Peace NGOs in Uncertain Times: Navigating Transparency and Inclusivity During Trump’s Second Term

The recent U.S. election has dominated the political discourse for months, but now the world’s attention is shifting to the potential implications of next year’s leadership transition. A diminished U.S. presence at the global scene could elevate China and various regional powers as primary initiators and guarantors in the mediation processes in the Global South. The ideals of inclusive, transparent and democratic transitions to peace might be especially threatened. Could the European Union assume the U.S.’s role as a "liberal peace guarantor" at the global level?

Norway has long been a key player in conflict mediation and peacebuilding, supporting a range of European non-state organizations dedicated to peace process mediation and facilitation. These peace facilitation organizations (PFOs) have evolved into a specialized field, offering essential services at various stages of peace processes. However, in this changing world order, the continued existence of these PFOs depends on the ambitions and priorities of their Western donors, casting uncertainty over their future.

This seminar will present and discuss findings from a research project investigating inclusivity and transparency in peace negotiations, focusing on the strategies PFOs use to promote these principles. The project is a collaboration between PRIO and the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, with funding from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The program will include brief presentations from the co-PIs, Øystein H. Rolandsen (PRIO) and Simone Tholens (EUI), followed by a roundtable discussion. A light lunch will be served afterwards.

Speakers

• Øystein H. Rolandsen, Research Professor, Peace Research Institute Oslo
• Simone Tholens, Part-time professor, European University Institute
• Hilde Frafjord Johnson, Senior Advisor, European Institute of Peace (EIP)
• Elisa Tarnaala, Senior Adviser, CMI Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation

The conversation will be moderated by Øystein H. Rolandsen.

See all PRIO Events here: https://www.prio.org/events

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