Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

Over the summer, high schoolers from around the world came to the Fairfax Campus to learn from the experts how to contribute meaningfully to democratic resilience in the United States and around the world.

Join embassies, small businesses, and community members at Mason Square on October 15 for an afternoon of international food, performances, cultural activities, and artisan vendors. Embassies & Entrepreneurs highlights global cultures and entrepreneurship while strengthening connections between George Mason University and the Arlington community.

After finding a fresh start at Northern Virginia Community College, Omer Yousuf pursued peace and conflict studies at George Mason University’s Carter School, where he explored questions of belonging, inclusion, and social change. His academic and community work led to a master’s degree in urban planning from Harvard University and a continued focus on building more inclusive communities through research and practice.

A recent sighting of a pair of juvenile green herons at George Mason University's Point of View retreat and conference center in Lorton, Virginia, has drawn attention to the diversity of avian life thriving along the Occoquan River shoreline.

One year after becoming the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) Hub Chair for Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University is expanding its role as a global convener of research, education, and partnerships aimed at advancing peace and sustainable development.

Silvia Danielak, an assistant professor at George Mason University’s Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, is the author of Peace Infrastructures: How UN Peace Operations Build Roads, Bridges, and Solar Farms in the Pursuit of Sustainability (MIT Press, April 2026), the first comprehensive account of infrastructure building in United Nations peace operations. Danielak’s work focuses on sociospatial and infrastructure planning in conflict settings and as part of peace efforts, as well as its coalition with climate and environmental efforts.

When Avery Cotham, MS Conflict Analysis and Resolution ’26, enrolled at George Mason University’s Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, she was ready for a new challenge. For 15 years, Cotham worked as a vocalist and choral director in Colorado before the COVID-19 pandemic prompted her to rethink her career and search for a new way to serve her community.

One year after becoming the United Nations Academic Impact SDG 16 Hub Chair, George Mason University’s Carter School reflects on how universities can move beyond research to help advance peace, justice, and strong institutions through global partnerships, policy engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The article highlights SDG 16 as a foundation for sustainable development and outlines the Carter School’s vision for connecting scholars, students, policymakers, and practitioners to address complex global challenges before 2030.

The Carter School welcomed a record 63 students from across the U.S. and Jordan to its 10th annual Conflict Resolution Youth Summit (CRYS), where participants built skills in negotiation, facilitation, and conflict analysis. Through hands-on workshops and collaborative projects, students developed innovative solutions to real challenges in their school communities while exploring future opportunities in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

Alan Gropman, a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran and distinguished scholar, was a foundational figure in the Carter School, serving on its advisory board, mentoring students, and helping shape its mission from its earliest years. Through his teaching, guidance, and generous philanthropy, often directed directly to support students, Alan left a lasting impact on generations of Carter School leaders in conflict resolution and public policy.