In 1998/99, the Berghof Research Center took the initiative to produce this Handbook as a response to the contemporary challenges of violent ethnopolitical conflict and recent developments in the field of conflict transformation. The project is based on the conviction that responding constructively to inter-group conflicts requires more ingenuity, creativity and hard work than has so far been invested in this area.

One of the main challenges in the field of conflict transformation is the weak relationship between practice, research and theory. Along with many colleagues, we share the belief that the time is ripe for a systematic presentation of the current state-of-the-art in practical, empirical and theoretical knowledge. In addition, this project aims to meet the challenges of identifying lessons learned, best practices and cutting-edge thinking.

The overarching principles informing the Handbook’s approach are to:

• narrow the gap between practice and theory in conflict transformation; in particular supporting the voices of practitioners in the debate, and making the best of new and relevant academic thinking available in practical form
• support and engage scholars and practitioners, especially those from the global South and other developing regions
• play a coordinating and clarifying role among the diverse voices and organisations in this multi-disciplinary field

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