Mohammed Abu-Nimer

Mohammed Abu-Nimer
OccupationScholar
TitleAbdul Aziz Said Chair in International Peace and Conflict Resolution
AwardsNiwano Peace Prize (2024)
Academic background
EducationHebrew University of Jerusalem (BA, MA)
George Mason University (PhD)
Academic work
DisciplineConflict resolution, peacebuilding
InstitutionsAmerican University

Mohammed Abu-Nimer is a Palestinian-American scholar of peacebuilding and conflict resolution.[1][2] He is a professor in the School of International Service at American University, where he holds the Abdul Aziz Said Chair in International Peace and Conflict Resolution.[3][4] His work has focused on interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding in Muslim communities, and the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.[3][5] In 2024, he received the 41st Niwano Peace Prize.[1][6]

Career

Abu-Nimer received a BA and an MA from Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a PhD in conflict analysis and resolution from George Mason University.[3][7] After teaching at Guilford College, he joined American University in 1997.[7]

At American University, Abu-Nimer directed the Peacebuilding and Development Institute from 1999 to 2013 and later became the inaugural holder of the Abdul Aziz Said Chair in International Peace and Conflict Resolution.[3][4] He is also the co-founder and co-editor of the Journal of Peacebuilding & Development.[3][8]

In addition to his academic work, Abu-Nimer has served as a senior adviser to the KAICIID Dialogue Centre, and American University has described him as the founder of the Salam Institute for Peace and Justice.[5][4]

Recognition

In 2009, Abu-Nimer received the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution Distinguished Alumni Award from George Mason University.[9] In 2023, he received the PEACE Distinguished Scholar Award from the International Studies Association.[10] In 2024, he received the 41st Niwano Peace Prize.[6][1] In 2025, he received the Peace Educator-Scholar Award from the Peace and Justice Studies Association.[11]

Selected works

  • Dialogue, Conflict Resolution, and Change: Arab-Jewish Encounters in Israel (1999).[12]
  • Reconciliation, Justice, and Coexistence: Theory and Practice (2001, editor).[13]
  • Nonviolence and Peace Building in Islam: Theory and Practice (2003).[14]
  • Unity in Diversity: Interfaith Dialogue in the Middle East (2007, with Amal Khoury and Emily Welty).[15]

References

  1. ^ a b c Bordoni, Linda (2024-02-28). "Niwano Peace Prize goes to Palestinian-American peacebuilder". Vatican News. Retrieved 2026-03-14.
  2. ^ "The 41st Niwano Peace Prize Awarded to Prof. Mohammed Abu-Nimer" (PDF). Niwano Peace Foundation. Retrieved 2026-03-14.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Faculty Profile: Mohammed Abu-Nimer". American University School of International Service. Retrieved 2026-03-14.
  4. ^ a b c "New Endowed Chair at American University to Advance Strategies for International Peace and Conflict Resolution". American University. 2023-08-21. Retrieved 2026-03-14.
  5. ^ a b "Mohammed Abu-Nimer". Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs. Georgetown University. Retrieved 2026-03-14.
  6. ^ a b "Prof. Mohammed Abu-Nimer". Niwano Peace Foundation. Retrieved 2026-03-14.
  7. ^ a b "AU's Peace Institute, 2001: Practice, Scholarship and Development". Peacebuilder Online. Eastern Mennonite University. Retrieved 2026-03-14.
  8. ^ "Journal of Peacebuilding & Development editorial board" (PDF). SAGE Journals. Retrieved 2026-03-14.
  9. ^ "Celebration of Distinction 2009" (PDF). George Mason University Alumni Association. Retrieved 2026-03-14.
  10. ^ "PEACE Distinguished Scholar Award". International Studies Association. Retrieved 2026-03-14.
  11. ^ "2025 Conference Award Winners". Peace and Justice Studies Association. Retrieved 2026-03-14.
  12. ^ Abu-Nimer, Mohammed (1999). Dialogue, Conflict Resolution, and Change: Arab-Jewish Encounters in Israel. State University of New York Press. ISBN 9780585086682.
  13. ^ Abu-Nimer, Mohammed, ed. (2001). Reconciliation, Justice, and Coexistence: Theory and Practice. Lexington Books. ISBN 9780739102374.
  14. ^ Abu-Nimer, Mohammed (2003). Nonviolence and Peace Building in Islam: Theory and Practice. University Press of Florida. ISBN 9780813027418.
  15. ^ Abu-Nimer, Mohammed; Khoury, Amal; Welty, Emily (2007). Unity in Diversity: Interfaith Dialogue in the Middle East. United States Institute of Peace Press. ISBN 9781601270139.