Changing the dynamics of conflict and humanitarian action.
CDI at a glance
Founded in 2004, Conflict Dynamics International (CDI) is built on respect for the innate dignity of all humans. CDI works not just to alleviate the immediate suffering caused by conflicts and other crises, but to address the root causes. Many organizations work in just one of these domains. Our standard approach to peace and humanitarian action is neutral, impartial, and independent—a model that has been replicated by others.
Sustainable Solutions
We work seamlessly in humanitarian action and peace action, while most other organizations work in one or the other realm. We work towards sustainable solutions that alleviate human suffering but also prevent this suffering in the future with better trained humanitarian practitioners and conflict prevention mechanisms.
Neutral & Impartial
Our principled way of working means that we seek to engage in dialogue and offer guidance to all relevant parties in a given context, without favor.
Address Root Causes
We work to address the core of the most challenging issues, not only to solve conflict but to prevent it in the future. We work as closely as possible with the people we seek to assist, providing support directly in areas where it is needed most.
Our Unique Approach
There are many organizations working to build peace and to help people affected by conflict. Our approach is different for several reasons:
Our Work
All of our work is undertaken in a fully neutral, impartial, and independent manner. This ‘standard approach’ to peace and humanitarian action is now replicated by others.
To achieve our mission, we organize our work in two inter-connected program areas: Peace Action and Humanitarian Action. In each of these areas we support the protection and realization of human rights.
Since the inception of Conflict Dynamics, we have recognized the important interplay between fulfilling humanitarian needs and peaceful conflict resolution, which is now recognized as part of the larger humanitarian-development-peace nexus. We view resolution of the immediate challenges people face – including conflict and humanitarian needs – as essential to realizing more sustainable human development.
Humanitarian Action
Working to alleviate human suffering resulting from conflicts and other crises around the world
Our primary objective in this portfolio is to improve the practices and policies of groups involved in directing humanitarian assistance and protection, such as the United Nations, donor organizations, national governments, and nongovernmental organizations. The two main programs within this portfolio are the Children in Armed Conflict Program and the Humanitarian Engagement and Access Program.
Peace Action
Working to prevent violent conflict and build lasting peace
Conflict Dynamics’ Peace Action program aims to prevent and resolve violent conflict and to foster political stability. In working toward this goal, CDI supports people and their representatives to develop, agree upon, and implement practical arrangements for political dialogue process and governance that balances diverse interests. Listening carefully to the different actors, CDI works overtime to create trust, support dialogue, build bridges, resolve differences, and lay the ground for peace.
"CDI takes a rights-based approach in its support of local partners, engaging in solidarity and sharing the belief that local actors should determine the solutions to local challenges."
Arlan Fuller
Chief Operating Officer, Conflict Dynamics International
Our Leadership Team
CDI News
Your Conflict Dynamics International Resource Center
Emergency Peace: Rapid Funds for Local Response
25 May 2021
This past year has taught us the importance of planning for the unexpected. Working in conflict-affected areas poses new challenges and obstacles for peacebuilders everyday.
Our new GlobalGiving project will provide our partner, the Somali Youth Development Network (SOYDEN), the flexibility in funding needed to pivot their work with District Peace Committees throughout Somalia to address various community issues peacefully before they escalate to conflict.
May - June 2021
Peace Pulse
15 July 2021
The Peace Pulse is a digest that seeks to inform readers about recent debates and scholarship related to peacebuilding and governance, as well as research on Conflict Dynamics’ peacebuilding contexts: Somalia and Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan, and Syria.
Download the latest version below to find the newest scholarship in the field, including pieces on this edition's theme: the COVID-19 vaccine and the impact on peacebuilding.
First Quarter Newsletter 2021
30 April 2021
March 2021 marks Conflict Dynamics' 17th birthday! Join us in this edition of our Quarterly Newsletter, celebrating how far we have come and where we intend on going. Hear from our Program Teams on what they have been up to since the beginning of the year, welcome our newest Board Members and Research Assistants, and discover some great reads from CDI alum!