# About ## Our History In response to the growing politicization of identity, reflected in the rise of ethnonationalism, intensifying political polarization, and escalating ethnic and sectarian violence across the world, the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University established the Research Cluster on Identity and Conflict in September 2023, under the leadership of Melani Cammett, the Clarence Dillon Professor of International Affairs. The initial conference and subsequent events underscored the necessity of addressing identity-based conflicts and violence through collaboration across regions, disciplines, and methodologies. From micro-level interventions to international peacebuilding initiatives, tackling these challenges requires creating partnerships between scholars and practitioners to bridge innovative research with actionable solutions. The Global Scholars Network on Identity and Conflict (GSNIC) was founded to meet this need. GSNIC brings together a diverse group of scholars, practitioners, and experts from around the world to tackle the complex challenges of intergroup relations in conflict-affected regions. GSNIC is unique in its global and interdisciplinary approach, fostering a collaborative network of scholars and practitioners. This inclusive structure brings diverse perspectives and expertise together to shape the research and solutions to identity-based conflicts, promoting scholarly innovation and actionable policy ideas. The inaugural GSNIC conference, *Leaders Making Peace: Incentives Towards Post-Conflict Peacebuilding*, was held in September 2024 at the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice, Queen’s University Belfast. The conference convened academics and practitioners to explore what motivates leaders to promote intergroup peacebuilding after ethnic violence and war A collaboration between the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University and the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute at Queen’s University Belfast, GSNIC creates a unique platform to address identity-based conflict globally. Led by Melani Cammett and Richard English, Professor of Politics at Queen's University Belfast, GSNIC connects scholars and practitioners from around the world to advance its mission of overcoming intergroup conflict and fostering more inclusive, peaceful coexistence. GSNIC is made possible through the generous financial support of the Carnegie Corporation of New York. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to fostering global peace and understanding. ## How We Make an Impact GSNIC works to advance three primary goals: 1. **Bridging Academia and Practice**: Through our annual conference and global events, we create opportunities for scholars to engage directly with practitioners, policymakers, and civil society organizations to ensure that academic insights inform real-world decision-making and interventions. 2. **Producing Policy-Relevant Research:** Our network produces policy briefs, research papers, and accessible media content, offering innovative approaches to improving intergroup relations and conflict resolution. 3. **Collaborating across Countries and Disciplines:** Building on our commitment to connecting knowledge and action, we bring together scholars from diverse disciplines and regions to collaborate on comparative research. These interdisciplinary partnerships uncover global insights and drive innovative, practical solutions to complex challenges. For any inquiries or to express interest in joining the Global Scholars Network on Identity and Conflict, please contact Jessica Barnard at [jbarnard@wcfia.harvard.edu](mailto:mcalleo@wcfia.harvard.edu) --- ## Partners [### Weatherhead Center for International Affairs ](http://wcfia.harvard.edu)Harvard University Founded in 1958, the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs is the heart of social science research at Harvard University, dedicated to addressing pressing global challenges. As a research accelerator, Weatherhead assembles a multigenerational and multidisciplinary group of scholars, students, and practitioners to explore and bring their unique perspectives to a wide range of complex topics, including religious conflict, climate change, immigration, and populism. We share our insights via various publications, such as [*Epicenter*](https://epicenter.wcfia.harvard.edu/) and [*Centerpiece*](https://wcfia.harvard.edu/publications/centerpiece), and at seminars, conferences, and lectureships. The Center also recognizes that rigorous analysis requires long-term investment and is committed to preparing students to become the next generation of scholars and researchers who will tackle critical, far-reaching issues impacting our world. To learn more about us, visit the [Weatherhead Center website](http://wcfia.harvard.edu). ![Modern building made of terracotta tiles and large windows reflecting trees and clouds.](/sites/g/files/omnuum1776/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-09/Knafel-Cloud-Reflections-2.png?h=3b6d2b6d&itok=lBDinCwV) [### Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice ](https://www.qub.ac.uk/Research/GRI/mitchell-institute/)Queens University, Belfast Established in 2016, the Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice is a home for inter-disciplinary research in areas of major societal change. The Institute’s approach is based on three foundational convictions: that it is impossible properly to understand or pursue peace, security or justice without understanding and pursuing them all; that it is vital to support inter-disciplinary research and education; and that research, education, societal engagement and real-world impact are all necessarily interwoven with each other. The Mitchell Institute therefore brings together researchers and experts from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds to address some of the world's greatest problems. It produces pioneering and influential **Research** into diverse but integrated aspects of peace, security and justice; it fosters transformative and inter-disciplinary **Education**, especially for graduate students; and it is committed to **Societal Engagement and Real-World Impact** in partnership locally, nationally and globally, and in pursuit of global peace, security and justice. ![Ornate brick facade of the main building at Queen's University, Belfast.](/sites/g/files/omnuum1776/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-09/QueensUniversity-2-AdobeStock.png?h=51d86e09&itok=Whd2pBUZ) --- ## Co-founders Co-founder ### Melani Cammett **Melani Cammett** is Clarence Dillon Professor of International Affairs in the Department of Government and Director of the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University. [ Read Melani's Profile arrow\_circle\_right ](/people/melani-cammett) ![Woman smiling with long brown hair in black blazer and white shirt.](/sites/g/files/omnuum1776/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2024-08/Cammett_Melani-color-web-byMarkOstow.jpg?h=8250296a&itok=A3NO7kot) Credit: Mark Ostow Co-founder ### Richard English **Richard English** is director of the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security, and Justice at Queen’s University Belfast, where he is also professor of politics. [ Read Richard's Profile arrow\_circle\_right ](/people/richard-english) ![Man with grey hair, beard, and glasses smiling and wearing a white shirt and dark blazer.](/sites/g/files/omnuum1776/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2024-08/english_richard.jpg?h=0b9c3ad1&itok=4y1KsMdI)