The conversation explores the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the world. It emphasizes the importance of understanding multiple narratives and the need for integrative mediation to bridge conflicts. The guest, Christoph Lüttmann, shares his experiences working in conflict resolution and reconciliation, particularly in Kosovo. He discusses the challenges of mediating in contexts where conflicting narratives exist and the importance of building trust and finding common interests. The conversation also touches on the distortion of history in shaping narratives and the need for open-mindedness and respect in reconciliation efforts. The conversation explores the importance of humanizing the 'other' in conflicts and the role of personal encounters in challenging negative assumptions. It discusses the challenges of segregation in post-conflict societies, particularly in schools and the potential for mediation to empower students to resolve conflicts constructively. The conversation also touches on the differences between Eastern and Western approaches to conflict resolution and the concept of integrative mediation. It concludes with a reflection on the ability to separate the conflict from the people involved and the admiration for those who act as intermediaries in conflicting communities. Keywords narratives, power of narratives, integrative mediation, conflicts, peace building, understanding, reconciliation, history distortion, conflict resolution, humanizing the other, personal encounters, segregation, post-conflict societies, mediation in schools, Eastern and Western approaches, integrative mediation Takeaways -Our lives are ruled by narratives, both self-made and influenced by external sources. -Understanding multiple narratives is crucial for bridging conflicts and promoting peace. -Integrative mediation can help find common interests and build trust between conflicting parties. -History can be distorted to shape narratives but it is important to be open-minded and respectful of different perspectives. Humanizing the 'other' is crucial in conflicts to challenge negative assumptions and dehumanization. -Personal encounters and shared experiences can help break down barriers and promote understanding. -Segregation in post-conflict societies, particularly in schools, perpetuates conflict and hinders reconciliation. -Mediation in schools can empower students to resolve conflicts constructively and promote peacebuilding. -Eastern and Western approaches to conflict resolution may differ, but there are common principles and potential for cross-cultural learning. -Integrative mediation aims to integrate a variety of actors and actions to support conflict resolution. -It is possible to separate the conflict from the people involved, allowing for resolution and reconciliation. -Those who act as intermediaries in conflicting communities deserve admiration and support for their courage and vision. Sound Bites "Our lives are ruled by narratives." "The power of narratives has become a ticking time bomb." "Understanding would be a very academic and non-useful word." "Humanizing the other is mostly by getting to know someone from the other side and trying to add to all the negative experiences or maybe only assumptions." "Humanizing is actually being exposed to another narrative." "Mediation in schools had taken place. So what was that and what is this picture that you've just thrown out where you said you just threw up a picture which was very difficult, actually challenging for me to understand walking into an institution or a building and having to actually do the" Chapters 00:00 The Power of Narratives 09:39 Understanding Multiple Narratives 14:15 Conflict and Violent Means 16:37 Reconciliation and Respect 23:09 Distortion of History 29:28 Accepting Another Narrative 30:43 Mediating Conflicts 39:03 Humanizing the Conflict 40:13 Humanizing the 'Other' 44:20 The Role of Personal Encounters 45:20 Segregation in Post-Conflict Societies 56:06 Eastern and Western Approaches 01:02:45 Understanding Mediation in Schools 01:13:30 Separating Conflict from People 01:18:22 Admiration for Intermediaries