Welcome to my blog! Every week or so, I post an article on something involving wicked problems in peacebuilding or comparative politics. I define those fields very broadly, so you’ll probably be surprised by some of the topics I end up covering.
Subscribe for my newsletter to learn about new posts, and other things that cross my desk. Please suggest topics I should write about. Just submit ideas through the contact form.
Recent Posts
The New Paradigm Coalition
Last week, I attended the semi public launch of the New Paradigm Coalition
Build Community Online
This week, I revisit a question that has preoccupied me for decades. Can we build community on line? For the first time in years, I think we can.
Evolution Comes to International Relations
I'm helping plan a workshop to explore how evolutionary thinking can (re)shape both conventional foreign policy making and peacebuilding.
From Conflict to Convergence
I go to a lot of launch events and other talks based on books by friends and colleagues. So, I was surprised and delighted by how much I enjoyed—and, more importantly, learned from—the [...]
Our Big Lunchpail F***king Job
How should we peacebuilders and others think and act as the presidential election heats up.
Let’s Build Something Together
I've stolen Lowe's tag line from the late 2000s as a jumping off point for how I'm planning to adapt my on line work so it can help us build peace--and a whole lot more--together.
Politics is NOT a Four Letter Word
How can we embrace our political differences, not run away from them? Especially given the events of last Saturday?
Politically Clinically Depressed
My reaction to the presidential debate--and a whole lot more. What we can do about it.
Rondine Rides to the Rescue
I hsd a wild week visiting Rondine. Much wilder than expected. Read this to learn how and why.
Off to Rondine
We are off to Rondine this afternoon. My travel plans rarely interest other people. But this trip made me reflect in ways that you might find intriguing--even useful.
The Peacebuilding Pivot: Take 2
Here is an overview of the first organizations we are working with in Peacebuilding Starts at Home.
Super Crowd Baltimore
Last week, I attended the amazing Super Crowd event in Baltimore.
The Peace on Earth by 2030 Game
This intriguing not-so-gamey game can do a lot to get millions of people actively involved in peacebuilding.
Peacebuilding Starts at Home
The Alliance for Peacebuilding is pleased to announce the launch of the Peacebuilding Starts at Home initiatiave.
Devin Thorpe
This is the third in a series of posts on new people and organizations I've met since the pandemic began. This time, Devin Thorpe of Superpower4Good anda. lot more.
The Next Big Idea Club
The Next Big Idea Club is a wonderful way to stay up on the best new nonfiction books.
Remembering Dick O’Neill Part 2–Continuing His Work
A second take on my friend Dick O'Neill's legacy--this time on our work.
Meet Roland Cayrol
A reflection on the man who made my PhD research on the French far left possible. ANd therefore my career.
Remembering Dick O’Neill
Ijust lost a dear friend, Dick O'Neill. Here's why he mattered.
The Rondine Method
Last week, I hosted a launch event for The Rondine Method, a book I coedited with Franco Vaccai and Miguel Diaz. In tis post, I look at the book and its implications for a country like the United States.
Join or Die
My reactions to a documentary about social capital told through the career of Robert Putnam and some ideas on enhancing social trust from Rotary and Geneva Peace Week.