1st Issue - May 2015
re:PEACE peace magazine
what is peace?
CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE STAFF Janine Tessem Strøm Co-Editor in Chief janinetessems@gmail.com Sarah Chisholm Co-Editor in Chief sarahnchisholm@gmail.com Andrea Indrehus Furuli Business Manager andrea.indrehus@gmail.com Torhild Larsen Skillingstad Content Editor & Co-Designer torhild.skill@gmail.com Snorre Johannessen Co-Designer snorrejoh@gmail.com Sara Karoline Steinmoen Photo Editor saraspor@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTORS Claudio Lanza Diana Takutdinova Erwin Rapiz Navarro Irene Incerti Thery Jeanett Dahlberg Mohammed Jabaly Obayedul Hoque Patwary Rahul Mukand Seamus Ryder Simon Indrehus Furuli Torbjørn Rogde
3... 4.... 6... 8... 10... 12... 15... 16... 18... 19... 20... 22... 24... 28... 32... 34... 36... 39... 40... 42...
Editorial What is Peace? Axioms of Peace Peace and Music People of UiT - Interviews Peace and Culture: How Culture Can Hamper or Facilitate Peace Activists’ Efforts Poem About Peace Peaceful Living: Why Animals Must Be in the Equation Short Story: What is the Meaning of Peace Mom? Peace Poem Jobless Growth in the Emerging Economies Map of Peace Students Peace in the Oceans The Nightmare of Climate Change in Bangladesh Dialog; A Tool for Peacebuilding UngDialog’s Method Small Wins Peace in Pop-Culture Film Recommendations 2 Credits in Peace Education Crossword Puzzle
Special Thanks to:
The Center for Peace Studies for funding support, Rannveig Skillingstad for help with the design, and Simon Indrehus Furuli for the wonderful map
Disclaimer:
Most of the contributors to this magazine are students at the Master of Peace and Conflict Transformation programme, or are otherwise affiliated with the University of Tromsø. The ideas and opinions in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the Center for Peace Studies or the University of Tromsø
All articles, photographs and illustrations appearing in re:PEACE Magazine are copyright of their respective authors.
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Editorial
LET´S TALK ABOUT PEACE
Maybe you at some point have been wondering what we are actually doing behind the walls of the Centre for Peace Studies? The spaceship-bunker resembling center does not immediately reflect the connotations of peace by any symbolic means. Strong and impervious masonry, dark surfaces and large windows through which you aren’t necessarily able to see. The peace students have decided to come out of the reading room. Welcome to re:Peace!
“What is peace?” is the theme for our first magazine. This is the first issue in hopefully an order of several “What is”-conceptualizations. The idea behind our first theme and first magazine is to introduce you into peace studies and moreover invite you to take part in an exchange of ideas, reflections and thoughts. We cannot promise that you will be left with a clear answer after reading this edition. We can however maybe confuse you (and ourselves), give you some food for thought and hopefully engage you to take part in our worldly and pluralistic think-thank. I always take a deep breath when someone asks me what I’m studying: “Master of Peace and Conflict Transformation”. The deep breath is not primarily caused by the long name, but because it is difficult to respond quickly to any understandable wonders that might follow. The following feedback mostly consists of curiosity, a polite smile or questions, but very rarely a “aha, I get it!” This is much of the reason that this magazine was considered to be of need and value in the first place. Peace as a concept often disappears from our minds while being replaced with a focus on war and conflict. To provide our field with legitimacy and show its usefulness it is essential that people know who we are and what we do.
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Working in the name of peace comes with responsibility. Professor in Peace Studies Oliver Richmond formulates quite smoothly several important questions: “Who defines peace, who creates peace, who promotes it and who is peace for?” Richmond touches here the risk of making a distinction between ‘those who understand the concept of peace and those who do not’ (Richmond 2007). Such awareness does not apply exclusively to peace studies, of course. Rather few fields have the privilege of producing right and wrong answers. There is, however, something easy about peace in one way. The immediate thought is that there is something obviously right about peace and something obviously wrong about violence. But then again you have the obscure variable “conflict” that is neither necessarily positive nor negative. The complexity goes beyond what we sense. Peace studies are about understanding various forms of violence and to create awareness of how to not reproduce structures of violence. The academic, practical and ethical challenges are to consider everything that lies in between and at the same time keep in touch with reality. In my view taking or having an education and being educated are two different things. I believe that education can improve us to be the best version of our selves if we are open to challenge our views and principles during our lifetime. I really believe that we can influence, and I look at us as informal ambassadors for peace already. I believe it is up to us how we want to go forward to reach small wins to decrease violence and achieve peace in various forms. We hope to see you in our next edition.
Still, I wonder if our building is a good image for peace after all. One side of the building looks quite closed, but if one changes position it is more transparent. Our positions are certainly connected with out interpretations. Perhaps you must actively make an effort to reach peace at all levels?
Peace in, Janine Illustration: Torbjørn Rogde
What is «Everyone cares about
peace, but do we really know what we are talking about when we use it so lightly and frequently? There is no one correct definition of peace, but many have never even thought of it » By: Torhild L. Skillingstad
What is peace? The word peace floats around in society like a cloud, visible but not very tangible. It is used without further explanation of what the concept actually means. The Arabic speakers of the world greet each other with salaam alaikum, peace be with you. If you visit any col-
«Why do we love using this word so much?» lege campus in the United States you will at some point hear peace out as someone is leaving. Go to the beach on a hot summer´s day, and you are bound to see the Chinese characters for peace tattooed on a tanned shoulder at some point. Why do we love using this word so much? Everyone
cares about peace, but do we really know what we are talking about when we use it so lightly and frequently? There is no one correct definition of peace, but many have never thought of attempting to make one either. The word peace itself and its etymology highlight the difficulty in understanding the concept of peace. In English the word comes from the Latin pax, which is related to the word pact. Peacetime is often assumed to be the default when you remove the human creation of war and violence. The relation to the word pact might be that peace is the unwritten agreement between individuals in a collective society. The French paix, the Spanish paz as well as the Italian pace all share this same origin. The Germanic words for peace have their own origin in the old Norse
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Etymology
peace? word friðr and the proto-Germanic friþuz, words which are related to the word freedom. They also connote love and harmony. In German they say Fried, in Norwegian it is fred, and vrede in Dutch. Using these words as the starting point one might see peace as a universal state of love, harmony and freedom. If you are not confused yet, let´s look at some non-western languages to further prove the diffuseness of peace. Many of the East Asian languages equate peace with a sense of calm, both within and between societies. The concept of peace is highly related to intrapersonal values and virtues. In Chinese the characters for peace are 和平 (heping). He means gentle, mild or harmonious, and ping means level or smooth. Together they portray peace as a level play-
ing field of benevolent and forgiving people. The same characters are used in the Japanese word heiwa. In Korean the word is 평 화 (pyeonghwa), which in addition to peace means tranquility and calm, and as salaam it can be used as a greeting. In Thai peace is kwam songop and means calm,
«Peace is not just one thing. It is many things, it is a feeling, it is a place» tranquil, quiet. The Slavic words for peace have a very different connotation altogether. The Russian мир (mir) can both mean peace and world. In Polish pokój means peace as well as room. The parallel be-
tween peace and physical space becomes evident when looking into the origin of these Slavic languages. From this perspective, peace is not a set of values or a mindset; it is a physical reality in which we can live. Languages and words sometimes appear random, without a grand design behind them, but they can still show us some interesting aspects of a concept or a culture. All of these words and different meanings behind the words show us that peace is not just one thing. It is many things, it is a feeling, it is a place. So the next time you think about saying peace out or you want to tell someone that you come in peace, consider changing it up to mir out, or I come in pyeonghwa.
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AXIOMS OF PEACE
Photo: Torhild Larsen Skillingstad
By: Snorre Johannessen
The academic field of peace, as other academic fields, has several revelations for the newly introduced. Even though things in and of themselves seem simple enough in everyday life, they soon become complex as we try to understand them thoroughly. When talking about peace in everyday situations we might think of a society where armed conflict and/or violence is absent, there is relative security and nobody fears for their life. There will of course be the odd robbery, or crime committed, but on a whole, we think of such
a society as one where we do not need to think about these things in everyday life. This differs from society to society, or even between cities. An example to consider is the United States, where deaths attributed to violence are high, but as a society, you would say it’s a peaceful one. Although this understanding might be normal, there are surely more aspects inherent within the term. Shouldn’t a peaceful society, not only be a society where no one is in danger of violence, but also a society where all parts of society is not discriminated against?
7 The famous Norwegian peace scholar Johan Galtung has proposed to describe two different states of peace as negative and positive peace. Negative peace relates to this first notion of a society where peace is defined by the absence of violence. Positive peace on the other hand refers to this last point, a society where no group is structurally discriminated against. As the connotations of the terms show, we always aim towards a positive peace, but is this an achievable state of society, or is it a utopia which we can only strive towards?
“ Utopia literally means nowhere in Latin, further emphasizing its abstract nature” The term utopia was first used by Thomas More, describing an imaginary island where perfection was found in the legal, political, and social organization. Utopia literally means nowhere in Latin, further emphasizing its abstract nature. In the modern sense it is often tied to ideologies, challenging the view that striving towards a utopian society is something we might want. The 20th century is full of examples of political ideologies which have resulted in atrocities. Hitler’s Third Reich, Stalin’s Soviet, Mao’s Cultural Revolution, and Pol Pot’s Cambodia. Although they did not share the same ideological ideas, their complete faith in those ideas made every action reasonable, as they had found the answer for the perfect society, they had found the recipe for utopia. Because of this history, we have to be aware of how we think about
peace when we write and talk about it. Wanting to implement peace in a wartorn country in the western image, might not be the best way of creating a peaceful society after war, it might lead to further discrimination in the country, as the majority exploit society with their political power, through the tyranny of the many. This history does not mean that we should not strive towards Galtung’s positive peace, or a utopian society, but that we should be aware of our preconceptions of peace and what that entails. When talking about the issue of peace we should take a step back and examine our preconceptions of the concept, understanding our social inclinations, and their problematic nature if implemented into other cultures. With the 20th century clearly in mind, we must understand that a peaceful society is not an absolute society, where a specific ideology rules, but rather a society which makes place for the whole, rather than the majority. As the world is constantly becoming a smaller place, with globalization, through media, communication, and travel, we have to accept the notion that peace is a society which has place for everyone.
Axiom
[aks-ee-um]
A statement or proposition which is regarded as being established, accepted, or self-evident The Oxford Dictionary
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Peace and Music By: Torbjørn Rogde
Can music encourage peace? My mind immediately goes to how music can build bridges. Music enters the minds and hearts of people all over the world, which connects perfect strangers with nothing else in common. Doesn’t that encourage peace? Community. Music needs no language, you feel and experience something together, a non-verbal communication. Isn’t that also encouraging peace? Communication. Music has the ability to unite and communicate across gender, age and language.
are also the most peaceful and benevolent. It most definitely seems as if music has some peace promoting qualities. But what creates peace within music itself? Technically music is a mish-mash of single notes. In the same way
But is music really so peaceful? Some would say that certain kinds of music promote violence and triggers aggression. Others would say that the same music prevents people from acting violently by channeling the negative emotions through music. Rumor has it that the most hardened and roughest metal festivals
as society is a mish-mash of individuals. Everything is relative, and music is relative in relation to itself. How music functions is not random. Multiple notes cooperate in making a greater sound. To achieve peace in music we often use a term, which also is being used between human relations, namely harmony. Harmony
in music is a given collection of notes making the greater sound appear right. Without getting too technical a note from the piano generates a sound wave with a given wavelength. Another note from the same piano generates another sound wave with another wavelength. A darker tone generates a longer wavelength than a higher note. It is with almost mathematical accuracy you can predict which notes and sound waves will sound pleasant, or peaceful together. A triad on the piano consists of three notes preformed with three fingers on three different keys. If these three notes are picked relative to each other together, we will have what is called a harmony. Similarly, a study group of three persons will be harmonious if the interplay between them works relative to each other. I suppose this parallel can continue endlessly. A symphony orchestra
“By themselves each melody can be the most wonderful masterpiece, yet together they create “war” and chaos”
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can consist of hundreds of musi- dently heard two different melocians, with different “professions”. dies at the same time. The sum of One profession could be violinist, the two will be perceived as noisy, another works as a flute player as being in conflict with each othetc. Here the most powerful and er, disharmonious if you please. complex interplay of harmonies By themselves each melody can be can take place. It is important the most wonderful masterpiece, for everyone to stick to the same yet together they create “war” and rules and restrictions set by the chaos. Each melody follows the music in a given symphony. If not, rules of music in the given song. then chaos will ensue and no one When we hear these melodies at would want to listen. We can see the same time it is as if two sets of this orchestra as a society where rules collide. If we turn up the voleveryone contributes in different ume on one of the melodies, it will roles folbecome lowing “Does our globalized world d o m the same inant. allow for a multitude of set of Turn one rules and melodies, or is it those with up loud norms enough the most resources to play the in order a n d for the loudest who gets to dominate it will whole to drown and drown out the others?” out the function. Even in sound of the least restrictive genre of mu- the other. Is this one of the chalsic, jazz, there are certain rules lenges of our increasingly globalthat must be respected in order ized world? Let’s say each society for the interplay to work. We all is symbolized with a correspondhear the difference between an ing melody. Does our globalized experienced musician perform- world allow for a multitude of ing and a beginner practicing. melodies, or is it those with the A beginner has yet to master the most resources to play the loudest laws and rules of music, but he is who gets to dominate and drown on his way. Or perhaps the rules out the others? are understood, but the perforDisharmony. Too many mance is lacking, which prompts rules often lead to a monotonous more practice. In the same way we and boring existence. Two single have all been beginners in life, and notes together can create dissohave practiced and been guided to nance, often perceived as noise. function well in society. You can hear, almost see, how Surely, everyone has acci- the sound waves contradict each
other. Fortunately disharmony is something that works in music. By using the exact same disharmonious notes in a greater context together with other notes, we can achieve something that works in unexpected and exciting ways. Diversity, the unexpected, the unpredictable. Perhaps this is something we can learn from music. The definition of disharmony is “atonal; tonal interplay perceived by the listener as exciting, uncomfortable or incomprehensible”*. I guess its up to us whether we perceive it as exciting or incomprehensible. Peace and music.
* Store Norske Leksikon
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PEOPLE OF UiT 1. What do you associate with the word “peace”? 2. What does peace mean to you?
Marte Seland
Randolph Rhea
Student
PhD Candidate
Psychology
Center for Peace Studies
1. Friendships, cooperation, solidarity. To help people who are not as fortunate as us. 2. Peace is when you are comfortable with yourself and your surroundings, where you feel you are in the right place and feel safe. Also for me peace means to be there for others.
1. Doves, tie-dye and Woodstock 2. It should be a collective goal that we should strive for everyday for the betterment of humankind.
Aman Kedir Kamsare Scientist & Researcher
Gunhild Henriksen, Marianne Mathisen Cleaners
1. Freedom, Human Rights, justice and democracy 2. Peace is when freedom, human rights and a system in society are based on justice, such as democracy are met.
1. G: No war or suffering. Everyone has a good life and show respect and tolerance towards other. M: Calm and silence 2. G: To have peace with my children and have a good life with them. Also I think of peace and calm in my working place. M: To have calmness where no one argues. Everyone is friendly towards each other.
Benjamin Schaller
Christin E. Webb
PhD Candidate
Student Advisor
Center for Peace Studies 1. War, conflict, research, diplomacy, politics and doves 2. An idealistic goal to reach for. Peace starts with the absence of violence and develops further from there.
Faisal Munir Student Peace and Conflict Transformation 1. Harmony in life 2. A way of life
Tommy Sørensen
Higher Executive Officer Center for Peace Studies 1.Stability 2. I feel this is a hard question to answer, due to the fact that growing up in Norway is very peaceful. For us peace is something that we take for granted, and therefore I think it’s important we use our rights and privileges to do something good and promote peace.
Center for Peace Studies 1. My working place 2. Since I work at the Centre for Peace Studies, I now understand even more than before how important it is to understand the different understandings of peace in order to promote it.
By: Andrea Indrehus Furuli Photo: Sara Karoline Steinmoen
Interviews
A view of Tromsø from the top of Fløya Photo: Torhild L. Skillingstad
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Peacebuilding
PEACE & CULTURE:
HOW CULTURE CAN HAMPER OR FACILITATE PEACE ACTIVISTS’ EFFORTS By: Claudio Lanza
What is peace? Tough question. Main-
ly because unequivocal answers do not exist. Indeed, on the one hand, somebody could answer that peace is a continuing mediation process towards a balance between actors with opposite interests. On the other hand, instead, somebody else could legitimately believe that wars are the most effective tool to achieve a true peace. Nevertheless, each community has a surprisingly clear and very strong idea of what peace is and how it is achievable. In other words, they blindly trust in their tools and institutions, believing that there is no better way to achieve peace. Then, despite all the research and the analysis, the tools and the routes to establish (a positive) peace change according to the communities’ customs, history, traditions and so forth. In one word: culture. Thus, although the traditional distinction between negative and positive peace is still useful, while the �irst one is generally acPhoto: Mohammed Jabaly
cepted, the power of the latter seems less strong than before. Indeed, since the signi�icant role of the culture when it comes to peace, each community shapes its positive peace-framework according to its tradition, history, ethical and moral values. In other words, positive peace seems overtaken by multiple ethnical peace.
Anyhow, this has not stopped the international community in the pursuit of peace as a priority after the bloody world wars. First through peacekeeping operations, then with a deeper commitment and goals ever broader, international political and economic institutions have signi�icantly in�luenced the international events in recent decades, beginning in the 90s of the last century. Dozens of international operations aiming to achieve peace in both con�lict-affected and post-con�lict societies have been established. However, rarely these operations had a “happy ending”. Instead, most of these operations
worsened the situation. Therefore, the aim of this very brief article is not to provide a direct answer about what peace is. Rather, this article addresses the hampering effects of the different understandings of (positive) peace. They are even able to nullify genuine struggle for peace carried out by international actors like the United Nations. In particular, it will be presented the hampering effects of the lack of cultural understanding when it comes to con�lict resolution as well as con�lict transformation by whom should carry out the peace. Indeed, ignoring the traditions of a community can delegitimize genuine attempts and sacri�ices of thousands of individuals around the world. The Lack of Cultural Understanding The more local culture context awareness, the more consent and legitimacy. This statement should be a corner stone for every genuine peacekeeping operation. Instead, nevertheless the evident simplicity, this
“They are even able to nullify genuine struggle for peace carried out by international actors like the United Nations”
theoretical statement hides many dif�iculties encounterable on the ground. Indeed, even though the locals would prefer much more attention on their needs from the peacekeepers, the latter (in particular the soldiers) obtain the majority of their information from administrative of�ices located outside the community where they are involved, such as UN of�ices. Restoring normal living conditions in a con�lictaffected can become an impossible task due to the absence of a link with the locals, which is generated by cultural misunderstandings. The crisis and the consequent chaos in Libya nowadays is a strong evidence of a total misunderstanding of cultural traditions and speci�icities within Libyan so-
ciety. In process terms, the western topdown oriented system, characterized by both a short term and a linear approach, does not match with the Libyan cultural
“Ignoring the traditions of a community can delegitimize genuine attempts and sacrifices of thousands of individuals around the world”
tradition of a clanship society. The outcome of this approach has been an elected parliament recognized only by the international community but that lack of legitimacy within its country. Therefore, carrying these top-down approach policies obstinately have hampered any attempts to restore peaceful conditions in Libya. Actually, starting from a third-party position on the ground (even though this claim is questionable), western countries have become the target of new terrorist groups (ISIS) precisely because they are perceived as the cause of all problems. Moreover, applying top-down approach as an evergreen package of policies can directly worsened the situation on the ground, besides worsening the peacekeepers’ position itself. Indeed, this approach entails building up relationships with the leadership of the con�licting parties (often warlords and faction leaders without majority support of the locals) as well as international of�icials. The outcome is that locals’ needs are abandoned because of a blind trust in a system completely avulsed from the cultural context. In this way, the system used to bring peace is, instead, the reason why peacekeepers’ efforts prevent itself any positive and constructive outcome. However, the Libya case is just the latest in chronological order of the failed attempts to bring peace by the international institutions. Also caused by considerable political and economic interests of local,
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regional and international actors, the Libyan case is just another defeat for a model that is considered as a set of measures inevitable to be able to solve any kind of con�lict in any community all over the world. A sort of technical (neutral) package that hides economic interests and cultural blindness of the Westerners, instead.
Even in the academic �ield, especially those related to peace and con�lict studies, the multicultural environment is a kind of unique ‘primordial soup’ needed to shape the students. Only in this environment students perceive their point of view as relative that they thought it were. In other words, it is a special place where an apparently simple, question may have different answers.
The Role of a Multicultural Background for Peace Students It is often assumed that words have the However, what has been done is not ensame meaning in every place and every ough. Since all the ‘peace soldiers’ share time. In fact, this dangerous simpli�ication the same theoretical and practical traiof reality is well known. In other words, ning, if the latter do not provide esseneven if you are talking about the same tial cultural toolboxes to enhance their topic, often, the image associated with a intercultural skills, then multicultural word changes depending on the culture of spaces do not make the difference. Cultureference. A gap that is not mitigated by a ral skills and a stronger attention to the super�icial learning of a foreign language. local needs, theoretically and practically, Indeed, each word has a speci�ic cultural should be the core of indispensable culcontext lintural training. ked to its lanA wealth of “Peace is another word, guage. Peace knowledge is another is needed for another concept that changes word, anopeacekeepers, according to each community’s culture” ther concept diplomats and that changes humanitarian according to volunteers in each community’s culture. order to avoid a nulli�ication of their efThen, peace must be a necessary encounforts, at least. ter between different cultures. It is not a mere common space, but it is a way to Therefore, if a multicultural space allows communicate, listening and understandeveloping a natural awareness of cultuding each other. Through that it is possiral differences and their implications in ble to build together a common path, with the relations among actors, one more step common goals. A path, then, that entails, is needful. A step characterized by greain the meantime, the removal of existing ter attention, study and understandings exclusive barriers and, the erection of of what are the customs, traditions and, new walls, �irmer and more inclusive. thus, the culture of the community that Multicultural space, indeed, not surprineeds help. Being aware of the relativity singly is considered as a decisive factor of their point of view is a needed but not for organizations like the Organization of suf�icient requisite. If you do not know the United Nations, which has the aim of the wealth and importance as well as the ensuring peace in the international comreasons for the culture of the other, then munity. The multicultural space, indeed, you can easily make the mistake of belieallows its of�icials and operators develoving that yours are superior, despite the ping tolerance, for example, prerequisite differences. for any kind of dialogue between communities with different customs and beliefs.
Some pieces of peace In us and the other in structures in mind in lived history and spaces. In you and the other. (If you will and you try you can find a bit of you around)
By: Janine Tessem Strøm
Photo: Tiia Grøn
Creative Expressions
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A PEACEFUL LIVING WHY ANIMALS MUST BE IN THE EQUATION By: Jeanett Dahlberg
As a vegan animal rights activist, I am frequently asked why I fight for animal rights and not human rights. Not everybody asks the question directly, but it is there, in the air. “Why care about animals, when there are children starving, dying.” Often the agenda with this question, sometimes better hidden than other times, is to delegitimize. There are other causes that are more important to fight for. If that is the starting point, one will always find causes that are more important and more worthy than others. Why worry about starving children in Africa when there is human trafficking of children in Europe, and vice versa. The issue and the focus should be that we need to care more about each other and applaud compassion, not try to disclaim it. Also the idea that one cause is more important than others bites its own tail, because it reveals an attitude that is worrying. Namely, that something/someone is more worthy than others. What is concerning about this is that it shows people’s willingness to be selective in their compassion and empathy towards others. But, who can blame us? We learn from an early age that our empathy should not include animals. Or rather, certain animals. We learn to be kind to our pet dogs and cats. However, cows, pigs, and other farmed animal consumed by humans are not in this circle of empathy. We
learn early that selective empathy is both necessary and socially accepted. Violence toward the animals we consume is perceived as legitimate. We justify the violence by saying that, “we must eat,” “we have always done it,” “look at the lion” etc. We accept the notion that violence against animals is okay as long as it “benefits” the human species, me and my ingroup. The disconnected relationship we have with animals could
«We learn from an early age that our empathy should not include animals» be the root of many conflicts, because this accepted notion about violence could be transferred to other arenas. It is well known today that violence breeds violence. In addition, the idea that some are worth more than others, creates a dichotomy of “them and us.” That can push the limit of what is socially acceptable to a dangerous level. “They are different from us” is a sentence with a loud echo from the past, and we can still hear it. This notion of “us and them” justified, and still does, the slavery of people, the oppression of women and homosexuals and the persecutions and killing of numerous ethnic and religious groups. For me, advocating for animal rights and veganism, is addressing the root causes of exploitation, oppression and violence. We have to ask our-
selves if it is possible to create a peaceful world for humans as long as we accept violence against the weakest in our society. My point is that we should embrace empathy and compassion, and not limit it to when it suits us the best. But, where do we draw the line? What about plants? They are, after all, also living creatures? Is it okay to viciously kill plants and eat them? To the vegetable rights community out there, plants do not have a central nervous system, and the limit is drawn to beings that are sentient. This means beings that are capable of being aware of sensations and emotions, of feeling pain and suffering, and of experiencing a state of wellbeing. Albert Einstein said “Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” We are many optimists who think that positive peace can be achieved, but only if social justice and equality also includes the animals. You cannot save everyone, but you can do something. Start with yourself, as Gandhi said, be the change you want to see in the world. Therefore, I no longer want to participate in the exploitation and killing of sentient beings. For me this is what Gandhi talked about. Veganism is peace and non-violence in action.
Photo: Diana Takutdinova
Photo by Diana Takutdinova
“Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose� ~The Vegan Society
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What is the meaning of “peace” mom?
Creative Expressions
By: Diana Takutdinova
One
night, while putting her 5-year-old child to bed, she was asked a sudden question: “Mom, what is the meaning of peace?” She was surprised to hear such question at his age, but without hesitation she answered: “it is you, my dear; it is your dad and your sister. Our family is my peace. You cannot physically touch peace, and it’s impossible to taste it, but you can feel it. It’s a state of calmness, when all your family and friends smile and genuinely laugh – this is peace. You can create it around yourself and people who surround you. “But how?” – he asked. And mom answered: “always try to be fair and kind to people. Even if one’s made harm to you, do not retaliate. As time will pass that person might or might not understand and realize his wrongdoings. Leave it to that person; try not to seek of a revenge as it is an opposite of a peace. After all, good always comes back. Everything in life has a chain, a chain of actions. Kindness leads to kindness, revenge to revenge. The last might even lead to war sometimes ... “But what is war, mom?” – her son asked. She hesitated for a while. In her mind she instantly swept passages of her life at the time when her parents were alive. Unfortunately, the war took them away from her, and tears rolled down her cheeks. Her son instantly hugged her in confusion of why his question made her cry. “War, my boy, is a pile of dust,
dirty streets and endless tears. It leaves you with emptiness and pain. The state of war might occur in families, neighborhood, city, between the countries; but the cause and outcome will always lay in what people’s hearts desire. As you grow, you will understand more of how peace and war are always connected. But as you are my son, I will always want you to live in peace with yourself and the people around you”. The boy was listening to his mother carefully, and despite the fact that he did not fully understand the meaning of peace and war yet, there was a big impression left in his mind. She kissed her son on the cheek, turned off the light, wished him good night and left. The words “peace” and “war” are so common in our life, but how important and hard sometimes it is to make a right explanation. If this question would have been addressed to a person with sorrow, anger and disappointment in heart, it would make a completely different story...
The rays of a dawn, the song of the birds All this is ours, it’s not like occurred We pass by the streets, We pass by the seas But, wait a minute and see This is where everyone lives. We all are the guests in this severe world From day to day good deeds are getting furled Stop gossiping, rumoring, lying Stop murdering, stop exiling Love is a queen of the world Trust me, a peace someday will occur By: Diana Takutdinova
Photo: Sarah Chisholm
Photo By Mohammed Jabaly
JOBLESS GROWTH IN THE EMERGING ECONOMIES By: Rahul Mukand
Globally the economic growth in last
two decades sustained by an increase in the labour output rather than employment output. This has created jobless growth in not only industrialised countries but emerging economies for instance, India. There are no qualms about the fact that technological progress in few decades has led to few number of highly skilled work force which has increased the labour output across the world, but a major part of work force is left out from it. This has led to increasing economic disparity in the emerging economies where the economic growth has reached its zenith but the employment elasticity of output growth has dropped. In simple terms, unemployment has soared high.
This is delineated into an increase in jobless growth. The economist points out
“In the emerging economies where the economic growth has reached zenith but the employment elasticity of output growth has dropped� increasing reliance on macro-economics and financial liberalisation stimulated the demand by creation of export surplus compared to reliance on demand management by governments through fiscal and monetary policies. In economic sense, it was not practical to achieve export surplus and match it with the import surplus
of others. Even for some of the countries that run an export surplus, such policies may turn out to be counter-productive if the contraction in the domestic market
“Jobless growth not only lower the economic growth but affects the labour productivity” turns out to be more than the expansion in external markets. This sort of phenomenon in world economy led to decrease in wages of countries where the units of production began offering cheaper version compared to their competitors. For instance “Made in China” this is where the stimulus towards labour productivity was provided leading to on the one side price competitiveness and on the other attractive place to park foreign capital. In the long run created jobless growth. In all this humdrum, the economies forgot to revive the demand side of the economy and focus only on the supply side. If we introspect the demand side economics, it entails three folds; a) increase in wage led by consumption demand, b) profit led driven by investment demand, or a mix of both. In the era of globalisation, stress has been on reviving the supply side of economics which means higher economic growth and not tackle high unemployment rates. Scholars point out jobless growth not only lower the economic growth but affects
the labour productivity. The causation is through the income distribution mechanism in the emerging economies redistribution takes place of the income from wages to profits thereby curbing wage led growth. In the financial sector profits are derived in the form of quasi-rents derived from property rights in land or in natural resources, acquired through patronage of governments, weakens profit led growth. Ultimately creates jobless growth situation in the developing countries which are experiencing high disparities of income between the rich and the poor. Based on Credit Suisse Global Wealth Databook, 2014 in India’s richest 10 per cent holds 370 times the share of wealth that it’s poorest hold. Similarly, India’s richest 10 per cent have been getting steadily richer since 2000, and now hold nearly three-quarters of total wealth.
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A part of the problem lies in macro-economic policies which are embedded in the developing economies and decline of Keynesianism and rise of monetarism. The government across the globe come to agreement in the axiom, ‘if price stability is achieved then market will correct itself to reach full employment stage’. This seems like an oxymoron. When the economic recession took place in 2008, the emerging economies resorted to price stability rather than focus on decreasing jobless growth. Scholars posited, there is a recognition that markets have no magic wand, that the invisible hand of the market is not visible because it is not there, and that markets are good servants and bad masters, especially recurrent financial crisis and recessionary trends given an opportunity to revisit the macro-economic policies. Bhaduri, Amit (2005): ‘Joblessness’, in E. Hershberg and C. Thornton (eds) The Development Alternative: Toward a People Centred Approach, New York: Social Science Research Council Global Wealth Databook (2014): Credit Suisse. Nayyar, Deepak (2014): ‘Why Employment Matters: Reviving Growth and Reducing Inequality’, International Labour Review, Volume 153, Number, 3, pp. 351-364 Nayyar, Deepak (2014): ‘Globalization and Employment’, 56th Annual Conference, The Indian Society of Labour Economics Nayyar, Deepak, (2011): ‘Rethinking Macroeconomic Policies for Development’, Brazilian Journal of Political Economy, Volume 31, Number 3, pp. 339-351
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This map illustrates the diversity found at the Master of
Peace and Conflict Transformation Programme
(MPCT). The countries in blue represent the countries of origin at the Center for Peace Studies. Students from all over the world decide to come to Tromsø to study Peace and Conflict. Having students from Nordic and non-Nordic countries creates the opportunity for a cross-cultural environment that sets the stage for a good learning outcome and interesting discussions, as well as sharing of knowledge and new friendships.
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Bangladesh Botswana Bulgaria Canada China England Eritrea Finland France Georgia Ghana India Kenya Kyrgyzstan Nepal Norway Palestine Philippines Poland Romania Russia Serbia Tajikistan USA
Illustration: Simon Indrehus Furuli
“Peace, in the natural sense, is likely present at any moment in which the ocean is left to carry out its life, its processes, and its mysteries. Unfortunately, these moments are increasingly rare�
Photo: Sarah Chisholm
Peace in the Oceans By: Seamus Ryder
What does peace look like in the oceans? Is it the tranquility of calm on a glass-like sea? Is it the synchronized movements of a shoal of sardines? Can it be seen in the spindrift of a cresting wave? Is it present in a Southern Ocean storm? Of course, peace could look like any one of the seas’ many faces, during any one of its moods and emotions. Peace, in the natural sense, is likely present at any moment in which the ocean is left to carry out its life, its processes, and its mysteries. Unfortunately, these moments are increasingly rare. Peace, in the human sense, seems just as elusive. We often turn to the sea in search of a sense of perspective and calm, and in fact, we rely on the sea for our very existence. Oceans sustain life. They connect us with our fellow man. They provide a vital means of communication, transporta-
tion and trade, and fuel our lives with the richness of their resources. However, throughout history, we have manipulated this life-giving nature and transformed the seas into arenas for conflict and instability. Our insatiable lust for domination and gain - the desire for power, territory and control of resources - has invariably provided the impetus for such conflict. “He who controls the sea, controls the world,” the old saying goes, and navies have been fighting for this control since ancient times. More recently, large fishing vessels began roaming the oceans, far from their native ports, and capable of staying away for months at a time. Fish stocks began to dwindle as fleet after fleet swept distant waters, virtually unrestrained. The socalled “Cod Wars” and “Turbot Wars” saw NATO allies prepared to wage battle against one
another - all in the name of fish. Offshore oil and gas trapped beneath the sea and between unsettled boundaries plagued the friendly relations of nations. The tranquility of the sea was slowly being disrupted by technological breakthroughs, accelerating and multiplying uses. Dangers lurked everywhere, both above and below the surface: nuclear submarines transiting uncharted waters; anti-ballistic missile systems designed to launch from the seabed; supertankers leaving behind a trail of oil spills; and rising tensions between nations over conflicting claims to ocean space and resources. In short, the oceans were becoming seas of claims, counterclaims and disputes. This not only frustrated peace in the human sense, but in the natural sense as well. In search of peace, we turned to law. Out of desire for
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a more stable order, promoting better management and use of ocean resources and generating harmony and goodwill among nations, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea was born. Today, it is viewed as one of the most significant legal instruments to have ever been negotiated, with nearly universal participation. As emphasized in the Preamble to the Convention, “Prompted by the desire to settle, in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation, all issues relating to the law of the sea and aware of the historic significance of this Convention as an important contribution to the maintenance of peace, justice and progress for all peoples of the world,” the law of the sea is viewed as a fundamental component of global peace and stability. Accordingly, the Preamble also expresses the belief “that the codification and progressive development of the law of the sea achieved in this Convention will contribute to the strengthening of peace, security, co-operation and friendly relations among all nations... ” The Convention seeks to
achieve these objectives by virtue of providing a ‘constitution for the oceans’ - an unprecedented attempt by the international community to regulate all aspects of the resources of the sea and uses of the ocean, and bring stability and order to mankind’s very source of life. It also obliges all States to refrain from the threat or use of force in any manner inconsistent with the principles of international law embodied in the United Nations Charter when using
only the peaceful uses of the sea – there is a separate body of law governing the sea in warfare. The extent to which rights and duties under the Convention are modified or suspended in time of war is controversial, compounded by the uncertainty of law on this point. Full attainment of the objectives envisioned by the Convention requires the effective implementation of its inter-related provisions, as well as all of the other key components of law of the sea. Effective implementation itself depends on how far adherence to the law of the sea is underpinned by a deeper commitment to international co-operation and dialogue. A lasting peace in the oceans cannot be secured exclusively through the legal, political, and economic arrangements of governments. Such peace requires the knowledge and understanding that each and every one of us depends on the sea for our survival. In turn, we must promote a commitment to solidarity based on this knowledge and understanding – a commitment not only to solidarity with all of mankind, but also to solidarity with the greater ma-
“Nothing in the Convention is generally understood to forbid anything other than aggressive actions at sea” the seas. Importantly, nothing in the Convention is generally understood to forbid anything other than aggressive actions at sea. Certainly the major naval powers do not regard the law of the sea to impose restraints upon routine naval or enforcement operations, and these may very well be considered essential for the maintenance of peace. Further, the Convention was intended to regulate
Photo: Matt Taggart
rine environment that gives us life. Unfortunately, this solidarity has not yet been achieved. Fish stocks continue to collapse. Oil spills continue to pollute. New challenges rear their ugly heads: climate change is melting sea ice, rising sea levels are swallowing islands whole, and more frequent and intense hurricanes and storms batter whatever is left behind; ocean acidification is bleaching coral reefs and destroying the building blocks of life in the seas; our plastic trash is altering the chemistry of the
marine environment. Our inability to sustain human peace continues to interfere with peace in the oceans. Nonetheless, we must not abandon our course towards the peace and tranquility of the sea. We have come a long way in our voyage achievements such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provide us with safe harbor in an otherwise stormy sea, but we still have a long voyage ahead. As another old saying goes, “Throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore.
Dream. Discover.� We will only truly know what peace looks like in the oceans by steering a new course in its direction.
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THE NIGHTMARE OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN BANGLADESH By: Obayedul Hoque Patwary
Bangladesh is recognised worldwide as one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of global warming and climate change. The country has a history of extreme climatic events claiming millions of lives and destroying past development gains. In a changing climate, the pattern of impacts are eroding the assets, investment and future of the country which stands for families, communities and the state. Global warming and climate change threaten settlements and the number of people displaced from their land due to riverbank erosion, permanent inundation and sea level rise is increasing rapidly every year. In this way, it is challenging the peace and security of the country by endangering the life and livelihoods of the millions of people.
CLIMATE CHANGE: A NIGHTMARE TO THE PEOPLE OF BANGLADESH According to the Fourth Assessment Report of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2007, following changes have been observed in climate trends, variability and extreme events in Bangladesh: --> In Bangladesh, average temperature measurements have registered an increasing trend of about 1째C in May and 0.5째C in November during the 14 year period from 1985 to 1998 --> The annual mean rainfall exhibits increasing trends in Bangladesh. Decadal rain anomalies are above long term averages since 1960s. --> Frequency of monsoon depressions and cyclones formation in Bay of Bengal has increased. --> Water shortages has been attributed to rapid urbanisation and industrialisation,
population growth and inefficient water use, which are aggravated by changing climate and its adverse impacts on demand, supply and water quality. --> Salt water from the Bay of Bengal is reported to have penetrated 100 km or more inland along tributary channels during the dry season. --> The precipitation decline and droughts has resulted in the drying up of wetlands and severe degradation of ecosystems.
INCREASES IN THE FREQUENCY AND THE INTENSITY OF NATURAL DISASTERS In recent decades Bangladesh has experienced an increasing trend of natural disasters which affects the life and livelihoods of the millions of the people. Between 1991 and 2000, 93 major disasters were recorded in Bangladesh, resulting in nearly 200,000 deaths and causing US$ 5.9 billion in damages with high losses in agriculture and infrastructure. Among the various forms of natural disasters, flood is the most frequent one. Most parts of the country lie in the delta of three of the largest rivers in the world - the Brahmaputra, the Ganges and the Meghna. The topography of the country is mostly low and flat. Two-thirds of the country is less than 5 metres above sea level and is susceptible to river and rainwater flooding and, in lower lying coastal areas, to tidal flooding during storms . In addition to flood, tropical cyclones is also very common which causes extensive damages to houses and a high loss of life to humans and livestock in coastal communities.
Table: Some of the serious floods in recent decades Year of Floods
Consequences
1984
Inundated over 50,000 sq.km. estimated damage US$378 million
1987
Inundated over 50,000 sq.km. estimated damage US$ 1 billion, 2,055 deaths Inundated 61% of the country estimated damage US$ 1.2 billion, more than 45 million homeless, between 2,000 - 6,500 deaths Inundated nearly 100,000 sq.km., rendered 30 million people homeless, damaged 500,000 homes, heavy loss to infrastructure, estimated damage US$ 2.8 billion, 1,100 deaths Inundation 38%, damage US$ 6.6 billion, affected nearly 3.8 million people, 700 deaths Inundated 32,000 sq.km. over 85,000 houses destroyed and almost 1 million damaged, approximately 1.2 million acres of crops destroyed or partially damaged, estimated damage over US$ 1 billion, 649 deaths
1988 1998
2004 2007
SEA LEVEL RISE Being a low lying deltaic country, Bangladesh will face the serious consequences of sea level rise including permanent inundation of huge land masses along the cost line. World Bank’s study on the impact of Sea level rise in Bangladesh reveals that, 100 cm sea level rise within next 100 years will inundate 15 to 17 percent of country’s land area i.e., 22135 to 26562 square kilometers, which will make 20 million people environmental refugees and a country like Bangladesh might not be able to accommodate such a huge amount of uprooted people. Again, 2 degree temperature and 45 cm sea level rise would increase 29 percent risks of flooding of country’s low laying areas and may cause permanent inundation of 145 km long coastline.
By river bank erosion Hatiya has reduced from 1000 sq. km to only 21 sq km over 350 years and Swandip has lost 180 sq km in the last 100 years. Bhola Island has been squeezed to 3400 km from 6400 km in 1960. If this pace of erosion continues, it has been apprehending that Bhola may disappear completely over next 40 years. Kutubdia, an outreach island situated in the south-eastern part of the Bay of the Bengal, has been eroding fast due to strong tidal action, as well as by cyclonic action and storm surges. This island, once which was 250 square ki-
TERRITORIAL LOSS Territorial loss due to river erosion and sea level rise is an acute national problem and one of the major natural hazards. Although erosion does not cause loss of lives, but it cause huge economic loss; makes people asset-less and rootless. It has become become a regular natural phenomenon along the belts of outreach coastal islands like Bhola, Sandwip, Hatia, Kubdia, which has been turned to massive in the recent years.
lometres in size, lost around its 65 percent during last 100 years.
“Territorial loss due to river erosion and sea level rise is an acute national problem and one of the major natural hazards”
SALINITY INTRUSION The coastal areas of Bangladesh have already been facing salinity problem which is expected to be exacerbated by climate change and sea level rise, as sea level rise is causing unusual heights of tidal water. In the dry season, when the flows of upstream water reduce drastically, the saline water
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Table: Salinity Affected Areas in the Coastal and Offshore Regions of Bangladesh Total cultivated area(ha) Saline Area(ha) Non-saline with very slightly saline
4,25,490
1,15,370 (27%)
Very slightly saline with slightly saline Slightly saline with moderately saline
4,20,420
3,09,190 (73%)
2,57,270
Moderately saline with strongly saline
1,98,890
2,40,220 (93%) 1,98,890 (100%)
goes up to 240 kilometers inside the country. Presently around 31 upazillas of Jessore, Satkhira, Khulna, Narail, Bagerhat and Gopalganj districts are facing severe salinity problem. Agricultural activities as well as cropping intensities in those upazillas have been changing; now farmers can’t grow multiple crops in a year. PARALISING THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS Climate change and its variability have emerged as a serious challenge to development in general and poverty reduction in particular. Since 1973 over 0.17 million hectares (20.4%) of new land has been salt affected . As per IPCC, average precipitation in Bangladesh is projected to increase in the June-August period by up to 12.5 percent in the 2020s and 20 percent in the 2050s . This trend of climate change will seriously affect the food security by reducing the agricultural production. Besides, climate change is expected to lead to increases in the potential transmission of many infectious diseases. Decreased availability of potable water will be responsible for increased illness and death cases. The impacts of such extreme events on human welfare could be significant. Because, such factors could lead to increased child mortality, reduced maternal health and undermine the nutritional health needed by individuals to attain healthy life for sustained livelihood. Furthermore the cumulative factors will lead to retarding the rate of national economic growth. Reportedly, about four percent of
GDP is eroded by environmental degradation in Bangladesh. Further changes would push the people now living in coastal, flood plains and dry areas to become climate refugees, vulnerable to extreme poverty and hunger. However, climate change also pre-
”Decreased availability of potable water will be responsible for increased illness and death cases” sents serious threat to the infrastructure of the country. Indeed, the diversity and range of infrastructures that may be vulnerable to climate change is enormous. It is making roads, water supplies, sewer systems and buildings more vulnerable and thereby place human health and safety at risk. In sum, the impacts of climate change are already affecting the many aspects of the socio-economic reality in Bangladesh which is likely to lead a situation of instability, conflict and humanitarian crises in the coming days. Furthermore, being a developing country, it does not have the know-how and the capacity to effectively deal with these phenomena and the prevailing conditions of poverty, weak state institutions and socio-economic vulnerabilities are aggravating the situations further. As a result, the impacts of global warming and climate change is challenging the development efforts, human security and the future of the country.
SOURCES Haque, S.A.(2006), Salinity Problems and Crop Production in Coastal Regions of Bangladesh, The Daily Star, March 15, 2008 Ministry of Environment and Forests (2008), Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan Pandey, Nishchal N. and Delinic, Tomislav (eds) (2012), Regional Environmental Issues: Water and Disaster Management, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Shamsuddohea et.al (2007), Climate Change Impact and Disaster Vulnerabilities in the Coastal Areas of Bangladesh, Coast Trust and Equity and Justice working Group
Photo: Torhild L. Skillingstad
Capital: Dhaka Population: 148 692 000 Languages: Bengali, English Religion: Islam 89,5 %, Hinduism 9,6 %, Other 0,9 % Area: 144 000 km2 GDP per capita: 1940 PPP$
www.globalis.no
FACTS ABOUT BANGLADESH
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Dialog; a tool for peacebuilding UngDialog’s dialog method
“Dialog is a tool for good communication that can break boundaries of prejudice and judgment, and build bridges that pave the way for peaceful coexistence and cooperation. Dialog opens the door for new understanding and collaboration. ” By: Irene Incerti Thery, Administration Secretary UngDialog
Peace takes many forms and can be found
in small moments everywhere in the world. How is this peace created? It starts with the individual. We in UngDialog focus on dialog as that individual effort that creates our everyday moments of peace. Through dialog, UngDialog contributes to developing a society governed by acceptance of diversity and equal opportunities through communication between cultures and life-stances. How? By listening. The key to a good dialog is active listening. The will to listen to the other paves the way for equal opportunities for sharing one’s perspective and acceptance of diversity of worldviews. Listening opens a way to know people beyond the outer facade, prejudices and boundaries. Dialog thus opens up the possibility for a greater understanding of one another. The result of such an understanding fosters cooperation and respect based on factual knowledge attained in the dialog.
Dialog;A Hot Air Balloon Dialog is like a ride in a hot air balloon. Floating over a landscape in a hot air balloon one can see where the dividing lines go, where the cleavages are greatest and where the strongest bridges can be built. Communication through dialog fosters the same results. In a dialog, one can achieve a fuller picture of our shared landscape. Listening in the dialog opens a way to understand the other’s perspectives of the landscape. How do you perceive society, based on your experiences, cultural background and worldview? Listening actively, by paying attention to words as well as bodily expression and by asking open questions, can give answers to such questions based on factual knowledge, rather than opinionating and bigotry. UngDialog UngDialog (YouthDialog) is an organization for youth engaged in faith and life-stances dialog. Participation in UngDialog is based on personal representation, with or without a faith or life-stance af�iliation. We believe that sharing one’s own beliefs and doubts, raises respect and cohesion, breaking down misconceptions and prejudice. UngDialog’s vision is for dialog to become a tool that youth in our society master and use actively. We see dialog as a tool for good communication that fosters understandings across boundaries of culture, faith, age and political view, and opens the way for new cooperation.
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The Aim in Dialog The aim in dialog is not consensus. For UngDialog the aim in dialog is to understand the other a bit better. Such an understanding can show unknown similarities, as well as differences one initially did not think to have. Similarities and differences alike show a fuller picture of our common landscape. The effect of dialog is great! It can as well as raising understanding of the other, enhance understanding of oneself. In the meeting with others’ perspectives, one’s own standpoint can become clearer. Understanding the other a bit better paves the way for raised acceptance of diversity in our pluralistic society.
The Idea The idea of UngDialog emerged from the �irst Norwegian dialog seminar for youth engaged in faith and life-stances. The Dialogseminar 2009 took place at the Nansen Academy in Lillehammer and was organized by The Norwegian Children and Youth Council (LNU), The Council for Religious and Life Stance Communities (STL), Nansen Academy/Nansen Center for Peace and Dialogue, and a workgroup for the seminar.
Photo:UngDialog
The participants at the seminar were taken by the positive effect of dialog and wished to establish a dialog network for youth. A similar network existed for adults, but this was the �irst of its kind for youth. The idea of a dialog network was further developed by the workgroup that helped plan the Dialogseminar 2009. In February 2010, the outline for the network was presented to a group of youth representatives of different faiths and life-stances. The idea took root and in February 2011, UngDialog was established as an organization. Local Branch UngDialog continues to organize important activities to further the knowledge and use of dialog.
We see great enthusiasm for dialog in our members, both personal members and organizations as members in UngDialog, as well as our collaborators. Many individuals and organizations do great peacebuilding work through dialog. The positive effects and results of dialog inspire us to continue our work and use of dialog to create our everyday moments of peace. www.ungdialog.no
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SMALL WINS PSYCHOLOGY OF ACTIVISM
By: Janine Tessem Strøm
Imaginations of an improved world can be seen as quite naive, maybe also sweet and somewhat reserved to young and inexperienced people. So why is it that some people seem to never “grow up”, get worn out by idealistic activism or simply refuse to do nothing at all? Karl E. Weicks article Small Wins – Redefining the Scale of Social Problems, is worth further reading. Anyway, I will try to go through some main points with you here. Weick thinks that we tend to describe social problems in ways that make them seem unsolvable. The most of us have probably watched the news and felt powerless at some point. Maybe we think it would have been wonderful to have power, resources and knowledge to solve or change what we believe is unfair. Maybe we choose to close our eyes and switch channel. Small wins may have a positive effect, since they can reduce feelings of powerlessness. One of the first things we actually can do is try to decrease the size of the problems we are facing. Mostly it requires a dose of creativity, optimism and maybe a change in how we choose to formulate social problems. Naivety can be underestimated. Weick emphasizes naivety as a positive quality, by emphasizing that being naïve is mainly not do adopt that a problem is a problem and there is nothing to do about it. This form of rejection can decrease arousal and allow us to go on with less presumptions and new oppositions. ORIGIN AND PAWNS Before looking more into Small Wins, I would like to introduce two terms which can be relevant in order to understand why we meet social responsibility so differently. ́Origin` is used in relation to people who understand
themselves as responsible and in control of their own behavior. `Pawn` in opposite, is used to describe people who see themselves as pushed around by external factors. The two quite metaphorical terms is considered to be an essential variable in individual perception, since it is showed that they may have important effects. Different labels have been used in resembling concepts. Similar for all of them are their distinction between people who see themselves in control of
“Small wins may have a positive effect, since they can reduce feelings of powerlessness” their own fate versus those who don’t. Such concepts are researched in psychology to understand self-perception. Same theories are also relevant in pedagogy and education, in pursuit of empowering student’s responsibility toward themselves in learning contexts. However, these labels cannot be used in general to group personalities. Individuals will probably experience both traits in different contexts. Anyway, the origin-pawn concept with others, are interesting and useful when one looks into psychology of motivation and activism. The purpose is to locate various behaviors and understand causalities in people’s attributions. If people feel in generally like pawns, pushed around by external actors. It can induce an experience of being isolated from the cause, which can induce powerlessness. Our motivation is more stable when we work with things that are within our abilities, driven by intrinsic incentives. It can be wise to have some kind of clear strategies when reaching out for small wins. “ What can I achieve” might be the first natural question to ask. Having a steady orien-
tation toward what’s meaningful in your aspirations is not only motivating, it will help you remember what you wanted to achieve in the first place and keep you toward your goal. A reality orientation in the context of the small wins you want to achieve, is both necessary and will make it more possible to succeed. FIGHT OR FLIGHT Arousal and helplessness does little good to our motivation and creativeness. According to Weick, high arousal leads to so-called “fight or flight” positions. A biological and cognitive process affected by our hormone management. It is difficult to concentrate and resist old categories if we are stressed. Reaching out for big wins can therefore have a destructive impact if we risks too much. Time, efforts, emotions, reputations, privacy and whatever that makes us anxious. Small wins on the other side are as controllable you want them to be. Low costs give low risk. You find a limited problem and a limited solution. In learning theory, and organizational psychology one can find the same logic. The tasks difficulty must be within reach, if we are to stay motivated over time. Further-
“The tasks difficulty must be within reach, if we are to stay motivated over time” more, it is assumed that an “origin” is more likely to take the so- called “fight” position. Simply because of origins tends to have a more feelings of agency and control. Countless books have been written on similar topics over the years, because it is likely that we can learn helpful strategies through our consciousness. The actor’s perspective goes beyond theory and we can see it degenerate as a cultural phenomenon in subject oriented societies. It is worth mentioning that promoting an actors perspective by some sort of universal standard, can result in that people actually can feel weaker. “Yes, you can” may well be
perceived as “yes, you should”. Small wins are therefore described herein, since one can argue that people can reach them on their own terms and abilities. IDEOLOGY IN ACTIVISM It is no doubt important to be aware of ethical dilemmas related to ideology and activism. Activism psychology itself has been criticized to be a political tool. As we have seen are the theories behind the concept quite common, and can be used to support several fields and motivation psychology in general. Floyd Rudmin, professor at UiT gives an example of quite a hidden small win strategy, which probably had and have an effect in a visible way. The Gay Liberation Movement in the US wanted everyone to recognize them. Unfortunately not an easy task, but they contributed to such cause in a creative way. The movement managed to get books about homosexuality changed from a subsection from “psychopathology” to “lifestyle”. The Gay Liberation Movement chose to start somewhere by going after a localized power in language. They managed to change the subsection without attracting negative attention and riots. Any opponents probably found the change to be low cost and risk themselves. What can in fact be considered to be good activism? The answer will probably depend on personal ideology and worldview. Anyway, one can argue that small wins by being exactly small, will not do any significant harm. Still they are of value in a collective wish for social change since many small wins together can be a big win. The concept may seem vague, but in my view it is more about having a philosophy that gives options, instead of doing nothing because one can´t do everything. Nevertheless, give space for some creative energy, good things can happen!
Photo: Sarah Chisholm
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PEACE IN PoP CuLtUrE
Photo: Erwin Rapiz Navarro
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BED PEACE – HAIR PEACE: In 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono staged a two-week Bed-in For Peace in Amsterdam and Montreal. The Vietnam War illuminated the peace movement at the time, and John & Yoko decided to creatively stage a peaceful protest against the war. They had been married on March 20th and so decided to use the public attention and their honeymoon towards the cause. From March 25-30th they invited the world’s press into their Amsterdam hotel bedroom and sat angelically in white pajamas, speaking about peace. During April of that year they even sent acorns to world leaders, in hopes that they would plant them as a symbol of peace. In May 1969 they planned a second bed in NYC but John was not allowed into the US due to a previous marijuana conviction. The couple flew to the Bahamas but decided it was too hot, so they went North to Montreal. In Montreal they were joined by several high-profile friends (including Allen Ginsberg, Timothy Leary, Tommy Smothers, etc) and famously recorded “Give Peace A Chance.”
THE “V-SIGN”: This hand sign can really mean all sorts of things. In 1941 a Belgian Politian in exile, Victor de Laveleye, suggested it over the radio as a sign of solidarity. “The occupier, by seeing this sign, always the same, infinitely repeated, [would] understand that he is surrounded, encircled by an immense crowd of citizens eagerly awaiting his first moment of weakness, watching for his first failure.” The BBC popularized this by creating a “V for Victory” campaign after WWII among Allied troops and within weeks it had spread around France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Protesters and activists adopted this sign during the 1960s in the US to mean “peace” and it was quickly picked up worldwide. Notably in Japan, where it is frequently used in photography.
THE [UNOFFICIAL] PEACE SIGN: Designed in 1958 by Gerald Holtom of England for a march in Trafalfar Square in support of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. The designed was inspired by semaphore signals for N and D, standing for nuclear disarmament. Flag semaphore is a system of visual communication to convey information from a distance – today, it is often used by ships and surfside rescue patrols. Interestingly, the cover of the Beatles 1965 HELP! album cover shows the four artists using semaphore to convey the album’s name.
By: Sarah Chisholm
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THE WHITE DOVE & THE OLIVE BRANCH: In the Hebrew Bible’s story of Noah, the floods had caused havoc and the end of the story describes a dove bringing a fresh olive branch as a sign of life and the fruitfulness of the Land of Israel. However, Jews don’t use this symbol as a sign of peace, the Christians simply prescribed it to them.
REST IN PEACE – HVIL I FRED: This phrase dates back to the first century B.C., having been found on Hebrew and Christian graves and tombstones. It’s original use was quote religious, wishing one’s soul would find peace in the afterlife. However, it has become quite secular and now mainly refers to the physical body of one, resting in peace. This common phrase is in use in almost all languages. Afrikaans: rus in vrede. French: repose en paix, Hungarian: nyugodjék bébében, Indonesian: beristirahat dengan Tengan.
WORLD PEACE: World peace is a vision of planetary unity in non-violence. It is an ideal whereby everyone lives in harmony and cooperation with one another. There are several theories relating to this vision: democratic peace theory, capitalism peace theory, mutually assured destruction, cobdenism, UN Charter and Human Rights, globalization, isolationism & non-intervention. But theory-smeary, the real bringer of World Peace is obviously Miss Universe. So, fear not.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE: This is a UN-created day of peace, beginning in 1982 (the resolution was sponsored by the UK and Costa Rica), as a day dedicated to world peace and non-violence. Sometimes occasioned with temporary ceasefire in a combat zone for humanitarian aid, or simply as a day of awareness and the promotion of peace education. Often, a new UN peace initiative is announced in correspondence with this day.
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PAPER CRANES: In Japan, paper cranes are a traditional symbol of good luck. Sadako Sasaki was a young Japanese girl who died at the age of 12 due to complications she experienced as a result of the atomic bomb dropped at Hiroshima. According to a Japanese legend, one who folds one thousand paper cranes will be granted a wish - Sadako simply wished to live. So, during her final bought of illness, Sadako began folding. Unfortunately she only made it to 644 before her leukemia weakened her and eventually took her life. Her story has been made into a popular book called “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes.” It has been translated into several languages and is used in peace education programmes around the world.
IMAGINE WHIRLED PEACE: Perhaps we’ve found the definition of peace after all. Ben & Jerry ask that we imagine what it could be like - closely followed by their suggestion: caramel & sweet cream ice-cream swirled with fudge peace signs & cookie pieces. So I guess we can all go home now.
Recommendations
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FILMS TO SEE By: Sara Karoline Steinmoen
GETT, THE TRIAL OF VIVIANE AMSALEM (2014) Provides a critical picture of the position of women in religious communities. It is a strong character drama about fighting for dignity. The characters are impressive and well played. Since the action takes place only in a courtroom, which challenges the fabulous screenplay for the stage. the confined space for action underpins Viviane’s claustrophobic feeling of being trapped in her marriage. Genre: Drama
Director: Ronit Elkabetz and Shlomi Elkabetz The film questions how long you have to live in a Producer: Marie Masmonteil, Sandrine Brauer, Schlomi destroying marriage. Is divorce something you decide Elkabetz individually or does the religion decide it for you? As an Photo: Jeanne Lapoirie Israeli Jewish woman the only way Viviane can manage Playtime: 1 hour 55 min to get a divorce/ get away, is with her husbands consent. Country: Israel, France and Germany This movie depicts a system that prevents people from living a happy life.
DRONE (2014) A shocking, courageous and very important documentary which exposes how the advanced technological development of unmanned aerial vehicles and drones are changing the concept of modern warfare. Developed in the USA as part of the “war on terror”, aggressive drones are now used extensively in many countries all over the world. Drone warfare makes it possible for the attacker to make war from a safe distance. Drones are being argued to be an accurate weapon to prevent civilian causalities, however the documentary reveals high numbers of civilian casualties by drone attacks. The winner of this year’s Norwegian Peace Film Award at TIFF was exactly this documentary, Drone.
Genre: Documentary Director: Tonje Hessen Schei Producer: Lars Løge Photo: Anna Myking Playtime: 1 time 18 min Country: Norway
PEACE
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Peace education arose from a wish to
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educate people for a more peaceful and empathic future with the thought that education can be a piece of the greater puzzle of peace.
Context matters. Peace education is a broader term for many kinds of activities and topics that can be used to enlighten people all over the world. The specifics of peace education depend on educational level, economic issues, conflict within society etc.
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Conflict is not always bad. The way that we deal with conflict can, however, be very harmful. If dealt with in a non-violent way, conflict can lead to positive change. But, if conflict automatically assumes violence, that can perpetuate war and destruction.
Categories of peace education: knowledge-based and practical. Knowledge-based peace education teaches people about the struggles and inequalities of people in the world, and themes range from environmental issues to human rights. Practical peace education teaches people about alternatives to violence, and how to deal with negative emotions.
Enemy/victim perceptions are challenged in peace education. It teaches people how to view a conflict from different perspectives. It attempts to make people empathize with the “other” party, or better yet to break down the black and white division between “us” and “them”.
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EDUCATION By: Torhild Larsen Skillingstad
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Social justice is at the core. Teaching people about the importance of assuring basic human rights, human dignity, and human security can create grassroots movements for change. It can also increase empathy for people in worse conditions than you have experienced in life.
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Education can help create sustainability. If peace and non-violence is to prevail within a society, it needs to be rooted in the culture. Through educating people for non-violent solution of conflict, the attitudes about violence might change. It is part of a slow process of altering how people think of the world.
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Everything is connected. Peace education aims to teach people that whenever bad things happen to someone else, we should still care. When someone is suffering elsewhere, we should empathize with them and seek justice on their behalf. The Butterfly Effect is not just a movie.
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Together individuals can make a difference. Peace education is based on giving individuals tools to use in the greater context of society. If everyone wants peace through non-violence, then that can manifest into reality.
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Peace education is broad and vague. But that means it leaves room for context and local dynamics to shape what is needed. It is not a one-size-fits-all mold, but a rubbery substance that can be shaped into what we need.
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Based on Ian Harris´ article Peace Education Theory (Journal of Peace Education, Vol. 1, No. 1, March 2004)
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CROSSWORD PUZZLE Created by: Sarah Chisholm 1
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ACROSS: 1. In which coastal city was Gandhi born? 5. A person temporarily or permanently living in a country other than that of their citizenship. 8. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can ____ that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can ____ that.” – Martin Luther King Jr. (one word). 10. A conversation between two or more people/ parties. 12. Happening in a way contrary to what is expected, and typically causing wry amusement because of this. 13. The ______ Revolution: 1989 – a non-violent transition of power in what was then Czechoslovakia. 15. Co-author of The Communist Manifesto (last name). 16. ______politik: politics or diplomacy based primarily on power and on practical and material factors and considerations, rather
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17. 18. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26.
than explicit ideological notions or moral or ethical premises. An organization that is neither part of a government nor a conventional for-pro�it business. (acronym) Writer of “The End of History” (last name). The UN’s global development network. (acronym) Slobodan Milošević was the �irst president of _________. “…during the time men live without a common power to keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called warre; and such a warre as is of every _____ against every _____.” Thomas Hobbes. (one word). Winner of the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize. In which month is the UN’s “International Day of Peace” observed? An organized military force equipped for �ighting on land. Sometimes, people working for peace end up working Mon-Fri, 9 hours a day, hundreds of
miles away from the con�lict, from the comfort of their ______. 29. A dialogue between two or more parties intended to reach an agreement, resolve points of difference, gain advantage for an individual or collective, or craft outcomes to satisfy various interests (to ______________). 33. The father of Norwegian peace scholar ship. 35. Scorched _________: a military strategy which involves destroying anything that might be useful to the enemy while advancing through or withdrawing from an area. 37. Often, a pre�ix meaning “bad,” “wrongful,” “ill.” 38. Who said it? “Only the dead have seen the end of war.” 41. A relatively peaceful zone within Europe whereby persons, goods, services and capital may �low freely (acronym). 42. ☮, commonly referred to as the peace ____. 43. In which city is the Nobel Peace Prize awarded annually? 44. An organized and often prolonged con�lict that is carried out by states or non-state actors. It is generally characterised by extreme violence, social disruption and an attempt at economic destruction. 45. An expression of objection by words or by actions to particular events, policies or situations (2 words, �irst word is “a” … a _______). 46. A social or religious custom prohibiting or restricting a particular practice or forbidding association with a particular person, place or thing. 47. A violent disturbance of peace by a crowd. 49. “Our lives begin to end the day we become ________ about things that matter.” – Martin Luther King Jr. 50. From the Sanskrit ahimṣā, the personal practice of being harmless to self and others under every condition. 51. “The rich will do anything for the poor but ____ off their backs.” – Karl Marx.
The answers will be revealed in the next issue of re:PEACE in the fall of 2015 -andReleased on our Instagram account: @repeacemagazine by mid-May
DOWN: 1. Something most people want, and think they understand. In reality, the exact de�inition is not known. 2. An inclination or prejudice for or against one person or group, especially in a way considered to be unfair. 3. Which bird is often used as a sign of peace? 4. This UN body seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for military purposes. International Atomic Energy _______. 6. Weapons or armaments. 7. ____ ____ or not to be, that is the question. – Shakespeare (two words). 8. The act of reducing, limiting or abolishing weapons. 9. The UN body designed in 1991 to strengthen the UN’s response to complex emergencies and natural disasters (acronym). 11. …and so they lived happily ____ after. 14. To work jointly towards the same ends. 19. A state of disorder due to absence or non-recognition of authority or other controlling systems. 23. “An _____ for an _____ will only make the whole world blind.” – Gandhi (one word). 24. b) DDR programs attempt to disarm, demobilize and _________ former combatants. 27. The Law of the ____ Convention de�ines the rights and responsibilities of nations with respect to their use of the world’s oceans so that, among other things, peace in the sea is maintained. 28. Spanish word for “peace.” 31. This Empire certainly had its ups and downs – a multinational, multilingual empire controlling huge areas of land from 1200-1923. 33. The _________ Conventions: a series of treaties on the treatment of civilians, prisoners of war and soldiers who are otherwise rendered hors de combat, or incapable of �ighting. 34. A system of rules which a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members and which it may enforce by the imposition of penalties. 36. A formally concluded and rati�ied agreement between states. 39. To force (an unwilling person) to do something using force or threats. 40. An act of giving help or aid. 48. A compulsory contribution to state revenue, levied by the government on workers’ income and business pro�its, or added to the cost of some goods and services.
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Photo By Torhild Larsen Skillingstad
Pictures in this issue: Page 1: Seattle, Washington, USA Page 3: Center for Peace Studies, UiT Page 6: Tromsø city center Page 9: Seattle, Washington, USA Page 10-11: Tromsø city from Fløya Page 12-13: Palestine Page 15: Finland Page 17: Kyrgysztan Page 19: Senja, Troms Page 20: Gaza, Palestine Page 24: Finnsnes, Troms Page 27: Gracetown, Australia Page 31: Yuma, Arizona, USA Page 33: Oslo, Norway Page 34-35: E8 outside Tromsø Page 36: Tawi tawi, Philippines Page 44: Absarokee, Montana, USA
Learn more about the Master Degree Programme in Peace and Conflict Transformation, and the Center for Peace Studies at www.peace.uit.no
NEXT ISSUE IN PRINT: FALL 2015
Freedom of speech has been widely discussed in the media this year, but what is freedom? The theme for the next magazine will be:
WHAT IS FREEDOM?
If you want to contribute an article, a poem, photo or anything else, you can submit it to uit.peacemagazine@gmail.com by October 1, 2015