Are human beings naturally wired for conflict or for cooperation?
Conventional wisdom often tells us that people are inherently aggressive, competitive, and tribal. But what if the opposite is true? What if our brains and nervous systems were actually designed for connection, and conflict is meant to be a temporary survival response rather than our default state?
In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Pollack explores the neuroscience behind human cooperation and explains why peace, not conflict, is our biological baseline. You'll learn what happens in the brain during moments of connection, why conflict feels so consuming when our threat response is activated, and the four key factors that keep individuals and organizations stuck in cycles of tension.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why neuroscience suggests humans are wired for cooperation rather than constant conflict
- What happens in the brain and nervous system during both peace and conflict
- Why conflict is designed to be temporary but often becomes chronic
- The four reasons people become trapped in recurring conflict patterns
- How to help your brain return to the calm, connected state it was designed to operate from
This episode introduces the central premise of Dr. Jeremy Pollack's book, Wired for Peace: Using Seven Neuroscience-Based Principles to Resolve Conflicts.
Whether you're leading a team, navigating difficult relationships, or simply curious about the science of human behavior, this conversation offers a new way to understand conflict and a hopeful vision for resolving it.
Resources
- Wired for Peace: Using Seven Neuroscience-Based Principles to Resolve Conflicts
- Learn more about Pollack Peacebuilding Systems or schedule a complimentary consultation at PollackPeacebuilding.com
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who believes there has to be a better way to navigate conflict.
🎧 Listen now to learn how building conflict competency can transform tension into trust, alignment, and stronger performance.
Connect with Me
🌐 Website: PollackPeacebuilding.com
🌐 Dr. Pollack’s Courses: peacefulleadersacademy.com/courses/
📧 Email: support@pollackpeacebuilding.com
📱 LinkedIn: Jeremy Pollack
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Host: Dr. Jeremy Pollack from Pollack Peacebuilding Systems
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