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 Staff
CDI News
Your Conflict Dynamics International Resource Center
Fourth Quarter Newsletter
2021
16 December 2021
As 2021 comes to an end, our staff has been busy wrapping up their activities for the year. Read our most recent newsletter for updates on our Somali Team's workshops on federalism and elections, our Sudan Team's Factors and Scenarios mapping for the current democratic transition, our Humanitarian Engagement and Access workshops in Mali and South Sudan, and much more! Meet our colleagues Dr. Azza Mustafa and Sameer and find some great reads from our COO Arlan and former colleague Nanako.
Somalia - District Peace Committees Summary 2020
9 December 2021
Conflict Dynamics and SOYDEN have established 38 District Peace Committees (DPCs) across south and central Somalia. This recent report explores the DPC's experiences ln 2020 and details the 193 disputes they oversaw. The DPCs had an incredible success rate of resolving 180 cases with 13 still pending. Most of the cases brought before the DPCs related to clan conflicts, farmer and herder altercations, gender-based violence, and disputes over land, housing, and inheritance. Read the report below for more information.
September - October 2021 Peace Pulse
16 November 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 Migration and Displacement: Implications for peace and security.