We are pleased to announce the establishment of a new working group titled “Critical Realism (CR) & Peace Research”, which will be part of the Critical Realism Network.
Our aim is to create a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to exploring how CR can enrich and deepen the theoretical, methodological, and empirical foundations of peace research. The working group will serve as a platform for scholars who share an interest in ontology, epistemology, and emancipatory social science, and who wish to connect these perspectives with contemporary questions of conflict, peacebuilding, and global governance.
The working group will organize a biennial conference, providing a regular forum for presenting research, fostering dialogue, and building international networks. As an outcome of this shared work, we plan to publish a book anthology and/or journal articles (for the Journal of Critical Realism) that brings together diverse perspectives and advances the scholarly conversation on CR and peace research.
In addition, we will host a monthly gathering / Webinar series featuring a guest scholar who will deliver a lecture on a topic related to CR and/or peace research. Each session will be followed by an open discussion. All lectures and discussions will be recorded and made available on YouTube, allowing us to share these conversations and ideas widely and contribute to broader public and academic discourse.
If you would like to join the group, attend the session, or have any further questions, please contact: josef.muehlbauer@uni-graz.at
Founding Members:
Scienfitic Board Members & Regual Members:
(Empowerment For Peace)
(GSIS)
Announcement: First Meeting of the Critical Realism & Peace Studies Group
We are pleased to announce the inaugural meeting of the Critical Realism & Peace Studies Group, which will take place on May 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM (CET).
The meeting will begin with introductory remarks by Dr. Wilfried Graf, Prof. Werner Wintersteiner, and Josef Mühlbauer, who will present the idea behind the group and outline the next steps. Participants will then have the opportunity to briefly introduce themselves.
Following this, Prof. Heikki Patomäki will deliver a keynote lecture on “The Value of the Critical Realism Perspective in Peace Studies”, focusing on its key concepts and contributions to the field.
After the keynote and a short discussion, the session will open into a broader exchange, providing space for further discussion and networking. We warmly invite all those interested in Critical Realism and Peace Studies to join us for this first gathering. Please note that the meeting will be recorded, so that those who are unable to attend can watch it at a later (here: YouTube)
If you would like to join the group, attend the session, or have any further questions, please contact: josef.muehlbauer@uni-graz.at
Josef Mühlbauer 