Analyzing conflicts helps to develop appropriate and structured measures to deal with them. Through applying systemic thinking, you can expand from linear frameworks to comprehend conflict dynamics in all their complexity. In this training course, you will learn how Systemic Conflict Analysis (SCA) works and how you can implement it effectively in your work.
Registration Dates:
🐦 Early Bird: until 3 September 2026 (10 % Discount) ⏰ Registration Deadline: 15 October 2026
Training Schedule:
💻 Online Live Sessions: Thursdays, 29 October to 26 November 2026, 13:00-17:00 CET
Content
This five-week online training equips peace and development practitioners to conduct a Systemic Conflict Analysis (SCA) and translate it into conflict-sensitive entry points for strategic planning. Participants learn core systems concepts (boundaries, interactions, feedback loops, time delays, leverage points) and apply a step-by-step SCA workflow: scoping; actor/relationship mapping; identifying key dynamics; building and interpreting causal loop diagrams; exploring scenarios and limitations; and deriving entry points and monitoring signposts. Participants work on their own context (preferred) or a shared case and produce a usable SCA package (system map + short strategy memo). The training is hands-on and feedback-rich, combining live sessions with guided self-paced work between sessions.
Key Concepts
Systems thinking for conflict transformation
System boundaries & assumptions (boundary critique)Actors, relationships & multi-level dynamics
Causal links (+/–), feedback loops (reinforcing/balancing) & time delays
By the end of the training, participants will have...
Understood basic ideas of systems thinking and why they are useful for conflict transformation.
Learned the main steps of conducting a Systemic Conflict Analysis and practiced applying them.
Developed an SCA on their own context (or a shared case).
Critically reflected on limits, challenges, ethics and safe dissemination of systemic conflict analysis.
Derived first conflict-sensitive entry points and monitoring signposts to inform strategy and programme design.
Who can register for this training?
The training is designed for people in peacebuilding, conflict transformation, humanitarian response or development programming who already have basic knowledge of peace and conflict concepts and want a structured, hands-on approach to analysing conflict as a dynamic system. It is suitable for practitioners who want to strengthen their ability to translate analysis into strategic options, risk management and conflict-sensitive programming decisions.
We prioritise smaller class sizes to promote interactive exchanges and the integration of your own practical experiences. Therefore we limit the number of spaces to a maximum of 20 participants. Register early to reserve your place!
Do you have questions about this training? Our team is happy to assist you. Please do not hesitate to contact me: selena.gould@propeace.de
Methodology
The training uses a participatory, experiential approach with short inputs, guided practice, peer exchange and reflection. Participants build a real SCA product step-by-step through weekly iterations, supported by structured peer review and focused trainer feedback. The facilitation is power- and discrimination-sensitive and includes clear safe-space agreements and options to work with a shared case if participants’ own contexts are sensitive.
Workload & Deliverables
Participants are expected to actively participate in at least 4 live sessions and complete short self-paced tasks between sessions. To successfully complete the training, participants submit three short products:
Deliverable A (Week 1): Case framing note (1 page) incl. conflict question, boundary, assumptions and initial actor/relationship map
Deliverable B (Week 2): System map package incl. refined actor/relationship map + 2–3 CLDs (with explanations)
Deliverable C (Week 3): Strategy memo (2 pages) with leverage/entry points, Do No Harm risks/mitigation, and 6–8 monitoring signposts
Participants also prepare a short final presentation (5–7 minutes; selected sample depending on cohort size).
After a successful participation, participants receive a certificate and become part of our alumni network.
Total expected weekly hours: 7 to 8 hours per week
Registration
Ready to go? We are looking forward to your participation:
Further information on our cancellation policies can be found in our General Terms and Conditions for Trainings. If you have any questions about financing options, please refer to our FAQs.
The participation fee is paid by invoice. Any bank or transfer fees that may apply must be borne by the participant.
Participants should have an adequate internet connection (1 Mbit down/upload or better) to take part in this training. A headset is highly recommended.
