Sarah Cechvala

Sarah Cechvala is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Oslo, specializing in the intersection of business and peacebuilding through systems analysis. Her work primarily focuses on understanding how small and medium-sized enterprises operate within conflict systems, particularly in violent urban settings across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Her research interests span peace and conflict studies, business and governance, corporate social responsibility, and natural resource management in fragile contexts. Cechvala employs qualitative research methodologies to examine company-community relations, human rights due diligence for corporations, and accountability mechanisms in the aid sector. Her systems analysis approach provides unique insights into how businesses can either reinforce violent conflict or contribute to peacebuilding efforts.

Cechvala's recent scholarly output demonstrates a clear trajectory examining the contingent nature of business-related actions with respect to peace-positive impacts. Her 2024 publications in Conflict, Security and Development; Business Horizons; and Journal of Business Ethics establish her as a leading researcher in business-peace nexus, with particular expertise in systems thinking applications for understanding complex conflict environments. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical field applications.

Her professional background includes a decade of experience as a corporate social responsibility professional, with extensive field research since 2011. Previously, she served as Managing Director at CDA Collaborative Learning (2013-2021) and as a Research Assistant at Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (2012-2013).

Cechvala holds a Master's degree in Conflict Resolution from Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA. Her educational background provides the theoretical foundation for her applied research on conflict-sensitive business practices in fragile and conflict-affected states.

• MA in Conflict Resolution, Georgetown University