How to effectively resolve contemporary conflicts, combat online disinformation, and engage society in peacebuilding? These were some of the topics discussed by experts during the international academic seminar entitled “The Role of Diplomacy in Conflict Resolution.” The event, jointly organized by the Center for Diplomacy Research at the Catholic University of Lublin and the Graduate School of Economics and International Relations (ASERI) at the University of Milan’s Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, is a step in strengthening Polish-Italian academic cooperation and a foretaste of a major conference planned for the fall.
The contemporary geopolitical map presents diplomats and researchers with challenges unlike any we have seen in decades. The academic seminar, entitled “The Role of Diplomacy in Conflict Resolution”, which took place on June 11, 2026 at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, became a platform for the exchange of ideas between experts and researchers from Polish and Italian academic centers specializing in diplomacy, international relations, security, and regional and global conflicts.
The seminar was opened by prof. Beata Piskorska, vice-rector for students and internationalisation at KUL and head of the Center for the Study of Diplomacy KUL. In her introductory remarks, she outlined the objectives of the meeting, emphasizing the importance of international academic cooperation in researching the role of diplomacy in contemporary conflict resolution. She also highlighted that the seminar constituted an important preparatory stage for the international academic conference scheduled for October, 2026 in Milan.
The first presentation was delivered by Anna Golec-Mastroianni, president of the Polish Italian Business Council and Consul General of Poland in Milan (2022–2024). Her contribution focused on Polish–Italian academic cooperation, reviewing existing achievements and discussing future opportunities for strengthening educational and research partnerships between institutions in both countries.
Prof. Damiano Palano, director of ASERI, introduced the institution and presented its academic and research activities. He emphasized the value of interdisciplinary approaches to the study of contemporary international challenges and outlined potential areas of cooperation between ASERI and KUL.
In the following presentation, prof. Paolo Maggiolini addressed the topic “Faith, Diplomacy, and Power: Italy’s Perspective on Religious Engagement in the Contemporary Middle East.” His analysis focused on the role of religion in diplomatic processes and its influence on political developments and regional security in the Middle East.
Prof. Riccardo Redaelli presented a study of the Gulf War and its broader regional consequences. His presentation examined the main actors involved in the conflict, their strategic expectations, and the perceptions of threats shaping regional security dynamics.
Dr. Giorgia Perletta discussed the European Union’s role in addressing the Iranian nuclear issue. She traced the evolution of European diplomatic engagement from the E3 initiative through the P5+1 negotiations to the challenges faced in preserving the JCPOA following the withdrawal of the United States in 2018.
Prof. Kamil Zajączkowski analyzed Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations as instruments of European Union crisis management. He highlighted their significance in conflict prevention, stabilization efforts, and post-conflict reconstruction.
Prof. Urszula Soler presented a paper on disinformation and digital diplomacy in the era of Society 5.0. Her presentation focused on the challenges posed by digital technologies, social media, and information manipulation for contemporary conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts.
The final presentation was delivered by Michał Wójcik, who examined citizen diplomacy as an instrument supporting the state in conflict prevention. He discussed its functions, mechanisms, and limitations while emphasizing the growing importance of civil society engagement in fostering dialogue and peace.
Following the expert session, participants engaged in a roundtable discussion devoted to the challenges facing contemporary diplomacy, the effectiveness of various conflict-resolution mechanisms, and prospects for future research cooperation. Particular attention was given to preparations for the international conference in Milan and the planned post-conference publication to be issued by Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.
The seminar provided a valuable platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences among scholars representing diverse academic backgrounds. It contributed to the development of a preliminary research framework concerning the role of diplomacy in conflict resolution and laid the foundations for continued academic cooperation between Polish and Italian partner institutions.
