Violent conflict "Disarmed" with Fleur Ravensbergen [Ep. 40]

In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast we welcome Fleur Ravensbergen, mediator, author, and co-founder of the Dialogue Advisory Group. Fleur shares stories and lessons from her work mediating violent armed conflicts in some of the world’s most challenging regions, including Northern Ireland, Iraq, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Her book Disarmed, newly available in English, provides a rare glimpse into the important work of facilitating dialogue in violent conflict zones.

Highlights:

• Why Fleur decided to write a book about her experiences in peace mediation and the challenges of maintaining confidentiality while telling these stories.
• The story of a surprising act of cooperation during a dialogue in Iraq and how it saved lives, illustrating the hidden impacts of mediation.
• How gender norms can shape the opportunities and challenges of being a mediator
• The differences between facilitating dialogues in violent conflict zones and mediating workplace or political disputes.
• Fleur’s perspective on the current challenges facing the peacebuilding field, including funding issues and shifts in global dynamics.
• Practical and inspiring guidance for those looking to contribute to the field of conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

Links:

• Disarmed: From IRA to IS: My Life as a Peace Negotiator by Fleur Ravensbergen is available in English and in Dutch, on Amazon or wherever you buy good books.
• Fleur's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fleur-ravensbergen/

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] Introduction
• [00:01:16] Writing Disarmed
• [00:05:34] A moment of generosity during dialogue in Iraq
• [00:16:19] Mediating violent conflict and gender norms
• [00:27:08] Public and political mediations vs armed conflict mediation
• [00:34:21] Is peacebuilding in crisis?
• [00:46:02] Advice for aspiring peacemakers
• [00:53:00] Where to buy Disarmed

This episode offers insights into the often unseen work of peace mediation and the transformative power of dialogue in violent conflict.