We believe that peace is a categorial imperative (Bardell, 2017). But what does that mean? Peace should be a universal law, and yet it seems elusive until we look at what initiates war. Our research will be focused on this principle which is part of the theory we will test - that all human beings deserve a peaceful world to live and thrive in, and that, as a law, we can choose leaders that are mature enough to guide a nation into healthier relationships with other nations.
As human beings, we have a yearning for connectivity, we do hate divisions and talk about them often, but somehow find ourselves loving to hate the other side, it brings us closer to the people who believe as we do. At the same time, we know better. We know that division gets nothing done, that the noise of the media and ourselves is deafening to the point of being numb to what is right and true about life - that it is time that we evolve into maturity in our attitudes and behaviors. Yet, we also feel powerless to initiate change. We want our leaders to do more, and we choose leaders that cannot help our society for the greater good. We have an inner guidance that desires ourselves and our leaders to do the right things, but where are we going?
This work is not only for academics or policymakers—it’s for anyone who believes a more peaceful world is still possible. By supporting this research, you’re investing in a future where peace is not left to chance but is chosen, nurtured, and led. Your contribution helps fund a bold, timely, and deeply human project—one that speaks to what is still good in the world and calls us to something greater.
The reality we face is sobering. There are currently 59 active conflicts across the globe—more than at any point in the last 75 years. Civilians are displaced, communities are fractured, and trust in leadership is eroding. We are, in many ways, unmoored from what we know to be right: connection, empathy, and collective responsibility.
We talk about peace. We protest division. Yet somehow, we find ourselves pulled deeper into the comfort of our own camps—us versus them. The media shouts. Our feeds echo. And we grow numb to what matters most. But something within us knows better. It longs for maturity—in our leaders, in ourselves, and in how we live and lead together.
We are testing a theory: that peace can be global, normative, and sustainable—but only if guided by mature leadership. Our work explores what it would take to make peace not just an aspiration, but a shared standard for global governance. Through rigorous and inclusive research, we aim to:
Partner with us to expand interdisciplinary research on global peace, leadership maturity, and societal transformation.
Engage with our initiative to support scholarship that bridges theory, practice, and policy around peace and leadership.
Join a collaborative network exploring peace consciousness and the evolving role of leadership in a divided world.
It’s a global research project exploring how peace can be sustained through mature leadership. We’re developing a theory of peace consciousness and evaluating how leaders align with principles that support a more unified, just, and peaceful world.
Peace consciousness refers to a mindset and moral maturity that seeks unity, empathy, and long-term well-being for all people—not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, understanding, and shared humanity.
Our principal investigator leads a small, interdisciplinary team of researchers and collaborators from around the world. The work is supported by ethical guidelines and a commitment to inclusive, data-informed inquiry.
With more armed conflicts active today than in the past 75 years, our world is facing a crisis of leadership and division. This research asks timely, necessary questions about how we can lead differently—and better—for peace.
Whether you're a researcher, institution, or individual interested in peace and leadership, we welcome your partnership. You can connect with us through the contact form, sign up for updates, or inquire about collaboration opportunities.
We focus on peace not just as a political goal but as a moral imperative and social norm. Our research combines global-scale inquiry with the inner dimensions of leadership maturity—offering a new lens for both theory and practice.
Yes. Donations are warmly welcomed and go directly toward supporting the research process—funding participant outreach, data analysis, publication, and the development of peace-based leadership frameworks. Every contribution helps us move this work forward and deepens our collective commitment to a more peaceful world. You can donate [here] or reach out through our contact form to learn more.