About

About the Peacebuilding Initiative

The Jackson School of Global Affairs Peacebuilding Initiative (PBI) works towards understanding pathways to peace and documenting how policy efforts can build a more lasting peace.

The four leaders of the Peacebuilding Initiative speak to an audience
The leaders of the Peacebuiling Initiative, Bonnie Weir, Cara Fallon, Catherine Panter-Brick, and David Simon, spoke at the 2026 Yale Peacebuilding Colloquium, “Peace, Power, and the Global Good,” April 21, 2026.

Peace is a state of human relations to which many would aspire — yet find hard to sustain. In the 21st century, it is increasingly apparent that peace cannot be treated as a given. Rather, peace is something that must be cultivated. Invested in. Built.

Faculty affiliates of the Yale Peacebuilding Initiative are leading a global comparative study to help realize a more peaceful 21st century, including multi-site research with partners in Costa Rica, Jordan, Mauritania, United Kingdom, and Turkey, as well as with New Haven communities, Connecticut, and the United Nations. It will also provide concrete opportunities for Jackson School students to complete a field practicum in partner countries.

The initiative also hosts an annual colloquium and speaker events to consolidate lessons learned and develop the peacebuilding network anchored at Yale.