About Us
George Mason University (GMU) is one of the fastest-growing public universities in the United States and is widely recognized for its commitment to academic innovation, interdisciplinary scholarship, public service, and global engagement. Reflecting these strengths and its expanding international presence, George Mason University was invited to establish the George Mason University Korea campus in the Republic of Korea.
The Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, formerly known as the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (S-CAR), is internationally recognized as a leading institution in peacebuilding, conflict analysis, mediation, negotiation, and conflict transformation. Due to the Carter School’s reputation, interdisciplinary approach, and growing relevance to regional and global challenges, George Mason University Korea established the undergraduate Conflict Analysis and Resolution program in 2017, the first program of its kind in East Asia.
Since its establishment, the program has continued to grow through its distinctive emphasis on theory, research, experiential learning, and real-world practice. The program seeks to prepare the next generation of scholar-practitioners, professionals, policymakers, and leaders capable of addressing increasingly complex societal challenges at the local, regional, and global levels.
To further support this mission, the Peace and Conflict Studies Center Asia (PACSC Asia) was established as a research, practice, education, and engagement platform dedicated to advancing innovative scholarship, interdisciplinary collaboration, public dialogue, leadership development, and applied conflict resolution initiatives throughout Asia and beyond.
To become the leading Asia-based center for innovative research, dialogue, education, and practice in peacebuilding, conflict transformation, leadership, and societal resilience.
PACSC Asia seeks to contribute to local, regional, and global peace and prosperity by advancing evidence-based research, fostering cross-cultural collaboration, strengthening institutional and community capacity, and promoting practical solutions to complex societal challenges throughout the 21st century and beyond
• Intellectual rigor and academic integrity
• Compassionate and ethical engagement
• Inclusive and cross-cultural collaboration
• Innovation in research and practice
• Commitment to public service and societal impact
• Respect for diverse perspectives and lived experiences
• Student-centered mentorship and leadership development
• Practical and evidence-based approaches to societal challenges
Motto
Dedication, Innovation, Initiative, Excellence, and Public Service
Mission
PACSC Asia advances innovative research, practice, education, and public engagement in peacebuilding, conflict transformation, leadership, governance, and complex societal challenges across Asia and beyond.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration, experiential learning, policy engagement, applied research, and local capacity building, the Center seeks to develop practical and sustainable solutions that strengthen communities, institutions, and regional cooperation while preparing the next generation of scholar-practitioners and global leaders.
PACSC Asia emphasizes locally grounded, practice-oriented, and internationally connected approaches that bridge scholarship, policy, education, leadership, and real-world implementation. The Center is committed to contributing meaningful intellectual, practical, and societal impact through research excellence, strategic partnerships, public outreach, and collaborative problem-solving initiatives.
• Advancing innovative and interdisciplinary research on peacebuilding, conflict transformation, leadership, governance, and emerging societal challenges;
• Providing experiential learning, field-based engagement, and applied research opportunities for students, scholars, and practitioners;
• Strengthening local, regional, and international institutional capacity through education, training, mentorship, and collaborative initiatives;
• Facilitating high-level dialogue, mediation, and cross-sector engagement among academic, governmental, civil society, military, and private-sector stakeholders;
• Producing evidence-based policy recommendations and practice-oriented research addressing contemporary local, regional, and global challenges;
• Promoting public engagement, youth empowerment, and leadership development initiatives that support long-term societal resilience and cooperation;
• Supporting businesses, organizations, and institutions in addressing organizational, interpersonal, cross-cultural, technological, and information-related challenges;
• Encouraging intellectually and culturally relevant knowledge production that directly benefits local, regional, and global communities; and
• Enhancing George Mason University Korea’s role as a globally recognized hub for innovative peacebuilding, leadership education, and applied conflict resolution in Asia.
