Our research in the area of peace and peacefulness involves both grassroots peacebuilding projects in post-conflict societies and dialogue amongst interdisciplinary specialists, thinkers and practitioners.
So far, we have developed ethically attuned understandings of positive peacefulness, which are not neutral with regard to the political-structural features of society. It requires us to translate such understandings into socio-political systemic terms.
Our well-being framework distinguishes four essential features of human living. Our lives are constituted by experiences, activities and processes. Second our lives are constituted by the quality of our awareness. Third by our connections and relationship inherent in those activities. Fourth, by self-awareness. Well-being involves a synergy of all is going well at the same time along these dimensions.
This account of well-being highlights the non-instrumental value and equal worth of all.
Our research investigation in governance is a principles based analysis. We advocate a process of ‘deep dialogue’. Integrating dialogue into governance can help challenge commonly held assumptions about socioeconomic, political and security issues. Bringing leaders and decision-makers together to identify fundamental questions about governance processes, and set challenges for future dialogue and inquiry at local, national, international and global level.