In February 2026, Behavioral Scientist magazine, in collaboration with the peace science organization Neuropaz, convened a significant online event titled "Neuropaz 2026: Hard Truths and Paths Forward." This landmark gathering brought together a diverse array of leading scientists, practitioners, policymakers, and funders to critically examine the complex intersection of behavioral science and the persistent challenges of peace and conflict. The event’s overarching theme underscored the formidable obstacles currently impeding progress in this critical field, including escalating funding cuts to vital research and aid initiatives, the pervasive amplification of outrage through modern technologies, and political landscapes often prioritizing power over lasting peace. By fostering open and candid dialogue, Neuropaz 2026 aimed to confront these deeply entrenched barriers and illuminate innovative pathways toward a more peaceful future.
The meticulously curated program, now made available through comprehensive recordings, offers a rich repository of insights, further complemented by a selection of recommended reading and resources from each participating speaker. This initiative, spearheaded by Evan Nesterak, Editor-in-Chief of Behavioral Scientist, and Andrés Casas, Founder of Neuropaz, represents a crucial step in harnessing the power of behavioral insights to address some of the world’s most pressing conflicts.
A Decade of Peace in Colombia: Reflections and Enduring Commitments
A central highlight of Neuropaz 2026 was the profound reflection on the tenth anniversary of the historic peace agreement in Colombia. In recognition of this significant milestone and his instrumental role in its realization, Juan Manuel Santos, President of Colombia from 2010 to 2018, was honored with the inaugural Neuropaz Lifetime Achievement Award. President Santos engaged in a compelling conversation with Andrés Casas, reflecting on the transformative decade since the signing of the agreement. He shared his ongoing commitment to peacebuilding through his work with Fundación Compaz, emphasizing the enduring relevance of sustained effort and strategic application of knowledge.
The event also 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. Their presentations served as powerful case studies, illustrating how behavioral science principles are being actively employed to foster peace and prevent future conflict, not only within Colombia but also offering transferable lessons for global applications. This focus on tangible, evidence-based interventions underscores a growing trend towards data-driven approaches in peacebuilding.
Understanding Social Dynamics in Conflict and Cooperation
Betsy Levy Paluck introduced the critical concept of "social gravity," a fundamental force in human social life that draws individuals towards shared ideas and behaviors within their social spheres. Her research explored how this pervasive influence operates within contexts of both peace and conflict, offering a nuanced understanding of how group dynamics can either perpetuate division or foster reconciliation. The implications of social gravity are far-reaching, impacting everything from the spread of misinformation to the effectiveness of community-based peace initiatives.
Navigating Behavior in Active Conflict Zones
The complexities of understanding human behavior during active conflict zones were thoroughly examined. The session posed critical questions about the value and methodology of such research, exploring work at the individual, community, and institutional levels. Presentations covered individual interventions in Syria, research on the spread of hate speech in online digital communities, and the indispensable role of behavioral science in constructing durable democratic institutions. Speakers Mareike Schomerus, Greg Power, Britt Titus, and Helena Puig Larrauri shared their experiences and findings, highlighting the ethical considerations and practical challenges inherent in this sensitive field of study. The increasing digitization of conflict and its impact on public discourse emerged as a particularly pressing area of concern.
Scholars Reflect on Personal and Collective Trauma
A poignant panel session featured scholars who are personally connected to contexts of past and ongoing violence. Oksana Myshlovska and Yasemin Gülsüm Acar shared their deeply personal reflections on how they experience, navigate, and re-evaluate their scholarly work when it is intrinsically linked to regions marked by historical and present-day conflict. This introspective segment underscored the human element in peace research, acknowledging the emotional toll and the unique perspectives that emerge from lived experience. Their contributions offered invaluable insights into the ethical responsibilities and the profound impact of research conducted in deeply affected communities.
The Potential of Behavioral Science in War Prevention
The provocative question, "Could Behavioral Science Prevent a War?" formed the basis of another significant panel discussion. This session brought together researchers, practitioners, and technologists to explore the multifaceted requirements for leveraging behavioral science to avert large-scale conflict. The dialogue centered on the discovery and field-testing of novel solutions, the critical role of funding these interventions, and the imperative of driving down costs through advancements in technology for targeting, forecasting, and scaling peacebuilding efforts. Salma Mousa, Dave Levin, Catherine Thompson, and Josh Martin shared diverse perspectives, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and technological innovation to translate behavioral insights into actionable war prevention strategies. The discussion highlighted the potential for predictive analytics and behavioral nudges to de-escalate tensions before they erupt into open conflict.
Rethinking Peace Funding in a Shifting Landscape
The critical issue of peace funding was addressed in a session focused on innovative models and the challenges posed by evolving donor landscapes. Peace funding currently faces a crossroads, with bilateral donors significantly reducing investments in peace and foreign aid. Simultaneously, new pools of capital are emerging, often prioritizing interventions with clear, quantifiable outcomes. Speakers Håvard Mokleiv Nygård, Leslie Wingender, Zezhen Wu, and Nessa Kenny explored how to advocate for peace investments amidst these competing paradigms. They discussed bridging traditional peace funders with emerging capital sources and practitioners to ensure that vital peacebuilding efforts, even those with less easily quantifiable impacts, receive adequate support. The conversation emphasized the need for robust metrics and compelling narratives to demonstrate the long-term value of peacebuilding initiatives.
Confronting Hard Truths and Charting Future Directions
Concluding the event, James Robinson offered a candid reflection on the "hard truths" he has encountered throughout his distinguished career. His personal journey of learning, evolving perspectives, and future aspirations provided a powerful closing to the conference. Robinson’s insights underscored the dynamic and often challenging nature of working in the field of peace and conflict, emphasizing the importance of intellectual humility and continuous adaptation.
The Neuropaz 2026 event, as summarized by co-organizers Evan Nesterak and Andrés Casas, served as a vital platform for confronting the realities of contemporary peacebuilding while actively seeking innovative solutions. The comprehensive archiving of session recordings and associated resources ensures that the crucial dialogue initiated at this event will continue to inform and inspire the global community working towards a more peaceful world. The event’s dedication to the memory of Émile Bruneau, a prominent researcher in the field of peace and conflict, further underscored the enduring legacy of those who have dedicated their lives to understanding and fostering peace.
The implications of Neuropaz 2026 extend far beyond the virtual conference hall. By illuminating the tangible applications of behavioral science, celebrating successful peace initiatives like that in Colombia, and fostering critical discussions on funding and technological advancements, the event has set a new benchmark for collaborative efforts in peacebuilding. The challenges identified—funding shortfalls, the amplification of discord, and political inertia—remain significant, but the shared commitment to tackling them head-on, armed with empirical insights and a strategic vision, offers a beacon of hope. The accessibility of the event’s content ensures that a wider audience can engage with these vital discussions, potentially catalyzing new research, policy initiatives, and on-the-ground interventions. As the world continues to grapple with complex conflicts, the insights generated at Neuropaz 2026 provide a crucial roadmap for navigating the difficult terrain towards lasting peace.