Subject matter experts, policy makers, think tankers and civilian, NGO representatives gathered for brainstorming at John Lukacs Institute for Strategy and Politics on November 2, 2026 at the workshop ‘Exploring the Peace Accords Matrix in the context of the Russia–Ukraine war’, co-organized by John Lukacs Institute and Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame (Indiana, U.S.A.).
The aim of this exploratory workshop was to map up the conceptual pillars of a possible peace accord that could conclude the Russia–Ukraine war, and exchange experience among experts on the monitoring of the implementation of such an accord. The approach built on conceptual, methodological and practical elements, drawing on the lessons learnt from Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies’ groundbreaking work with the Peace Accords Matrix.
‘Since peace studies, as a discipline, has hardly any tradition in Hungary, as our usual approach is that of strategic studies or security studies, we deem it nurturing to bring in fresh concepts, methodology and insight. Kroc Institute proved to be a great partner in this, building on a cooperation that we had been developing since 2024.’ – summarized Tamas Csiki Varga, senior research fellow at John Lukacs Institute, the host of the workshop.
The experts’ discussion focused on what makes a lasting settlement; what is required for the successful implementation and monitoring of peace processes; how the Peace Accords Matrix’ methodology can provide input for this; and on the roles of international and national institutions, governments and civil society in crafting and maintaining a lasting peace arrangement.
Text: John Lukacs Institute for Strategy and Politics
Photos: Dénes Szilágyi