The Art of the Possible: Decommissioning Mindsets with Monica McWilliams

About this episode

Monica McWilliams discusses resilience and political strategy in peacebuilding, drawing from her experiences in Northern Ireland.

In this live episode of the Kroc Cast, Good Friday Agreement signatory Monica McWilliams shares a masterclass in resilience and political strategy. Drawing from her experience co-founding the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition, McWilliams offers a candid look at what it takes to "mess up the pitch" and force a seat at a table dominated by "big beasts" and entrenched "dinosaurs." She explores the grueling "software" of peacebuilding—the work of decommissioning mental prejudices—and explains why peace must be "heated" simultaneously at the elite and grassroots levels. With wit and candor, McWilliams discusses the tactical use of humor against sexism, the vital influence of Nelson Mandela, and the delicate challenge of "tattooing a balloon" to ensure a peace process survives long after the signatures are dry. This episode was recorded live at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies' Strategic Peacebuilding Academy on "Peace Processes" in 2025.

People in this episode

Guest: Monica McWilliams

Topics covered

• resilience
• political strategy
• peacebuilding
• gender equality
• conflict resolution

Keywords

• peace
• politics
• Northern Ireland
• Good Friday Agreement
• women's coalition
• conflict
• strategy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition, Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies