On May 5, 2026, the German Foundation for Peace Research (DSF) celebrated its 25th anniversary in Berlin under the banner “Peace Foundation in Times of Global Crisis.” The evening focused on looking back at a quarter-century of research funding while also addressing the future challenges facing peace and conflict research in the face of multiple global crises. In a brilliant keynote address, Prof. Dr. Robin Geiß, Director of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), examined the landscape of international politics at the time of the Foundation’s inception and contrasted it with the current situation. He noted that, despite adverse circumstances, political avenues for action remain—opportunities that could be leveraged to revitalize and strengthen international cooperation and arms control, as well as to reinforce international law. Another key item on the evening’s agenda was the change in leadership within the Foundation’s Board: Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schneckener was bid farewell after ten years as Chair of the Board, and the new Board, led by Chair Prof. Dr. Malte Göttsche, was officially introduced.

Looking Back at 25 Years of Peace Research

The DSF celebrated its 25th anniversary with an event in Berlin. Since its inception, the foundation has funded over 500 projects with more than 25 million euros, thereby providing significant impetus for peace and conflict research.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Silke Launert—the new Chair of the DSF Board of Trustees and Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR)—emphasized the importance of the DSF for both the academic and political spheres. She highlighted the BMFTR’s continuous support for this field of research and identified “confidence” as the foundation’s guiding principle—from its founding to the present day. Particularly given the tense global political climate, there is a need for institutions that commit to long-term scientific cooperation and perspectives rooted in peace policy.
Subsequently, long-standing Executive Board Chair Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schneckener reviewed the foundation’s development. He paid tribute to the achievements of former members of the Executive Board and the Board of Trustees and underscored the DSF’s role as a driving force in peace and conflict research. Over the past 25 years, the foundation has firmly established itself through its innovative and exploratory funding practices and has built vital bridges between diverse research fields thanks to its interdisciplinary approach.

A Changing International Order

The second part of the evening focused on current global challenges regarding peace and security, as well as the field of peace and conflict research itself.

In his keynote address, UNIDIR Director Prof. Dr. Robin Geiß illustrated the fundamental changes in the international landscape since the DSF was founded. Major inter-state conflicts, military build-ups, hybrid threats, and the risks associated with AI and autonomous weapon systems are presenting new challenges for policymakers, international law, and international institutions. Geiß warned against prioritizing power politics over international law and advocated for a realistic yet resolute approach to international institutions. He argued that defense capabilities and arms control are not mutually exclusive; indeed, the history of arms control demonstrates that international cooperation is often more effective and cost-efficient than escalation through military buildup.
At the same time, he emphasized that the United Nations remains indispensable today, despite facing political and financial weakening. “International law is only as strong as the idea of ​​international law itself,” Geiß stated.

Peace and Conflict Research in Polarized Times

Subsequently, Prof. Dr. Christopher Daase (PRIF), Prof. Dr. Gwendolyn Sasse (ZOiS), State Secretary Dr. Nils Schmid (BMVg), and Prof. Dr. Robin Geiß—moderated by Prof. Dr. Cilja Harders (FU Berlin)—discussed Europe’s scope for action in an increasingly polarized world.
Christopher Daase emphasized the growing importance of peace and conflict research in an era of global uncertainty. At the same time, he expressed concern regarding political attacks on the field and warned of an increasing “re-ideologization” of international relations. He noted that public debate currently focuses heavily on deterrence and military security, while issues of arms control—which are highly relevant in this context—receive insufficient attention.
Gwendolyn Sasse discussed the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, highlighting the need to address the psychological and structural challenges that would arise following a potential end to the war. She noted that while academic exchange on these topics is often viewed with skepticism during times of crisis, it remains essential for developing long-term prospects for peace and social reconstruction.
Dr. Nils Schmid pointed to the domestic and foreign policy challenges facing Europe and called for strengthened European capacity for action. Security policy encompasses not only military matters but also societal issues that should be the subject of social science research. This applies in particular to various forms of hybrid warfare and their consequences. The capacity for defense does not mean viewing war as a viable option to be waged, but rather preventing it.
In conclusion, Robin Geiß emphasized that the problem is not a lack of ideas or academic expertise, but rather a frequent failure to heed these insights and translate them into politically informed action. Progress can often only be achieved incrementally—which is precisely why institutions that provide impetus, such as the DSF, are indispensable.

Changes to the DSF’s Governing Bodies

The Foundation’s 25th anniversary also coincided with significant personnel changes within its Executive Board. The Chair of the Foundation Council, Dr. Silke Launert, bade farewell to the Chair of the Executive Board, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schneckener, who held this position for over ten years and left a lasting mark on the Foundation. At the same time, Prof. Dr. Andreas von Arnauld—who most recently served as Deputy Chair—concluded his ten-year tenure on the Executive Board. Prof. Dr. Birgit Bräuchler also stepped down from the Board after three years. Dr. Launert acknowledged the significant voluntary commitment shown by the Board members, noting the tremendous contribution they made to the continued development of the DSF.
The Chair of the Foundation Council also introduced the new Board members—Prof. Dr. Jana Hönke (University of Bayreuth), Prof. Dr. Sandra Destradi, and Prof. Dr. Paulina Starski (both of the University of Freiburg)—and wished the new Chair of the Executive Board, Prof. Dr. Malte Göttsche (TU Darmstadt/PRIF), and his deputy, Tobias Pietz (ZIF), every success in their work.

Thanks to all contributors

The German Foundation for Peace Research (DSF) extends its thanks to all guests, contributors, and supporters for this special evening. The program is available online here.