Institute for a Sustainable Earth

Karina V. Korostelina, PhD

Title: Professor of Conflict Analysis and Resolution

Phone: 703-380-8544

Website: https://carterschool.gmu.edu/profiles/ckoroste

Groups: Faculty

Research Focus
I am a social psychologist whose work focuses on social identity and dynamics of identity and power in protracted social conflicts. Within this theoretical framework, I conduct research in several areas: (1) social identity and identity-based conflicts, including mass violence and civilian devastation, the nation building processes, conflict resolution and peacebuilding in post-conflict societies; (2) resilience in communities affected by chronic conflict and violence and critical infrastructure resilience, and (3) role of history and memory in conflict and post-conflict societies and reconciliation. I am directing the Peace Lab on Reconciling Societal Divisions and Memories (RSDM) that works to empower conflict resolution and reconciliation practitioners with evidence-based tools and approaches for reconciling societal divisions. To help bridge societal divisions and support progress toward reconciliation, the RSDM lab draws on cutting edge theory and evidence to develop tools for addressing the dynamics of identity-based conflicts and contested interpretations of the past.
Current Projects
  • Co-PI, Living Through War: An oral history of civilians experiencing the effects of structural violence in Sudan, supported by the USAID, 2020-2021.
  • Principle Investigator, Developing youth leadership in community enhancement through internship in local administrations and NGOs, grant of the U.S. State Department, Embassy in Ukraine, 2019-2022.
  • Principle Investigator, Inter-ethnic dialogue in Ukraine, grant of the U.S. State Department, Embassy in Ukraine, 2018- 2022.
  • Book project: “Memory sites in the midst of conflict: dynamics of collective memory, identity, and power.”