Peacecrafting: Turning conflict into collaboration

TEDxPrinceton, February 5, 2026

Conflict is inevitable -- but what if we're handling it wrong?

Dr. Paul Zeitz, a physician and epidemiologist who calls himself a civic healer, draws on deliberative democracy and neuroscience to show how communities can move from division to collaboration.

His message: peaceful coexistence isn't idealistic -- it's practical. Dr. Paul Zeitz is a physician, civic healer and systems strategist working at the intersection of democracy and human connection.

A preventive medicine physician, epidemiologist, and award-winning advocate with over 35 years of experience, he weaves together evidence-based methods from deliberative democracy, and neuroscience to help communities move from division to collaboration.

As founder of the #unifyUSA, Dr. Zeitz speaks regularly on peacecrafting, trust-building, and systems change. Author of "Revolutionary Optimism" his mission is simple: show that peaceful coexistence is not only possible—it's practical.

Dr. Zeitz and his wife Mindi are parents of five sons and grandparents of three. This talk was given at a TEDxPrinceton event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx