Podcast of the Month – Generation Peace

Is it really true that countries with youthful populations are more prone to conflict than peace? And what can we learn from young people who have lived through war, upheaval, and political change? This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Generation Peace, a compelling podcast that challenges long-held assumptions about youth, conflict, and the power of young people to shape a more peaceful future.

Hosted by Dr Michaelina Jakala from the Centre for Peace and Security at Coventry University, the series takes listeners on a journey through diverse global case studies that offer fresh insight into the lived experiences of young people in conflict-affected settings. Through thoughtful conversations with young people, practitioners, and academics, Dr Jakala explores how youth navigate environments marked by violence, and how they become essential agents of peace, resilience, and transformation.

Across the episodes, Generation Peace dives into the stories behind some of the most misunderstood groups in modern conflict narratives. Listeners hear from former child soldiers in Bosnia, whose experiences challenge simplistic portrayals and offer a deeper understanding of trauma, identity, and recovery. The podcast also turns to Generation 2000 - the Kurdish Millennials who have grown up in the long shadow of the US invasion of Iraq, shedding light on how war shapes a generation’s politics, ambitions, and sense of belonging. And in Colombia, the series examines the roles young people have taken on following the historic 2016 Peace Agreement, revealing how they are pushing for accountability, justice, and lasting change.

What emerges is a rich, nuanced portrait of youth that defies the stereotype of young people as a “risk factor” for violence. Instead, the podcast highlights their creativity, courage, and essential contributions to peace building. It raises important questions about how societies can better support and empower young people not just to survive conflict, but to shape a more equitable and peaceful future.

The conversations in Generation Peace offer insight that is both deeply personal and highly relevant to policymakers, educators, practitioners, and anyone interested in conflict studies or youth leadership. While the podcast reflects a wide range of perspectives, it’s important to note that the views expressed are those of the individuals involved and not the official position of the Centre for Peace and Security.

Generously funded by the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust, the series stands as an important reminder that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without listening to – and learning from the next generation.

Tune in to Generation Peace to rethink what you know about young people, conflict, and the powerful role they play in building peace.

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Lauren White, Assistant Producer