of sexual violence. Griffith Journal of Law & Human Dignity, 5(1), 165–188. Link to Article
Herrmann, J. (2012). A critical analysis of the transitional justice measures incorporated by Rwandan Gacaca and their effectiveness. James Cook University Law Review, 19, 90–112. Link to Article
Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:01:08] What drew Judith to study sexual violence?
[00:08:35] What were the Gacaca Courts?
[00:14:31] Rape and the Gacaca trials
[00:19:28] Protecting victims in Gacaca
[00:23:50] Outcomes for victims?
[00:29:19] Justice and outcome needs of victim-survivors
[00:34:55] Did Gacaca repair victims (enough)?
[00:41:42] Coping with the research
[00:44:22] Where to learn more about Judith's work

Reframing Peace Mediation with Dr Owen Frazer [Ep. 36]

Reframing Peace Mediation with Dr Owen Frazer: A Deep Dive into Conflict Transformation
In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, host Laura May engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr Owen Frazer, a seasoned conflict resolution expert and Senior Advisor for Conflict Transformation at Helvetas. Dr Frazer, with over two decades of experience and a new book titled Reframing Peace Mediation, shares invaluable insights into the art and science of mediation in conflict settings.
Key Highlights:
Dr Frazer's Journey and Motivation: From Belfast to becoming a leading voice in peace mediation, explore Owen's motivations and how his experiences shaped his approach to conflict resolution.
The Gaps in Mediation Literature: A critical look at the disconnect between academic research on mediation and practical, on-the-ground conflict resolution. Discover why Dr Frazer embarked on his PhD to bridge these gaps.
The El Salvador Peace Process: An in-depth exploration of Dr Frazer’s research on the 1989-1992 peace negotiations in El Salvador, focusing on the complexities of facilitative mediation and the power dynamics at play.
Framing in Mediation: Uncover Dr Frazer's innovative framework that explains how mediators can effectively influence outcomes through strategic framing actions—naming, claiming, and gaming.
The Role of Pragmatism in Peacebuilding: A discussion on how pragmatic decision-making impacts the longevity and acceptance of peace agreements, particularly in the context of political mediation.
Dr Frazer's Current Work: Insights into Owen’s current role at Helvetas, where he advises on conflict transformation across various contexts, from grassroots peacebuilding to navigating complex political landscapes.
This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the evolving practice of peace mediation and the intricate dance of framing that underpins successful conflict resolution.
Links:
Reframing Peace Mediation by Dr Owen Frazer: Routledge
Helvetas: Helvetas Official Site
Dr Owen Frazer's LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile
Timestamps:
Introduction and Welcome - [00:00:00]
Owen's Journey into Peace Mediation - [00:01:00]
Gaps in Mediation Literature - [00:02:00]
The El Salvador Peace Process - [00:06:00]
Framing in Mediation - [00:10:30]
Pragmatism in Peacebuilding - [00:30:00]
Dr Frazer’s Current Work at Helvetas - [00:35:33]
How to Get Involved in Conflict Transformation - [00:40:42]
Conclusion and Contact Information - [00:44:00]

Innovating 'peace' with Stephen Gray [Ep. 35]

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]

From Conflict to Convergence with Mariah Levison and Rob Fersh [Ep. 34]

Bridging Divides: Conflict Resolution with Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison
In this episode of the Conflict Tipping Podcast from Mediate.com, host Laura May interviews Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison about their work and their co-authored book, 'From Conflict to Convergence: Coming Together to Solve Tough Problems.' Rob, founder and senior advisor at Convergence, and Mariah, the president and CEO, discuss their extensive experience in conflict resolution, spanning policy differences and community mediation. They share powerful case studies from their book, including successful collaborations on healthcare and police-community relations. The episode includes the methodologies they use to foster trust, build relationships, and achieve consensus, as well as the challenges in convening people and implementing solutions. The conversation highlights the importance of collaborative leadership and offers practical advice for listeners dealing with conflicts in their own lives.
"From Conflict to Convergence" comes out on 30 July 2024, and you can order and pre-order it wherever you buy good books.
Convergence website: https://convergencepolicy.org/
Buy the book: https://convergencepolicy.org/from-conflict-to-convergence/
Rob's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-fersh-8b752314/
Mariah's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariah-levison-130b2716/
Chapters
00:00 Meet the Authors: Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison
01:33 Inspiration Behind 'From Conflict to Convergence'
05:01 The Emotional and Relational Approach to Conflict Resolution
08:06 Higher Ground Solutions: A New Mindset
10:19 Real-Life Stories of Conflict Resolution
17:24 Methodologies and Strategies for Conflict Resolution
24:59 Challenges and Future of Collaborative Problem Solving
About the guests
MARIAH LEVISON serves as the President and CEO at Convergence. Mariah uses a deep understanding of human relations to build trust and relationships across differences which lead to consensus-based solutions to complex and contentious issues. Prior to joining Convergence, Mariah led the Minnesota State Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution and has worked for several nonprofit dispute resolution centers. Additionally, Mariah has been teaching collaborative problem-solving for twenty years in settings ranging from community trainings to law schools to trainings for foreign governments.
ROBERT FERSH is the Founder and Senior Advisor of Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, which he started in 2009 to promote consensus solutions to issues of domestic importance. Convergence has successfully addressed a wide array of national and state level concerns including health care, K-12 education, incarceration, economic mobility, nutrition and wellness, and more. Previously, Rob served on the staffs of three Congressional committees, directed a national anti-hunger organization, and served as the U.S. country director for Search for Common Ground, an international conflict transformation organization.

Amanda Ripley's "High Conflict", with Ankur Delight [Ep. 33]

Join special guest Ankur Delight and Laura May as we review Amanda Ripley's book, "High Conflict".
Book blurb:
New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist Amanda Ripley investigates how good people get captured by high conflict—and how they break free.Our journey begins in California, where a world-renowned conflict expert struggles to extract himself from a political feud. Then we meet a Chicago gang leader who dedicates his life to a vendetta—only to find himself working beside the man who killed his childhood idol. Next, we travel to Colombia, to find out whether thousands of people can be nudged out of high conflict at scale. Finally, we return to America to see what happens when a group of liberal Manhattan Jews and conservative Michigan corrections officers choose to stay in each other’s homes in order to understand one another better.All these people, in dramatically different situations, were drawn into high conflict by similar forces, including conflict entrepreneurs, humiliation, and false binaries. But ultimately, all of them found ways to transform high conflict into something good, something that made them better people. They rehumanized and recatego­rized their opponents, and they revived curiosity and wonder, even as they continued to fight for what they knew was right.People do escape high conflict. Individuals—even entire communities—can short-circuit the feedback loops of outrage and blame, if they want to. This is a mind-opening new way to think about conflict that will transform how we move through the world.
 
Books, authors, and episodes mentioned
High Conflict, by Amanda Ripley
Ankur's podcast, 10k heroes: http://10kh.show/
George Lakoff, e.g. The Political Mind
Episode on Colombian conflict with Solveig Richter and Laura Camila Barrios: https://conflicttipping.podbean.com/e/reincorporating-combatants-in-colombia-with-dr-solveig-richter-and-laura-camila-barrios-sabogal-ep-19/
Episode on Convergence with Rob Fersh and Monika Glowacki https://conflicttipping.podbean.com/e/episode-2-rob-fersh-and-monica-glowacki-of-the-convergence-center-for-policy-resolution/
Episode on the Interactivity Foundation with Shannon Wheatley Hartman: https://conflicttipping.podbean.com/e/making-lives-more-complex-and-democratic-with-shannon-wheatley-hartman-ep-17/
Episode on peacebuilding with Juan Diaz-Prinz: https://conflicttipping.podbean.com/e/episode-4-juan-diaz-prinz-of-the-united-states-institute-of-peace/
Laura's PhD thesis: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351515871_Blame_Making_a_Villain_out_of_EU
Samantha Hardy's book on conflict stories: Conflict Coaching Fundamentals
Episode with Sam Hardy: https://conflicttipping.podbean.com/e/episode-5-dr-samantha-hardy-lawson-principal-at-conflict-coaching-international/
Book about Derek Black: Rising Out of Hatred, by Eli Saslow
Against Empathy, by Paul Bloom
Business Plan for Peace, by Scilla Ellsworthy
Ank's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankurdelight/
And website: https://tenthousandheroes.club/
 
00:00:00 Introduction00:01:25 The Book00:03:06 The Concept of High Conflict00:06:38 Gary Friedman's story00:13:49 Curtis' Journey00:15:37 The Challenge of Escaping Conflict00:19:21 Complexifying Identities to Address Conflict00:22:16 Sandra's Story00:24:12 A fruity segue00:25:18 Sandra's Journey to Freedom00:27:09 Breaking Down Stereotypes00:29:15 The Power of Storytelling00:35:25 Key Takeaways00:44:54 Final Thoughts

Mediating amidst crisis in Malawi with Brown Masingati [Ep. 32]

Resilience in Adversity: Mediation and Climate Action in Malawi with Brown Masingati
(Info on how to donate to Brown's work below!)
Join host Laura May as she speaks with Brown Masingati, a member of Mediators Beyond Borders International. Brown talks about his roots in Malawi, the 'Warm Heart of Africa,' spotlighting his incredible work in addressing poverty, gender-based violence, and the impact of climate change. Discover how Brown kick-started his mediation journey in 2020, tackling family conflicts through community dialogue. Hear firsthand about the severe cyclones that hit Malawi and Brown’s heroic efforts in voluntary mediation and counseling amidst disaster. Learn how he champions women's and girls' empowerment through education and small businesses. Perhaps most importantly, find out how you can support this work.
To make a donation to support Brown's community work in Malawi, there are two options: contact Brown directly for Western Union details, or make a transfer to Laura and she will make sure the donations reach him.  If you use Wise, use this link to make a transfer to Laura: https://wise.com/pay/me/lauras98.  If you use Revolut instead, or don't use Wise, then the link is https://revolut.me/lauramay98, and you can donate by card.  USD is preferred if possible, and please do put in a comment if you remember.
To contact Brown or learn more:
WhatsApp him on +265999237560
Email him with brown.masingati@gmail.com
Check out his personal Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/brown.masingati
Visit him on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brown-masingati-1b3a8a130/
Visit his NGO's Facebook page at
https://facebook.com/hfc.malawi.zomba/
0:00 Introduction01:14 Malawi: The Warm Heart of Africa02:47 Mediation and Gender-Based Violence: Brown's Story09:18 Devastation by Cyclone14:56 Community Mediation During Crisis21:30 How You Can Help25:22 Future Plans and Collaboration27:41 Closing Remarks and Contact Information