Continuing the upward trend that began in the early 2000s, the volume of international transfers of major weapons in 2013-17 was 10 per cent higher than in 2008-12, according to new data on arms transfers published today by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

There is increasing global policy and research momentum on the topic of inclusive peace. But is this momentum reflected in practice? Is it reflecting practice? The reality for civil society actors is that the political space is shrinking globally, severely limiting their ability to contribute to inclusive peace. At the same time, comparative research challenges civil society actors to adapt to changing circumstances, consider their collective impact, and question their own assumptions.

Space lies at the heart of peace and conflict studies. War zones, border disputes, fights over land and territory, out of area missions, inter or intra-state conflict, besieged cities, peace gardens and war memorials, and many other expressions make reference to spatial markers. This points to the fact that the conduct of violence and the maintenance of peace always has a spatial element to it, it would not exist without space. In other words, peace and conflict ‘take place’; their practices are situated in space.

Applications for the 2018 Spring Practitioner Trainings at KURVE Wustrow are now open. The trainings are particularly intended for partners from the global south, peace activists, civil peace workers and professionals working in development cooperation.