improbable dialogues

Washington Post OpEd A recipe for cooling down American politics

An OpEd published on The Washington Post about lessons from around the world to deescalate toxic polarization in the United States.

The Pocket Guide for Facing Down a Civil War: Surprising ideas from everyday people who shifted the cycles of violence

A collection of stories, reflections, and wisdom offering insight into the challenge of facing down toxic polarization layered with violence and the surprising ways everyday people found to shift harmful patterns of violence that had lasted decades. 

John Paul Lederach on Facing Down a Civil War

A conversation between John Paul by David Swanson about dynamics of conflict and polarization, and pathways to resist these dynamics in the United States.

When toxic polarization becomes a civil war – and what we can do about it

A conversation hosted on Nonviolence Radio about nonviolent resistance to polarization in the United States that is grounded in community, relationship, and the humble courage of creativity.

How to Stop a Civil War

John Paul and John Avlon discuss dangerous polarization and the rising risk of political violence in the United States.

Peacebuilding, critical yeast, and the language of imagination

A conversation about language, imagination, and how to cultivate peace and transform conflict in everyday life.

Mission Forward Podcast A Recipe for Cooling Down American Politics with Peacebuilder Dr. John Paul Lederach

John Paul shares insights about how ordinary people can take action to interrupt cycles of toxic polarization in their communities.

Starting Point for Implementing Large-Scale Social Change

In a podcast hosted by Rational Games, John Paul and Mark Young dive deep into the transformative power of negotiation, peacebuilding, and social change.

Keynote Speech by Prof. John Paul Lederach

A keynote delivered for IMPACT’s inaugural event in which John Paul shares lessons on sustainability, relationship, and hope as foundational to building peace.