Abstract:
Empathy is often invoked in the language of conflict analysis and resolution, but rarely
examined fully or exclusively. I seek to add gravity to our field's conceptualization of
empathy by asking a group of practitioners how they define and design for empathy in
practice. The thesis describes theories of empathy as they stand, the methodology utilized
in this study, and the main themes that can be distilled from the data about what empathy
is, how it looks in practice, and what peace practitioners might be able to do to encourage
it. Those interviewed laid out a multifaceted vision of empathy and placed empathy at the
heart of their peacebuilding work. They also shared gorgeous stories of lived and
witnessed empathy, which support their insights. Thirteen key aspects of empathy
emerged from their reflections, and while it was clear that empathy cannot and should not
be manufactured or forced, these interviewees did suggest seven lessons a facilitator can
use to design spaces in which empathy may be more likely to emerge between conflict
parties.
