The Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich is a center of competence for Swiss and international security policy. It offers security and peace promotion policy expertise in research, teaching, and consultancy and operates the International Relations and Security Network (ISN).
Through its Mediation Support Team it works to develop and promote mediation methodology for dealing with violent political conflicts. It engages in research, training and direct process support to assist mediators and negotiators in improving mediation, conflict transformation and peace promotion efforts. Together with swisspeace it acts as the secretariat for the Mediation Support Network.
One of the team’s core focus themes is Religion and Mediation. Through its Culture and Religion in Mediation program (CARIM), it supports those working to address violent conflicts where religion plays a role. CARIM is a joint initiative of CSS and the “Religion, Politics, Conflict” sector of activity of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). Within the framework of CARIM, CSS and the Swiss FDFA offer an annual Religion and Mediation Course which is supported by the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers and other partners.
Website: http://www.css.ethz.ch/index_EN
