1 minute read
Session Overview
Overview of the state of the conflict resolution field
In his catalyzing remarks, Professor Rich Rubenstein provided an overview of the conflict resolution field showing the multi-faceted nature of political conflicts ranging from current and historical largescale international warfare to extreme polarization we are facing domestically. When Rich talked about “a blooming buzzing confusion”, he was letting us know that what drives, sustains and reinforces violence is a complex system and that we therefore need to develop a systematic approach. That is, with all its nuances and strengths and limitations, the unique contribution of peace and conflict studies. The multidisciplinary field examines the causes and conditions which generate and sustain violent conflict, the mechanisms and models for the resolution of violent conflict, and the norms, practices and institutions for building peace1 .
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Opportunities and questions for Rotary/Rotarian engagement:
• The state of the world is such that “business in conflict resolution is good”
• Social and political conflicts go through phases (see “Conflict Management Curve” under additional resources), all of which have different opportunities and limitations for intervention and transformation. Post-conflict reconstruction and peacebuilding efforts potentially provide the most meaningful entry points for Rotarians.
• Systems are creating conflicts, how do we change systems?
• Rotary can play a role in empowerment of local peace practitioners
Additional resources for this session:
• Peace Studies: History and Contested Areas of the Field - https://youtu.be/Gfp2ZwNQ8zg
• Peace Briefing: Conflict Dynamics & Conflict Resolutionhttps://warpreventioninitiative.org/2022/peace-briefing-conflict-dynamics-conflict-resolution/
• Conflict Analysis - A quick guide to structured conflict assessment frameworkshttps://warpreventioninitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/conflict-analysis-quickguide.pdf
• Conflict Management Curve 2 - https://youtu.be/tffLhrsHECc
1 Peace Studies: HistoryandContestedAreas ofthe Field (overviewbyProfessorGeorge Lopez)- https://youtu.be/Gfp2ZwNQ8zg
