Erik Cleven

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The Spirit of Mediation: Conflict Transformation in Divided Societies

Working in divided societies poses many challenges. What is the role of third parties? What are Quaker mediators called to do? Erik questions whether current approaches to peacebuilding may hinder people in achieving what they need most, namely the transformation of relationships, precisely because of the mediator’s goals of peace and reconciliation. Erik will speak out of the silence and share an alternative approach to the transformation of conflicts based on a reexamination of the Quaker Peace Testimony and his work with Transformative Mediation.

Erik Cleven is a member of Lafayette Friends Meeting and has worked for many years with interethnic dialogue in post-conflict societies. He is currently working on his PhD in Political Science at Purdue University studying ethnic violence in Kenya.