Studies and Prospects for Building Cities of Peace

This fourth volume of the Cities of Peace Collection brings together interdisciplinary and international contributions that reflect on the construction of peace in contemporary urban contexts marked by polarization, institutional fragility, and declining social trust. The book conceives the city not merely as a territorial space, but as a relational and ethical environment in which peace is built upon human dignity, social justice, democratic participation, and dialogue.

Across twenty chapters, scholars from various countries examine peace from multiple perspectives, including higher education, mediation, law, democracy, and citizen participation. Particular emphasis is placed on alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and diverse forms of mediation as practical tools for the peaceful transformation of conflicts.

The volume advances a forward-looking and action-oriented approach that bridges theory and practice, while reaffirming the role of universities as strategic actors in promoting a culture of peace, social cohesion, and institutional strengthening.