How is worldview analysis relevant for mediation?

In a new article published in a special issue of Negotiation Journal, senior researcher Mona Kanwal Sheikh lays out an argument for relocating worldview analysis from the margins of conflict analysis to its center. She argues that while worldviews can be seen as an integral part of most escalated conflicts—which may seem to be about something else as well (e.g., energy, borders, economic grievances)— worldview conflicts can also be described as a particular form of conflict.

This duality is important to recognize for the further development of the field of conflict analysis. The article broadly argues for the relevance of worldview analysis to conflict analysis, and how it can enhance our understanding of escalatory conflict dynamics.

The article builds on previous work, but is based on workshops and collaboration with scholars at Harvard University and a team of mediators with practical experience from peace efforts in different conflict-zones.