Designed by Laura Wise, this course introduces peacebuilding professionals to core concepts of negotiating ceasefires within the contemporary context of complex conflicts and multi-mediation. This five-week course draws on PeaceRep research, expertise, and data to explore how peacebuilders can understand ceasefires in this new conflict and mediation landscape that challenges traditional ceasefire mediation models, and will explore the normative, legal, and practical implications of negotiating ceasefires in complex conflicts. The course will also examine civilian ceasefire monitoring mechanisms, the role of digital technologies in ceasefires, and the potential of health-related and religious holiday ceasefires to support peace processes. Upon completion of the course, participants will:

• be able to demonstrate awareness and understanding of the changing nature of conflict and mediation, and how this relates to ceasefires
• be able to identify key challenges for negotiating, mediating, monitoring, and implementing ceasefires in the contemporary conflict landscape
• feel confident to access, navigate, understand, and apply ceasefire data to support their professional practice

This course is scheduled to run in September 2025.