In February 2026, Behavioral Scientist magazine, in collaboration with the peace science organization Neuropaz, convened an influential online event that delved into the critical intersection of behavioral science and the complex domains of peace and conflict resolution. The summit, aptly themed "Hard Truths and Paths Forward," acknowledged the formidable obstacles hindering progress in this field. These include escalating funding cuts for vital research and aid initiatives, the pervasive amplification of outrage through digital technologies, and political landscapes often prioritizing power over sustainable peace. Neuropaz 2026 brought together a distinguished assembly of leading scientists, seasoned practitioners, influential policymakers, and key funders to confront these challenges head-on. Through open and candid dialogues, the event aimed to illuminate the systemic impediments and, crucially, to chart new avenues for achieving lasting peace. The comprehensive recordings from the event, alongside a curated selection of further reading and resources from each speaker, are now available.
The summit opened with a joint introduction by Evan Nesterak, Editor-in-Chief of Behavioral Scientist, and Andrés Casas, Founder of Neuropaz. They provided an overview of the day’s program and highlighted the event’s dedication to the groundbreaking work of Émile Bruneau, a prominent figure in the field of peace psychology. A brief video tribute underscored Bruneau’s significant contributions, setting a tone of respect and scholarly engagement for the proceedings.
Reflections on Building Peace and Honoring a Legacy
A pivotal moment of the event was the recognition of the tenth anniversary of the historic peace agreement in Colombia. In commemoration, Neuropaz presented its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award to Juan Manuel Santos, former President of Colombia (2010-2018) and the architect of the nation’s peace process. President Santos, in conversation with Andrés Casas, reflected on the decade that has passed since the agreement, sharing insights into his ongoing commitment to peacebuilding through his work with Fundación Compaz. His participation underscored the long-term commitment and continuous effort required to consolidate peace in post-conflict societies.
The discussions also explored the practical application of behavioral science in Colombia’s peacebuilding efforts. Andrés Moya and Felipe De Brigard presented two lines of applied research that emerged following the 2016 Peace Agreement. Their presentations served as compelling case studies, illustrating how behavioral science principles are being strategically employed to foster peace and prevent conflict, not only within Colombia but also with the potential for broader global application. These initiatives demonstrate a tangible shift towards evidence-based interventions in peacebuilding.
Understanding Social Dynamics in Conflict and Peace
Betsy Levy Paluck introduced the compelling concept of "social gravity," a fundamental force in human social life that draws individuals towards shared ideas and behaviors within their social spheres. Her presentation explored how this powerful dynamic influences individual and collective actions in contexts marked by both peace and conflict. Understanding social gravity is crucial for designing interventions that can either foster cooperation or inadvertently exacerbate divisions, highlighting the nuanced application of behavioral insights.
A critical session focused on "Understanding Behavior During an Active Conflict." This segment explored the value and methodology of studying human behavior amidst ongoing conflict, examining interventions at the individual, community, and institutional levels. Discussions featured insights into individual support programs in Syria, research on the proliferation of hate speech in online digital communities, and the fundamental role of behavioral perspectives in constructing enduring democratic institutions. The complexity of operating in active conflict zones was highlighted, emphasizing the need for adaptive and context-specific behavioral approaches.
Scholars Confronting Violence and Seeking Solutions
The event also provided a platform for scholars who are personally connected to contexts of past and ongoing violence to share their unique perspectives. In a panel titled "Scholars Reflect on Past and Ongoing Violence," researchers from regions deeply affected by conflict discussed how they experience, navigate, and re-evaluate their work. This intimate exchange offered a profound understanding of the human dimension of conflict research and the ethical considerations involved.
A forward-looking panel, "Could Behavioral Science Prevent a War?", tackled the ambitious question of leveraging behavioral science for war prevention. This discussion brought together researchers, practitioners, and technologists to explore how to discover, test, fund, and scale new solutions. The focus was on identifying innovative approaches for targeting interventions, improving forecasting capabilities, and driving down the costs associated with peacebuilding initiatives through technological advancements.
Navigating the Landscape of Peace Funding
The critical issue of "Innovations in Peace Funding" was addressed in a dedicated session. The discussion acknowledged the precarious state of peace funding, marked by significant reductions in bilateral aid and the increasing prioritization of interventions with quantifiable outcomes by emerging capital sources. The panel explored strategies for advocating for investments in peace amidst these competing funding paradigms, examining innovative models that can bridge traditional peace funders, new investors, and practitioners to ensure that crucial work, even when its impact is difficult to measure, receives adequate support.
Reflections on the Path Ahead
The summit concluded with a reflective session, "Reflections on Hard Truths," featuring James Robinson. He shared candid insights gleaned from his career, discussing lessons learned, instances of evolving perspectives, and his vision for future endeavors. This personal reflection offered a valuable counterpoint to the more research-focused sessions, emphasizing the human journey of learning and adaptation within the field of peace science.
The event was formally closed by Andrés Casas and Evan Nesterak, who reiterated the importance of continued interdisciplinary dialogue and collaborative action in advancing the cause of peace. The Neuropaz 2026 event served as a critical platform for synthesizing existing knowledge, confronting persistent challenges, and forging a collective path forward for the application of behavioral science in the pursuit of global peace and security. The accessibility of its recordings and supplementary materials ensures that the valuable insights and discussions generated will continue to inform and inspire the peacebuilding community.