cutting-edge research into peace, conflict,
and international security
In our time of rapid change, the risks of major violent conflict are rising. The need to prevent unnecessary human suffering calls for a deeper scholarly understanding of the causes, consequences, and dynamics of violence, and for an elaboration of new measures to foster international cooperation. These are the main goals of our interdisciplinary Center of Excellence, funded by Charles University.
Our newest study finds that geographic proximity significantly influences public support for aiding friendly nations under attack. Using survey experiments in Japan and Czechia, they show that people are more likely to support military and non-military interventions when the conflict is perceived as nearby. While Japanese respondents strongly supported aid to Taiwan, Czech support declined for distant crises. The study highlights that perceived distance—not just actual geography—shapes public opinion, with important implications for international alliances and crisis response planning.
We are excited to invite you to a lecture from Stephen Brooks (Dartmouth College) on the topic “Command of Commerce: America’s Enduring Economic Power Advantage Over China”. The lecture will take place on April 14th 12:30 in the Jinonice building (room B330). There are no registrations.
A new study by Dr. Rob Geist Pinfold, Clive Jones, and Anoushiravan Ehteshami, published in Global Policy, examines how Iran and Israel’s long-standing rivalry has driven the Middle East toward an increasingly dangerous cycle of escalation. The research reveals a surprising role reversal: Israel, traditionally a status quo power, has become the region’s leading revisionist force, seeking to reshape the regional order after the October 7 attacks, while Iran is now on the defensive, aiming to preserve its diminishing influence.
The event will take place on April 11, 2025 at the Faculty of Law, Charles University (nám. Curieových 901/7, Prague 1). We are excited to welcome you to our Annual Conference, where we will explore the implications of a new Trump era for Europe. To attend, please register by filling out the form here.
Keynote Speaker: Steve Brooks (Dartmouth College)
We’re excited to see you at the conference!
This study by Tereza Plíštilová and Zuzana Lizcová explores how German media responded to Israel’s strategic narratives during Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. While narratives linked to Holocaust remembrance were accepted, Israel’s democratic identity and security concerns faced skepticism. Media receptiveness improved when Israel engaged diplomatically, highlighting the role of historical ties and proactive diplomacy in shaping narrative adoption.