John McGarry has dedicated his career to establishing the research base from which the foundations of peace can be built. As Professor of Political Studies and Canada Research Chair in Nationalism and Democracy at Queen’s University in Kingston, he is a practical leader in the study and practice of national and ethnic conflict resolution. His scholarship over a distinguished career has revolutionized the academic study of these important topics, while the direct application of his work to conflicts worldwide (most notably in Northern Ireland and Cyprus) has helped create new possibilities for peace and democracy around the globe. Beyond research, his work in Cyprus in particular demonstrated the power of what he called consociationalism, a power sharing agreement that brings together different ethnic and linguistic groups that recognizes the importance of empowering  minorities and protects their right to participate through political and judicial measures As a nationally and internationally recognized authority in his field, he is widely read by his peers, and governments and international organizations (including the UN, where he was appointed as the first “Senior Advisor on Power-Sharing”) seek his counsel.  His world class research, and its direct application to conflicts, has enhanced Canada’s intellectual heritage, as it exemplifies Canada’s proud tradition of responsible engagement in international affairs and Lester B Pearson’s legacy of peaceful mediation.