Reina Neufeldt

Chair, Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies
Reina Neufeldt

*On sabbatical Winter 2024*

Contact:
(519) 885-0220 ext. 24252
reina.neufeldt@uwaterloo.ca
Office:  CGUC 2103A

Education:
BA, University of Calgary, 1994
MA, York University, 1998
PhD, School of International Service, American University, 2005
 

Research Areas:

Ethics and peacebuilding, development of civil society, action research and reflective practice in conflict transformation
 

Courses Taught:

Undergraduate
PACS 312 - Quest for Peace in Literature and Film
PACS 318 - Peacebuilding in Divided Societies
PACS 332 - Ethics of Peace-building
PACS 335/MUSIC 335 - Perspectives in Music and Peace
PACS 401 - Senior Research Seminar

 Graduate
PACS 601 - Systems of Peace, Order, and Good Governance 
PACS 602 - The Practice of Peace
 

About:

Reina Neufeldt’s research focuses on questions related to ethics, engagement, conflict transformation and local peacebuilding in settings of deep divisions and inequities.

Dr. Neufeldt’s scholarly work is shaped by her experiences in peacebuilding practice, from engaging in policy and advocacy work to being a Peacebuilding Technical Advisor for Catholic Relief Services, based in Baltimore and Manila. She co-authored two foundational peacebuilding training resources: “Peacebuilding: A Caritas Training Manual” (2001) and “Reflective Peacebuilding: A Planning, Monitoring and Learning Toolkit” (2007). After transitioning back into academia, Dr. Neufeldt has continued to consult and support team reflection, monitoring and learning to improve peacebuilding. She was a Steering Committee member for the US-based Peacebuilding Evaluation Consortium (2013-2018), and a member of the Project Ploughshares Governing Committee (2015-2021).

Dr. Neufeldt’s current work focuses on sources of conflict and pursuing transformation closer to home. She is embarking on a project related to understanding Mennonites as “implicated subjects” within Canada’s processes of settler colonization and decolonization. She has also been working with colleagues in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and Waterloo on community-based research as part of peacebuilding.

A professor in the Peace and Conflict Studies program at Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo, she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on research, ethics, reflective practice and peacebuilding, as well as perspectives on music and peace and the quest for peace in literature and film. 

Reina sits at a table during a class

Selected Publications:

Books

Book Chapters

  • Neufeldt Reina C. (2021) Relational Ethics: The Possibility of a Caring Positive Peace. In: Standish K., Devere H., Suazo A., Rafferty R. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Positive Peace. Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-3877-3_46-1
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2020). Judging Peacebuilding: Attending to Value in Evaluation. In d’Estrée, Tamra P. (Ed.). New Directions in Peacebuilding Evaluation. London: Rowman & Littlefield, 141-155.

Peer Reviewed Journal Article

  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2021) Settler colonial conscripts: Mennonite reserves and the enfolding of implicated subjects, Postcolonial Studies, DOI: 10.1080/13688790.2021.1943862
  • Neufeldt, Reina C., Mary Lou Klassen, John Danboyi, Jessica Dyck & Mugu Zakka Bako (2020) Gaps in knowledge about local peacebuilding: a study in deficiency from Jos, Nigeria, Third World Quarterly, DOI: 10.1080/01436597.2020.1761253

  • Neufeldt, Reina C. and Rich Janzen.  2021.  Learning from and with community-based and participatory action research: Constraints and adaptations in a youth-peacebuilding initiative in Haiti. Action Research, 19 (1): 91-109. https://doi.org/10.1177/1476750320916226 

  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2018) When Good Intentions Are Not Enough: Confronting Ethical Challenges in Peacebuilding and Reconciliation. The Conrad Grebel Review 36 (2): 114-132.

  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2017). Ethics and Peacebuilding. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of International Studies.  DOI:10.1093/acrefore/9780190846626.013.86   
  • Bergen, Jeremy M., Paul C. Heidebrecht, Reina C. Neufeldt. (2017).  Introduction: Exploring Theological, Practical, and Cultural Dimensions of Global Mennonite Peacebuilding. The Conrad Grebel Review special issue Global Mennonite Peacebuilding: Exploring Theology, Culture, and Practice, 35(3): 222-236. 
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2017). The Practicalities of Good: Lessons from Teaching Ethics in Peace and Conflict Studies. Conrad Grebel Review, 35(1): 4-14. 
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2016). Impact and outcomes: the ethical perils of distancing in peacebuilding grant solicitations. Journal of Peacebuilding and Development 11(1): 54-69. DOI 10.1080/15423166.2016.1143762. 
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2014)  Doing good better: expanding the ethics of peacebuilding. International Peacekeeping 21(4): 427-442. DOI 10.1080/13533312.2014.946710.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2011).  Interfaith dialogue: assessing theories of change.  Peace and Change: A Journal of Peace Research 36(3): 344-372.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2009). Tolerant exclusion: expanding constricted narratives of wartime ethnic and civic nationalism. Nations and Nationalism 15(2): 206-226.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2009). ‘We are aware of our contradictions:’ Russlaender Mennonite narratives of loss and the reconstruction of peoplehood, 1914-1923.  Journal of Mennonite Studies 27: 129-154.
  • Fast, Larissa & Neufeldt, Reina C. (2005). Building blocks for peacebuilding impact evaluation. Journal of Peacebuilding and Development 2(2): 24-41.
  • Fast, Larissa, Neufeldt, Reina & Schirch, Lisa. (2002). Toward ethically grounded conflict interventions: re-evaluating challenges in the 21st century.  International Negotiation 7: 185-207.
  • Howard, Peter & Neufeldt, Reina C. (2000).  Canada's constructivist foreign policy: building norms for peace.  Canadian Foreign Policy 8(1): 11-38.

 Journal Articles

  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2013).  "Ask a Scholar" in World Watch, September/October 2013: World Vision: 8.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2012). “Regional peacebuilding learning – rewarding and challenging experiences” in New Routes, Nov. 4 2012: Peace without borders: Regional Peacebuilding in Focus. Uppsala, Sweden: Life and Peace Institute.  pp.8-9. 
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2008). Circling and framing peacebuilding projects. New Routes 13(3): 15-18.

Thesis and Dissertation

  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2005).  Barn Razing: Change and Continuity in Identity During Conflict.  Ph.D. dissertation, American University.  (Defended with Distinction)
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (1998). Assessing the Impact of Pre-Negotiation Training on Negotiation Outcomes.  M.A. thesis, York University.

Book Chapters

  • Headley, William, C.S.S.P. & Neufeldt, Reina C. (2010). Catholic Relief Services: Catholic Peacebuilding in Practice.  In Schreiter, Robert, Appleby, R. Scott, & Powers, Gerard (Eds) Peacebuilding: Catholic Theology, Ethics and Practice.  Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Press.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2011). “Frameworkers” and “Circlers” – Exploring Assumptions in Impact Assessment. In Austin, B. Fischer, M. and Giessmann, H. (Eds) Advancing Conflict Transformation: The Berghof Handbood II.  Opladen & Farmington Hills, MI: Barbara Budrich Publishers
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2007).  Just policing and international order: is it possible?  In Schlabach, Gerald W. (Ed) Just Policing, Not War: An Alternative Response to World Violence. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press.

Monographs

  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2016). Wicked Problems: Peacebuilding Evaluation Ethics; Determining what is good and right.  Peacebuilding Evaluation Consortium.  
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2007). “Frameworkers” and “Circlers” – Exploring Assumptions in Peace and Conflict Impact Assessment. Berghof Handbook for Conflict Transformation.  Berlin: Berghof Research Center for Constructive Conflict Management.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C., Patnaik, Kishor & Capacci Carneal, Christine. (2006).  Residential Schools in India: Flashpoints or Bulwarks for Peace and Integral Human Development.  Baltimore, MD: Catholic Relief Services.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C., McCann, Sarah & Cilliers, Jaco. (2000).  Explicit and Implicit Peacebuilding: Catholic Relief Services in Mindanao, Philippines, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.  Cambridge, MA: Collaborative for Development Action. 
     

Selected Activities:

Public Presentations

    Academic Conference Presentations               

  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2019, March 29) “Hailed or Ignored: analyzing the gap between practice and publications on local peacebuilding in Jos, Nigeria (2001-2008).” Paper co-presentation at the 60th Annual Convention of the International Studies Association, Toronto, ON.

  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2019, March 27) “Learning from and with Participatory Action Research: constraints and adaptations in a youth peacebuilding initiative in Haiti.” Paper presentation at the 60th Annual Convention of the International Studies Association, Toronto, ON.

  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2018, April 7) “Learning to listen: rethinking peacebuilding’s meta-ethic of positive peace.” Paper presentation at the 59th Annual Convention of the International Studies Association, San Francisco, CA.

  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2016, March. 19) “Whose Good? Who’s Right? The Ethics of Peacebuilding.” 57th Annual Convention of the International Studies Association, Atlanta, GA.

  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2016, March 18) “Vying for Good:  Ethical Challenges at the Intersection of Interreligious and Secular Peacebuilding.” 57th Annual Convention of the International Studies Association, Atlanta, GA.

  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2015, February 19) “Impact and Outcomes: the ethical perils of evaluation logic in peacebuilding grant solicitations.”  56th Annual Convention of the International Studies Association, New Orleans, LA.

  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2014, March 28). “Doing Good Better: Expanding the Ethics of Peacebuilding.”  55th Annual Convention of the International Studies Association, Toronto, ON.

  • Neufeldt, Reina C. & Lepp, Eric. (2013, October 19).  “Resourcing Reflective Practice: Enhancing Effective Peacebuilding.”  Peace and Justice Studies Association Conference 2013, Waterloo, ON.

  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2013, October 17).  “Navigating Divergent Values in Vertically-Integrated Peacebuilding” Towards Vertically-Integrated Peacebuilding: Bridging Top-down and Bottom-up Approaches Workshop, Balsillie School of International Affairs, Waterloo, ON.

  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2012, April 20-21). “Reflective Practice: Bridging the Gap or a Gap in the Bridge?”  Conflict Resolution/Transformation Practice in Academic Settings: Problems and Prospects Conference, The School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University, Point of View, VA.

  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2010, February 18).  “Laying Foundations: Conflict Analysis as Intervention in Humanitarian Emergency Contexts.”  51st Annual Convention of the International Studies Association, New Orleans, LA.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2009, February 15).  Participant in Roundtable in Memory of Cynthia Chataway: Political Psychology and Conflict Resolution.  50th Annual Convention of the International Studies Association, New York, NY.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2008, October 10) “‘We are aware of our contradictions:’ Russlaender Mennonite Narratives of Prosperity and Material Loss 1914-1923.”  Presentation at the conference Mennonites and Money: Wealth and Poverty in the Past and Present, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2008, March 26) “Addressing Religion and Identity in Conflict: Assessing the ‘State of the Art’ of Interfaith Dialogue.”  Paper presentation at the 49th Annual Convention of the International Studies Association, San Francisco, CA.         
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2006, March 23). “Frameworkers and Circlers: Exploring the tensions within contending opinions of peacebuilding impact and change.” Paper presentation at the 47th Annual Convention of the International Studies Association, San Diego, CA.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2005, March 4). “Barn Razing: Ethno-religious Identity, Land and Nationalism at the Periphery of the Center.”  Paper presentation at the 46th Annual Convention of the International Studies Association, Honolulu, HI.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2005, March 4). “Peacebuilding and Development: Assessing the Strengths and Weaknesses of ‘Integration’.”  Paper presentation at the 46th Annual Convention of the International Studies Association, Honolulu, HI.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2003, November 5). “Catholic Relief Services: Aiming for Just Solid Peace.”  Presentation at New Paths to Peace: Integrated Approaches to Building Sustainable Peace and Development Conference, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2003, February 26). “In a Box: Constricted Narratives of Nationalism During Wartime.”  Paper presentation at the 44th Annual Convention of the International Studies Association, Portland, OR.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2002, March 27). “Strategic and Comprehensive Lenses on Peacebuilding Evaluation.”  Paper presentation at the 43nd Annual Convention of the International Studies Association, New Orleans, LA.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2002, March 26). “The Quiet on the Land? Mennonite Identity, Land and Conflict.”  Poster presentation at the 43rd Annual Convention of the International Studies Association, New Orleans, LA.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2001, February 24). “Glue and Solvent? Understanding the Relationship Between Identity, Land and Conflict.”  Paper presentation at the 42nd Annual Convention of the International Studies Association, Chicago, IL.
  • Howard, Peter and Neufeldt, Reina. (2000, March 15). “Canada's Constructivist Foreign Policy: Building Norms for Peace.”  Paper presentation at the 41st Annual Convention of the International Studies Association, Los Angeles, CA.
  • Neufeldt, Reina (1998, February 6). “Interactive Problem-Solving Workshops: Lessons from an Oral History.”  Presentation at the Seventh Annual Symposium on Conflict Resolution, Mediation Centre at Carleton University, Ottawa, ON.
  • Neufeldt, Reina (1997, September 19). “Assessing the Problem-Solving Workshops Through Simulation Studies.”  Presentation at the LaMarsh Graduate Student Symposium, York University, Toronto, ON.

    Invited Addresses

  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2019, October 19) “Does Peacebuilding Need Peace Theology? A Mennonite-Catholic Dialogue: A Retrospective View.” Mennonite Catholic Theological Colloquia, University of Notre Dame.

  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2019, February 9) “Development Responses in Conflict Zones” International Development Conference, University of Toronto, Scarborough. 

  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2017, October 26) “When Good Intentions are Not Enough” 2017 Benjamin Eby Lecture at Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo, ON.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (April 2017) “Doing Good Better: confronting ethical dilemmas in peacebuilding and international development”   Invited lecture at Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, MO.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (February 2017)  “Accounting for the Bricks: Rethinking Peacebuilding Meta-Ethics.” Peace Research Education Seminar (PRES) presentation at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, Notre Dame, IN.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2014, September 18). “Better Strategies for Analyzing Narrative Data.”, (Guest speaker for Peacebuilding Evaluation's "Thursday Talk" webinar series hosted by Melanie Kawano-Chiu.
  • Headley, William and Neufeldt, Reina C. (2008, April 14) “CRS: Catholic Social Teaching and the Practice of Building Peace.”  Presentation at the Conference on the Future of Catholic Peacebuilding, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2008, February 18-19). “Learning and Doing: Experiences from ‘the Field.’”  Guest speaker for the Life & Peace Institute workshop “Measuring Peace?” Uppsala, Sweden.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2007, November 1). “Interreligious Dialogue and the Politics of Peoplehood.”  Speaker Kroc Research Fellows Series, Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame, IN.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2005, November 30). “CRS Proframe for Peacebuilding.” Presentation at the Cordaid Peace Building Workshop, The Hague, Netherlands.
  • Neufeldt, Reina C. (2003, April 9). “Working Across Cultures and Faiths: Perspectives on Peacebuilding.” Presentation at Working Across Cultures and Faiths: Tools for Communication and Conflict Resolution Seminar, United States Institute of Peace, Washington, DC.
     

Web Features and Articles

Fellowships and Awards:

Academic and Professional Awards

  • 2017-2019 Ann Viv Ansamn project sub-award, Mercy Corps Haiti lead agency (Global Affairs Canada grant)
  • 2015-2016 Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Connection Grant for Global Mennonite Peacebuilding Conference and Festival, Co-Applicant (Lead applicant: Marlene Epp)
  • 2007 - Visiting Fellow, Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame
  • 2001 - Dissertation Fellowship, American University