Religion and Peacebuilding

Dr. Funk is an Assistant Professor in Peace and Conflict Studies at the Conrad Grebel University College at the University of Waterloo. He earned his Ph.D. in International Relations from the American University School of International Service in Washington, DC. Before commencing his doctoral studies at American University, he completed a B.A in Global Community Studies at Gustavus Adolphus College.

Dr. Funk has lived in the Middle East and South Asia, designed internet courses on peace and conflict resolution, and worked on research and training projects for the United States Institute of Peace. At present he is serving as a member of the board of directors for two Canadian NGOs, Project Ploughshares and Peacebuild: The Canadian Peacebuilding Network.

Dr. Funk has authored or co-authored a number of writings on international conflict resolution, with a special focus on unofficial ("track two") dialogue processes, Islamic-Western relations, identity conflict, and the role of cultural and religious factors in peacebuilding capacity development.

Dr. Funk’s presentation will focus on the role of religion in peacebuilding.