Dr. Juan Diaz-Prinz is a senior expert on mediation and dialogue at the U.S. Institute of Peace. He is a mediator, trainer, and facilitator who has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between theory and practice in mediation. He started his career in the Office of the International Mediator in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1998-2004) and then co-founded the CSSP: Berlin Center for Integrative Mediation. He served as its director and senior mediator between 2005 and 2013. He later supported the founding of the European Institute of Peace for mediatEUr: the European Forum for International Mediation and Dialogue. Before joining USIP, he was working on developing the Conflict Management Space as an online platform for developing simple innovative training material for practitioners working in the field.

Dr. Diaz-Prinz’s academic interests include conflict transformation, mediation, negotiation, dialogue, peace process design, and blended learning. He brings over 15 years of teaching experience in international mediation and strategic negotiations working as an adjunct lecturer at several European universities (including the Hertie School of Governance, Willy Brandt School of Public Policy, Brussels School of International Studies and University of Tampere). He also collaborated as an external trainer on mediation at the U.N. Staff College (Turin), the Clingendael Institute, SIT World Learning, and the Torino World Affairs Institute.

Dr. Diaz-Prinz holds a doctorate in international relations (University of Kent, Brussels), a master's in gender and diversity competence (Free University Berlin), an master's in international diplomacy (Schiller International University) and a bachelor's in political science and communication (St. Thomas University, Miami, Fl). He is a recognized mediator with the Federal Association of Mediation in Germany and a recognized trainer at the Central Register for Short Professional Education in the Netherlands. He speaks English, Spanish and German.

Publications By Juan

The Latest: Three Things to Know About the Principles for Peace Initiative

The Latest: Three Things to Know About the Principles for Peace Initiative

Monday, May 1, 2023

By: Juan Diaz-Prinz, Ph.D. ;  Bert Koenders;  Annika Söder;  Teresita Quintos Deles

We often see peacebuilding play out as the search for political consensus among elite brokers — but for true, lasting peace to take root, peace must become a lived experience for those on the ground. The Principles for Peace is an initiative that aims to identify a common language that ensures the people suffering from conflicts are at the center of conflict resolution processes. USIP’s Juan Diaz-Prinz and Principles for Peace Foundation’s Bert Koenders, Annika Söder and Teresita Quintos Deles discuss this new way to frame the search for peace; the initiative’s emphasis on implementing peace agreements; and how diplomatic actors can use these principles, standards and norms to fundamentally reshape current peace processes.

Type: Blog

Peace Processes

Another Way to Help Ukraine: Prepare Now for a Peace Process

Another Way to Help Ukraine: Prepare Now for a Peace Process

Thursday, June 16, 2022

By: Juan Diaz-Prinz, Ph.D.

Three months of Russia’s savagery against Ukraine have left little space in current policy discussions for considering a peace process. President Biden vows to strengthen Ukraine before any negotiations by providing more arms and funds, and tougher sanctions on Russia. Alongside that vital support for Ukraine’s defense, it is important to develop other ways to help Ukraine end bloodshed and protect its future. One track of policy should be preparation now for negotiations if that opportunity emerges.

Type: Analysis and Commentary

Peace Processes

To Sustain Hopes for Peace in Ukraine, Keep an Eye on Turkey

To Sustain Hopes for Peace in Ukraine, Keep an Eye on Turkey

Thursday, April 28, 2022

By: Esra Çuhadar, Ph.D.;  Juan Diaz-Prinz, Ph.D.

Russia’s atrocities against Ukrainian civilians and its escalated warfare in southeastern Ukraine have swept aside last month’s public discussion of peace options as the countries briefly held talks in Turkey. Yet even in the darkest moments, all sides in this war, including the United States and Europe, have strong interests in maintaining channels for negotiation that can be used when opportunity re-emerges. Protecting that interest means understanding and maintaining Turkey’s role in facilitating talks—and its potential to serve more actively as a mediator.

Type: Analysis and Commentary

Peace Processes

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