Manuela Nilsson

Manuela Nilsson is a Professor in Peace and Development Studies at Linnaeus University's Department of Social Studies (Faculty of Social Sciences). Her work focuses on conflict transformation, post-conflict peacebuilding, and the security-development nexus. She has conducted extensive research in Colombia, Nicaragua, and other Latin American countries, with a particular emphasis on police reform, land restitution, and civil-military cooperation in post-conflict scenarios.

Education: Trained in conflict transformation by the United Nations and Organization of American States. Over 17 years of fieldwork experience in Latin America, including involvement in Nicaragua's post-war reconstruction. Current research centers on Colombia's peacebuilding processes, including the role of Swedish police training programs and civilian-military collaboration.

Research Projects: Includes 'Peacebuilding Amidst Ongoing Violence,' collaboration with Universidad Javeriana (Colombia), and analysis of security policies in Angola and Nicaragua. Her work explores challenges in implementing peace agreements and strengthening local ownership of reconciliation processes.

Publications: Over 20 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on peacebuilding strategies, security-sector reform, and conflict resolution. Authored the book Cultural Diplomacy and Foreign Policy: German-American Relations, 1955-1968 (1996) and contributed to edited volumes on Latin American globalization responses and relational peace practices.

Collaborations: Active in international research networks such as the European Migration and Integration Network (EMIN). Supervises doctoral students and leads interdisciplinary projects analyzing violence reduction and sustainable peace mechanisms.