Building Bridges Amid Division: Understanding America's Conflict Dynamics

The January 6th attack on the United States Capitol forced Americans to confront what conflict and peacebuilding experts have warned for years: that even before the 2016 elections, dangerous conflict dynamics are increasing in the U.S., resulting in greater instability and violence. The data shows that identity-based conflicts—fear of us versus them— are driving this win-lose conflict. 

But why now in the U.S. are political instability and violence becoming such serious threats to our democracy? 

In this podcast, AfP Executive Director Liz Hume discusses identity-based grievances, polarization, and social cohesion in the U.S. While conflict is inevitable, violent conflict is not, but it takes correct analysis of conflict drivers, resources, political will at all levels, and everyday people and communities working to prevent conflict and build sustainable peace. 

Liz welcomes three experts from across the political spectrum to discuss peacebuilding and conflict in the U.S.

• Dr. Peter Coleman: Expert on constructive conflict resolution and sustainable peace and Professor of Psychology and Education at Columbia University
• Lisa Sharon Harper: Founder and president of FreedomRoad.us
• Charles Lieske: Expert in mediation and facilitation and Executive Director for Mediation West