In February 2026, Behavioral Scientist, in collaboration with the peace science organization Neuropaz, convened a pivotal online event dedicated to exploring the cutting edge of research and discourse at the intersection of behavioral science and peace and conflict resolution. The summit, aptly themed "Hard Truths and Paths Forward," directly confronted the multifaceted obstacles impeding progress in this critical field. These challenges include dwindling research funding, the pervasive amplification of outrage through digital technologies, and political landscapes often prioritizing power dynamics over sustainable peace. Neuropaz 2026 brought together a distinguished assembly of leading scientists, seasoned practitioners, influential policymakers, and key funders, all committed to confronting these impediments head-on. Through candid and open dialogue, the event aimed to illuminate the systemic barriers and collaboratively chart new trajectories toward lasting peace. The comprehensive recordings of these vital discussions, along with curated further reading and resources from each speaker, are now available, offering a valuable repository for those engaged in peacebuilding efforts.
The Inaugural Neuropaz Summit: Setting the Stage for Dialogue
The Neuropaz 2026 event was meticulously designed to foster a robust exchange of ideas, acknowledging the complex and often disheartening realities faced by those working towards peace. Evan Nesterak, Editor-in-Chief of Behavioral Scientist, and Andrés Casas, Founder of Neuropaz, jointly opened the proceedings, setting a tone of both urgency and optimism. Their introduction provided a comprehensive overview of the day’s agenda, emphasizing the critical need to apply scientific rigor to the age-old challenge of conflict resolution. A poignant moment during the opening included a brief video tribute to Emile Bruneau, a prominent figure whose work significantly contributed to the field, underscoring the event’s dedication to honoring those who have paved the way.
Reflections on Building Peace: A Decade of Progress and Enduring Challenges
A significant highlight of Neuropaz 2026 was the recognition of the tenth anniversary of Colombia’s historic peace agreement. In commemoration of this milestone, Neuropaz presented its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award to Juan Manuel Santos, the former President of Colombia (2010-2018) and the driving force behind the peace process. President Santos, in conversation with Andrés Casas, reflected on the decade that has passed since the agreement, sharing insights into his continued commitment to peacebuilding through his work with Fundación Compaz. This segment offered a deeply personal and historical perspective, illustrating the long-term dedication required for sustainable peace. The discussion implicitly acknowledged that while agreements are crucial, the ongoing work of reconciliation, reintegration, and addressing the root causes of conflict remains a formidable, yet essential, undertaking.
The Colombian Peace Process: Applied Behavioral Science in Action
Building upon President Santos’ reflections, a subsequent session delved into the practical application of behavioral science in post-conflict settings. Andrés Moya and Felipe De Brigard presented two distinct lines of applied research that emerged in the wake of the 2016 Peace Agreement in Colombia. These case studies served as powerful examples of how behavioral insights are being leveraged to foster peace and mitigate future conflict, not only within Colombia but also with broader applicability to other post-conflict zones globally. Their presentations underscored the potential for evidence-based interventions to address issues such as social cohesion, reconciliation, and the reintegration of ex-combatants, demonstrating a tangible link between academic research and real-world impact.
Understanding Social Dynamics: The Power of Social Gravity
Betsy Levy Paluck introduced the compelling concept of "social gravity," defining it as a fundamental force in human social life that draws individuals towards shared ideas and behaviors within their social spheres. Her presentation explored how this pervasive influence shapes human conduct, particularly in the volatile contexts of peace and conflict. Understanding social gravity, Paluck argued, is crucial for designing interventions that can either reinforce positive social norms that promote peace or inadvertently amplify divisive ones. This theoretical framework provides a vital lens through which to analyze how collective behaviors emerge and persist, offering strategic entry points for peacebuilding efforts aiming to shift group dynamics away from hostility and towards cooperation.
Navigating Active Conflict: Behavioral Insights from the Ground
A critical segment of Neuropaz 2026 focused on the value and methodology of understanding human behavior during active conflicts. This discussion explored interventions and research operating at multiple levels: the individual, the community, and the institutional. Mareike Schomerus shared insights into individual-level interventions in Syria, highlighting the challenges and ethical considerations of engaging with populations in crisis. Greg Power and Britt Titus discussed research on the dissemination of hate speech in online digital communities, a pressing concern in modern conflict landscapes. Helena Puig Larrauri emphasized the crucial role of a behavioral perspective in constructing enduring democratic institutions, particularly in post-conflict societies grappling with the legacy of authoritarianism or instability. The collective insights from this panel underscored the immediate relevance of behavioral science in understanding and responding to the complexities of ongoing violence.
Voices from the Frontlines: Scholars Reflecting on Violence
The event featured a poignant panel where scholars with direct personal connections to contexts of past and ongoing violence shared their reflections. Oksana Myshlovska and Yasemin Gülsüm Acar offered deeply personal and academic perspectives on how their lived experiences inform, shape, and sometimes challenge their research. This session provided a vital counterpoint to more detached, analytical approaches, emphasizing the human dimension of conflict and the unique insights gained from those who have directly navigated its aftermath. Their contributions highlighted the importance of acknowledging the subjective experiences of those affected by violence and integrating these perspectives into the broader understanding of peacebuilding.
The Preventative Potential: Can Behavioral Science Avert War?
A forward-looking panel explored the ambitious question of whether behavioral science can play a role in preventing war. This session brought together researchers, practitioners, and technologists to discuss the discovery, testing, funding, and scaling of behavioral interventions aimed at conflict prevention. Salma Mousa, Dave Levin, Catherine Thompson, and Josh Martin examined the practicalities of identifying novel solutions, rigorously testing them in real-world scenarios, securing financial backing for these initiatives, and leveraging technology to drive down costs and increase accessibility. The discussion implicitly acknowledged that while direct war prevention is a complex endeavor, behavioral science offers promising avenues for de-escalation, fostering understanding, and mitigating the psychological drivers of conflict before they escalate into large-scale violence.
Rethinking Peace Funding: Innovations and Challenges
The financial landscape of peacebuilding was a central theme in the "Innovations in Peace Funding" session. Håvard Mokleiv Nygård, Leslie Wingender, Zezhen Wu, and Nessa Kenny addressed the current crossroads faced by peace funding. They noted the significant reductions in investments from traditional bilateral donors in peace and foreign aid, juxtaposed with the emergence of new capital sources that often prioritize interventions with clearly quantifiable outcomes. The panel explored how to advocate for investments in peace amidst these competing funding paradigms, examining innovative models that can bridge the gap between traditional peace funders, emerging capital, and practitioners. A key takeaway was the necessity of developing robust methods to demonstrate the impact of peacebuilding initiatives, even when such impacts are inherently difficult to quantify in the short term, to attract and sustain crucial financial support.
Confronting Hard Truths: A Career in Peace Science
In a reflective closing session, James Robinson shared his personal journey through the field, confronting the "hard truths" he has encountered throughout his career. His candid account offered valuable lessons learned, instances where his perspectives evolved, and insights into his future trajectory. This segment underscored the iterative and often challenging nature of scientific inquiry in the realm of peace and conflict, emphasizing the importance of intellectual humility, continuous learning, and adapting strategies in response to evolving evidence and realities on the ground.
Conclusion: A Call for Continued Collaboration
Andrés Casas and Evan Nesterak concluded Neuropaz 2026 by reiterating the event’s core objective: to foster a more effective and evidence-based approach to peacebuilding. They emphasized that the discussions and insights shared represented not an endpoint, but a crucial step in an ongoing, collaborative effort. The challenges identified, from funding constraints to the amplification of divisive rhetoric, demand sustained attention and innovative solutions. The availability of the event’s recordings and supplementary resources serves as a testament to the commitment of the participants and organizers to advancing the scientific understanding and practical application of behavioral science in the pursuit of global peace. The "Hard Truths and Paths Forward" theme resonated throughout the event, signaling a collective resolve to confront the difficult realities while actively seeking and forging viable pathways toward a more peaceful future.