Envision a world at peace.

But how do we achieve it? Sometimes through diplomats and treaties, but more often, peacebuilding begins with you. Civil society, where people work together to organize communities and advocate for rights, is often the most effective way to advance peace.

At the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, we focus on a multi-faceted approach to peacebuilding, emphasizing teaching, research and practice. We study the practices that have worked in conflict situations in the past, and we encourage creative thinking for new approaches in the future. The school attracts the best and brightest international scholars, practitioners and students to engage in the important work of building peace.

The school was inaugurated in 2007, made possible by the visionary philanthropy of Joan B. Kroc. Meeting her challenge to “make peace and not just talk about peace,” the school produces graduates who address some of the most difficult conflict situations of our time. The school’s two institutes — the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice (IPJ) and the Trans-Border Institute (TBI ) — are engaged in ongoing peacebuilding projects around the globe.

The school is led by Professor Edward C. Luck, Ph.D. A highly regarded United Nations official, Dean Luck served as Assistant Secretary-General and Special Adviser to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. He developed the Responsibility to Protect doctrine, a plan to galvanize national and international action to prevent atrocity crimes and their incitement.

Located on the University of San Diego campus, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies is a resource for international peacebuilders, students, faculty, community members and all who are dedicated to peace and social justice.

We invite you to learn more and get involved.

Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies

Edward C. Luck, PhD
Dean and Professor
(619) 260-7919

Elisa Lurkis
Director of Development and Alumni Relations
(619) 260-7913
elurkis@sandiego.edu