Gender, Masculinities and Peacebuilding: Joint Book Launch

On 19 June 2025, we gathered at Ulster University for the joint book launch of two groundbreaking volumes: The Routledge Handbook of Masculinities, Conflict, and Peacebuilding and Masculinities and Queer Perspectives in Transitional Justice.

This event celebrated the culmination of years of research exploring how gender, particularly masculinities and queer identities, influences contexts of violence and peacebuilding. The launch highlighted the relevance of these themes in today’s political landscape.

Belfast, with its rich history and vibrant academic community, provided the perfect backdrop for this celebration. Attendees joined several authors for an engaging interactive discussion about the books' implications for current debates and the path forward.

The Routledge Handbook of Masculinities, Conflict, and Peacebuilding (Edited By Henri Myrttinen, Chloé Lewis, Heleen Touquet, Philipp Schulz, Farooq Yousaf, Elizabeth Laruni). This comprehensive handbook challenges conventional views on men and masculinities in conflict and peacebuilding. It offers a multi-dimensional exploration of gender dynamics, combining feminist, intersectional, and queer perspectives to illuminate the complexities of men’s roles in these processes.

Masculinities and Queer Perspectives in Transitional Justice (Edited By Philipp Schulz, Brandon Hamber and Heleen Touquet). This volume investigates the intersections of masculinities and queer theories, enhancing our understanding of violence, justice, and post-conflict transitions. It aims to foster more inclusive approaches to gender in addressing violent pasts.

Editors Philipp Schulz, Brandon Hamber and Heleen Touquet

The event was co-hosted by the Transitional Justice Institute and INCORE at Ulster University, marking a significant moment in advancing conversations around gender and peacebuilding. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the enriching discussions!