The first part of this article offers a critical evaluation of the field’s development and the deficits which can be observed, referring in particular to the research of John Paul Lederach and his rediscovery of Paulo Freire’s work for a critical approach of conflict transformation based on dialogue. The second part gives an overview of Johan Galtung’s ‘Transcend’ approach. Focused also on dialogue, it aims to overcome the mentioned deficits in conflict transformation and peacebuilding on the basis of a comprehensive philosophy, theory and praxeology.