Every aspect of our lives is exposed to conflict. We face conflict in everything from our day-to-day interactions to our nation’s politics. All around us violence threatens to destroy the fabric of our shared lives. But what if instead of leading to violence, conflict could be seen as an opportunity for a deeper peace? Let’s not give in to despair or apathy, but joyfully and passionately learn about the things that make for peace and reconciliation.

With their striking natural beauty and rich and diverse ethnic and religious heritage, Croatia and the surrounding areas are the perfect backdrop for exploring why we resort to violence and how we may turn our energy instead toward relational peace. As a survivor of the war in the 90’s, professor Petra Belković Taylor, and her husband James, will introduce you to the history, culture and charm of the area, and show that right in the middle of the most challenging circumstances, strong and meaningful relationships can be forged, and purposeful strategies for building peace be developed and implemented.  

Join us as we explore together the ethics and politics of peace while living at the crossroads of cultures, countries and religions, truly where east meets west and we have the opportunity to grow through encountering and caring for others across difference and up close.  

“There are few places in Europe (perhaps the world) today, where questions of profound cultural, political and religious division are so emphatically dramatized and where visions of deep reconciliation are more urgently called for. The Balkans are a cradle of war and peace. Where the wound is, the remedy grows.
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— Richard Kearney, Director of The Guestbook Project and Charles Seelig Chair of Philosophy at Boston College