Democratic backsliding, political polarization, violent conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and the accelerating spread of disinformation, are reshaping societies. This research theme explores how this new context affects the capacity to collaborate and transform toward sustainability.
The theme focuses on how these evolving conditions are embedded in social-ecological systems, and seeks new insights into the interplay between conflict, collaboration, and environmental sustainability.
For example, the theme analyses how environmental tipping points can spark disputes, how to deal with trauma in shaping responses, how violent conflict and ‘economies of war’ can undermine sustainability, and how resistance and backlash can emerge during sustainability transformations. Our work also explores how “deliberative and collaborative spaces” (e.g. citizens’ assemblies) can help bridge divides, and how conflict and cooperation can coexist to deal with contentious challenges.
Central to our approach is understanding the capacities that enable societies to navigate conflicts and foster positive transformations. For example, we explore the roles of hope, healing, radical collaboration, and diverse types of networks, in shaping pathways to more sustainable and equitable futures. We also do research on “hospicing”, the idea of allowing unsustainable and outdated practices to “die with dignity,” meaning to phase them out gradually and thoughtfully, rather than abruptly or forcefully.
Using diverse research methodologies and case studies across local and global scales, we strive to illuminate the specific contexts and structures that shape conflict and collaboration in an increasingly interconnected world. In this way, we advance research frontiers for navigating today’s complex challenges and supporting large-scale, rapid, just and deep transformations.
Theme contacts
Tim Daw
Cibele Queiroz
Blanca Maria Gonzalez Garcia-Mon
Per Olsson
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