Systems Thinking
Traditional frameworks for reform and peacebuilding projects and programs in conflict-affected environments and peacebuilding are often hindered by fragmented programming, narrow analyses, and biased perspectives in favor of linear cause-and-effect thinking. By contrast, systems thinking offers an alternate process whereby practitioners can focus on the interconnectedness of disparate factors and actors, the nonlinearity of causal relationships, the relevance of feedback mechanisms, patterns, dynamic relationships, and the identification of high leverage points. This more holistic approach can be used to identifying possible intervention scenarios rather than producing specific policy advice. The value proposition of systems thinking has been demonstrated in sectors other than conflict and peacebuilding (e.g., public health).
The purpose of this course is to increase the capacity of policymakers, program managers, project managers, and implementing partners to approach reform and peacebuilding projects in conflict-environments using systems thinking and tools, i.e., by considering how the components of such projects and their interactions contribute to their outcome. Understanding such settings' dynamics toward more impactful reform requires a multi-disciplinary approach involving different groups of interconnected actors. In general, conflict-affected environments are unpredictable, uncertain, and at times chaotic. They involve numerous socioeconomic, geopolitical, and cultural factors that interact with each other, driving cycles of dynamic causes and effects. Systems thinking approaches provide ways to understand such dynamics in an integrated rather than a siloed manner, leading to improved decision making in conflict management and reform efforts with more significant impact in conflict-affected environments.
As such, this training introduces participants to different aspects of systems thinking and its application in conflict-affected environments by offering (1) a new systemic mindset for reform and peacebuilding efforts in conflict-affected settings and (2) a set of practical tools to operationalize that mindset. Drawing on a series of lectures, case studies, exercises, and virtual scenarios, this course uses an evidence-based approach to show how the principles of systems thinking and associated tools can be used to (i) map reform and peacebuilding projects; (ii) collect and analyze data in conflict-affected environments; (iii) explore and predict how conflicts may evolve; (iv) identify key places to intervene in the environments; (v) develop meaningful interventions leading to peace and stability; and (vi) monitor and evaluate progress.
Learning objectives:
- Decide when to use systems thinking versus reductionist thinking and understanding core concepts and how they are applied.
- Understand key habits and communication skills of a systems thinker and application of these habits for management and reform of peacebuilding projects.
- Be familiar with different systems and decision-making tools to analyze the uncertainty and complexity in reform and peacebuilding efforts.
- Identify leverage points in reform and peacebuilding interventions and importance of tradeoffs and synergies across multiple systems involved in conflict affected environments.
- Practice the theory in understanding the changing dynamics of conflict affected environments, recognize the multiple interconnected and interdependent dimensions of reform and peacebuilding projects in conflict environments and how changes can affect the whole.
- Conduct in-depth analysis to synthesize all the systems dimensions
If you cannot view the video, click here to watch it on YouTube.
Agenda
Chapter 1: The “Why” and “What” of Systems Thinking
We begin this course by discussing what systems are, what systems thinking is, and why systems thinking can be a powerful approach for peacebuilding work. We will discuss why systems thinking is relevant to the field of peacebuilding, and helpful when operating in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environments.
Chapter 2: Systems Thinking Mindset
This chapter explores how a systems thinking approach differs from a linear approach. It also outlines the fifteen good habits of a systems thinker.
Chapter 3: An Introduction to Complex Systems Modeling
With this chapter, we begin to discuss the role and value of modeling in systems approaches to peacebuilding. We also highlight the differences between systems thinking as a perspective, and complex systems science as a field of expertise involving a particular method of inquiry and a range of tools.
Chapter 4: An Introduction to System Dynamics Modeling
This chapter introduces system dynamics modeling as a useful complex systems science tool.
Chapter 5: An Introduction to Agent-Based Modeling
In this chapter, we introduce agent-based modeling, describing its basic components and some of its common uses.
Chapter 6: An Introduction to Network Analysis
In this chapter we introduce network analysis, describing its basic components and outlining some of its common uses.
Chapter 7: Conclusion
This chapter asks you to reflect on what you've learned throughout the course and share your feedback with us. You will also take the final exam and receive your certificate for successfully completing the course.
Course Presenters
- Jill Baggerman, Program Officer, United States Institute of Peace
Caleb Diamond, Research Assistant, United States Institute of Peace Philippe Leroux-Martin, Director, United States Institute of Peace Jordon Mpingo, Program Specialist, United States Institute of Peace Anita Thompson, Program Specialist, United States Institute of Peace Jacob Zack, Former Program Specialist, United States Institute of Peace
This course was developed in 2022 by USIP in partnership with USAID's Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization, university scholars and field experts.
