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Psychosocial Peacebuilding places the lived experience of individuals at the centre of peace efforts. This timely and engaging book offers a clear, practical, and inspiring guide to understanding and applying psychosocial approaches to peacebuilding theory and practice.
It provides a much-needed conceptual framework to understand and address the broad range of psychosocial factors that shape conflict dynamics and peacebuilding outcomes — alongside hands-on tools drawn from more than 25 years of global field experience. It examines how conflict affects psychosocial realities, and how those realities, in turn, influence the trajectory of peace or violence.
Dr. Katrien Hertog explores the what, why, how, and who of psychosocial peacebuilding through case studies, scientific insights, lived experiences, and practical exercises. She introduces an integrated model developed by IAHV and the Art of Living — a rare example of an evidence-based psychosocial peacebuilding framework implemented with success across the globe.
This model positions intra-personal transformation as the cornerstone of peacebuilding, while simultaneously addressing structural change, engaging behavioural and relational dimensions, and strengthening the human values that sustain peace.
Whether you're a seasoned peacebuilder, policymaker, student, or newly exploring the psychosocial dimensions of peace, this book offers a new lens to make sense of complex, interwoven factors — and a structured way to understand these issues as integral to the peace process.
Psychosocial dimensions are not secondary, but foundational to sustainable peace.
Psychosocial Peacebuilding is poised to become a defining reference in an emerging field, offering not only a roadmap for practitioners, but a vision for a more integrated and effective approach to peace.
"A landmark achievement — an evidence-based, field-tested guide that redefines how we understand and engage the human foundations of peace. With scientific rigor, strategic insight and deep humanity, this book is not only timely and visionary — it is a key reference for anyone serious about making peace real, resilient, and lasting."
"The most foundational book I have come across in #psychosocial #peacebuilding. I deeply admire the author's ability to integrate psychological, neurobiological, social, and peacebuilding perspectives, grounding them convincingly in both theory and practice. Reading this book has saved me months of effort in trying to connect these pieces for my PhD. Today's conflicts are deeply painful, divisive, and often identity-based. Addressing them requires more than traditional conflict resolution: we must engage with the internal dimensions of conflict, cultivating the inner capacity to navigate complexity and uncertainty, process emotions and trauma with resilience, hold multiple and often painful realities, see with clarity, and act without burnout. Thanks for the roadmap Katrien Hertog."
"At last, we have a comprehensive map for a terrain long overlooked. This book translates the deep, often invisible work of psychosocial transformation into a clear, actionable framework. It will stand alongside the great foundational texts of peace studies for decades to come."
"This book powerfully reminds us that sustainable peace is not only built through institutions and policies, but through inner transformation and human connection. I have had the privilege to witness the impact of Dr. Hertog's transformational approach on the ground. Dr. Hertog's work is a vital contribution to reimagining peacebuilding from the inside out — deeply relevant for leaders, practitioners, and citizens committed to a more just, inclusive, and compassionate world."
"This valuable book brings to centre stage the human dimensions of peacebuilding that have often been backgrounded or forgotten yet are crucial. Humane and practical, it inspires a holistic approach that is highly useful from the family to societal and international levels."
"If peacebuilding were a bridge, the psychosocial dimension would be the steel holding it together. Dr. Hertog's work shows us exactly how to reinforce that structure — combining rigorous research, vivid examples, and practical tools that can be applied in any context."
"This book very accurately highlights important and not always obvious connections between inner peace within an individual and the peace of the global order. It offers an amazing perspective combining simple life examples and straightforward instructions for action."
"Inner peace is the foundation for global peace and peace in society. It is essential that we promote peace education everywhere."
"Katrien Hertog's book offers valuable insights into micro-level peacebuilding, highlighting for example the transformative power of interventions such as the Art of Living techniques, which are designed to change mindsets, attitudes, and behaviours among individuals and communities affected by conflict. In many cases, initiating peacebuilding is only feasible through micro-level interventions. Once a solid foundation is established, these efforts can expand to address broader, macro-level concerns."
Available now — get your copy today!