Conflicts are inevitable. They affect us all differently. They shape relationships, politics and institutions. They are rarely linear, deeply embedded in power structures and resistant to simple solutions. They can be used as an opportunity for change or they leave scars and wounds for the rest of our life.
My work focuses on understanding these complexities and identifying pathways where transformation becomes possible, across political, institutional and local contexts.
Peace is not the absence of Conflict.
It is the mastery of it.
About what I do:
I work at the intersection of conflict, mediation, and political transition. For more than two decades, my professional life has centred on violent and politically sensitive conflicts, advising conflict parties and mediators on decisions with real societal consequences and facilitating dialogue between adversaries.
My long term field engagements have taken me to Niger, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine, the Caucasus, Yemen, Indonesia, and Russia.
I have worked both within and alongside multilateral systems — including the European Union and the United Nations — as well as with organisations such as MediatEUr, the Crisis Management Initiative, Interpeace, and the EastWest Institute. Throughout, I have advocated for rigorous, professional approaches to peace mediation, but staying open to innovative approaches - and it has been a challenge.
As an interdisciplinary learner, I explore politics, psychology, neurophysiology, anthropology, cultural studies, as well as law and economics, and now, as everyone, AI. My research focuses on what I describe as blind spots in conflict that is, what is often overlooked in moments of tension and decision.
Experience has taught me that conflict rarely unfolds as planned. Situations become tense, ambiguous, and constrained. My work today centres on helping actors to stay engaged under difficult conditions — without simplifying realities or forcing premature solutions. I analyse, advise, teach, train, and coach professionals operating in complex conflict environments.
Reflective practice is part of this work. Through writing and my podcast Master Peace, but also speaking in public fora, I share insights from the field and explore with others what it takes to transform conflict dynamics over time.