7th Benjamin V. Cohen Peace Conference

The Benjamin V. Cohen Peace Conference invites proposals from scholars, educators, practitioners, students, community leaders, and advocates whose work advances our understanding of peace, conflict, violence, and the conditions necessary for peaceful societies.

This conference will be held on Zoom and it is hosted by the Ball State University Center for Peace and Conflict Studies.

Reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of peace and conflict studies and the legacy of Benjamin V. Cohen, the conference welcomes presentations examining the causes and consequences of violence, strategies for preventing and transforming conflict, and innovative approaches to building sustainable positive peace at intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, national, and global levels.

Special Sessions: Benjamin V. Cohen — His Contributions and Continuing Legacy

The conference will feature special sessions dedicated to exploring the life, contributions, and enduring influence of Benjamin V. Cohen on international diplomacy, peace, and global cooperation.

We invite presentations examining Benjamin V. Cohen's work, the historical context in which he served, and the relevance of his ideas and accomplishments to contemporary challenges. Potential topics include:

• Benjamin V. Cohen's contributions to international diplomacy, law, and institutions
• His role in advancing international cooperation and peaceful resolution of disputes
• The historical and political context of his work
• His influence on international relations, governance, and approaches to peace
• The continuing relevance of his principles and contributions to contemporary global challenges
• Lessons from Benjamin V. Cohen's legacy for future generations of peacebuilders

 An Invitation to Diverse Perspectives

We welcome theoretical, empirical, historical, applied, and creative approaches. Proposals may address local, national, or international concerns and may draw from disciplines including, for example, peace and conflict studies, political science, international relations, history, sociology, psychology, social work, anthropology, education, healthcare, law, public health, environmental studies, urban planning, architecture, technology, the arts, natural resources, the humanities, communication studies, graphic design, and public relations.

We particularly encourage presentations that connect research with practice, highlight collaborative solutions, or offer innovative perspectives on the challenges of building and sustaining positive peace.

Proposals addressing relevant topics beyond those listed above also are encouraged.

Proposals will be blind reviewed.

The deadline to submit proposals is February 12, 2027.

Click here to learn the proposal guidelines and to submit a proposal.