The Road So Far

In languages like German and Dutch, the word “anders” means “different,” and I rather like that.

My name is Anders Reagan. I’m a peace entrepreneur, academic, and technologist with a deep passion for understanding and advancing peace.

Known among my peers for my creative and “different” approach to problem-solving, my work focuses on combining technology with people-centered solutions to make a real impact in solving conflicts around the world.

My journey into peace studies began when my family moved from Boulder, Colorado, to Fayetteville, Arkansas. Growing up as an atheist in a religious community pushed me to think deeply about my beliefs and ethics, especially around what it means to achieve peace. I realized that peace is complex, requiring insights from many fields, and this realization set me on a lifelong path to understand and contribute to it.

After high school, I moved to Stockholm, learned Swedish, and dove into my studies at Stockholm University. I earned a BA in Theoretical Philosophy and a BS in International Relations, combining these to explore how our understanding of reality influences global peace. For example, I noticed that political groups with different interpretations of reality often approach international issues in completely different ways—whether through military means or diplomatic engagement. This made me wonder: could there be a shared ethical framework that guides peaceful behavior despite these differences?

My curiosity led me to Uppsala University for an MA in Human Rights, where I learned about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the difficulty in finding a universal basis for these rights. It made me reflect on how both religious and secular frameworks seek to create common ground for humanity, and how important it is to find shared values in a diverse world.

I continued my studies at the UN-Mandated University for Peace, where I pursued an MA in International Peace Studies. This experience deepened my understanding of peace as a complex and endlessly fascinating phenomenon. I learned that peace isn't just the absence of conflict—it's about addressing the underlying social, economic, and cultural dynamics that lead to conflict in the first place. It became clear to me that peacebuilding requires a multi-faceted approach, involving diplomacy, education, economic development, and justice.

What Guides Me

  • Curiosity and Connection: I am fascinated by the ways we can find common ground across different cultures and societies.

  • Technology for Good: I believe new technology can help us reimagine peacebuilding, making it more inclusive and effective.

  • A Practical Vision: From academic research to real-world initiatives, I'm committed to turning the ideal of peace into reality—not just as an idea, but as something we can all build together.

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