On behalf of the German Church Development Service (EED) the chair for Peace Research and International Politics held by Prof. Dr. Andreas Hasenclever conducts an international comparative study on peace initiatives of selected EED-partner organizations in four developing countries (Nigeria, Liberia, Kenya, India).

The study aims to analyze how churches and church-related relief organizations can influence conflict dynamics by employing their physical and ideational resources in situations of violent conflict or imminent conflict escalation. How do they contribute to building peace by information campaigns, acts of solidarity, mediation, mobilization of political support, calls for peaceful conflict resolution, capacity-building and relief programs? Which analytical, communicative and strategic capacities do churches and church-related relief organizations use for the peaceful settlement of (violent) conflicts?

For each case study the research team will capture a realistic and detailed picture of the peace initiatives of the respective partner organization in the context of violent conflict or imminent conflict escalation. The analysis of the case studies of Nigeria, Liberia, Kenya and India will allow us to draw first conclusions on the conditions under which churches and church-related relief organizations are able to distance themselves from violence and effectively build peace. Based on the findings and insights gained, we undertake to identify best practices and capacity-building-needs.

The study is conducted on behalf of:

German Church Development Service (EED)