Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/1920/2894

This collection contains ETD documents from the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 268

Actualizing Human Rights Norms in Distanced Spaces; an Analysis of the Campaign to Eliminate Conflict Diamonds and the Capital Market Sanctions (Sudan) Campaigns in the United States
(2007-11-27T18:50:22Z) Muvingi, Ismael; Muvingi, Ismael
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, social justice activists in the United States initiated two coalition based campaigns aimed at ameliorating the violence associated with extractive industries in Angola, Sierra Leone and Sudan. The ideological diversity and the disparate interests of the coalition participants were an intriguing puzzle and part of this dissertation is an exploration of how it is that these widely diverse actors were able to collaborate and successfully run the campaigns despite their significant differences. I advance the argument that diversity of ideological subscription is no bar to coalition work in campaigns because a strategic basis for operationalization enables collaboration across ideological and interest differences. I utilized a tripartite opportunity structure framework to analyze the campaign. Extant scholarship on social movements is predominantly state centric, but in these cases the violators or human rights were other than states i.e. corporations, rebels and warlords that operated across state boundaries and were enabled by the market. To better encapsulate the range of structural opportunities I therefore delineated institutional structures rather than just state structures. The second leg of the framework emanates from the problem of separating framing from opportunity structures. The efforts of the activists through the framing of their messages as well as their mobilizing efforts were met by the counter frames of the targets and mediated by various opportunity structures that comprised the prevailing context. Rather than simply a unidirectional frame activity from the activists, I wanted to capture the competing nature of the framing processes in the public sphere. Thirdly, although the campaigns took place during the same historical time space and were motivated by the same phenomenon of violence in extractive industries, they had divergent trajectories and different outcomes. From the investigations it was fairly clear that the economic and strategic interests within the U.S. context largely determined the campaign outcomes. I therefore utilized a geopolitical opportunity structure to complete the analytical framework.
Evaluation of Intervention Programs Designed to Address High School Racial Conflicts
(2007-12-11T18:50:26Z) St. Jean, Gerardine; St. Jean, Gerardine
This dissertation research examines racial conflict—one of the contributors to school violence—and effective intervention programs. This dissertation study presents research-and theory-based integrated intervention programs (a synthesized program with conflict resolution and multicultural components) as an effective resolution to high school racial conflicts. Some schools in the United States have created a database that lists effective intervention programs for specific school problems, but most of the programs only deal with general violence and violence related to substance abuse—none identify effective approaches to racial conflicts at schools. This dissertation research is a unique first step to look at effective techniques and identify appropriate programs to deal with racial conflicts to these databases. It tests the following hypotheses: 1 Educational intervention programs that encompass assimilated multicultural and conflict resolution training contents (integrated programs) in its integrated lessons are more effective at impacting the reduction of racial incidents at high schools. 2 High schools that do not utilize intervention programs with a combination of multicultural and conflict resolution training contents but only rely on strict policies and practices (e.g., laws and rigid discipline) are most effective at reducing the number of racial incidents in high schools. Lastly, the dissertation study describes the development of a model that schools can use to assess their needs and determine steps to implement a suitable intervention program. This research project is a summative evaluation study that uses multiple methods (survey, experiment, and case study) and encompasses a selection of high schools in Pennsylvania that meet the criteria of the study. Principals, teachers, and parents from selected schools are the key participants in the study.
Bridging Solutions to the Religion and Science Conflict over Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research
(2007-12-13T21:16:27Z) Ericson, Robin; Ericson, Robin
The religion and science conflict over human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research carries high stakes; should embryos be protected as potential human life or should they be studied as possible cures for debilitating diseases? With the current technology, we cannot simultaneously satisfy both of these objectives—it is necessary to destroy embryos to create totipotent stem cells. Both religion and science provide significant inputs to the bioethical aspects of hESC research methods and practices. The data includes structured interviews with clergy, educators, lobbyists, and scientists. To objectively analyze and organize the data, the author developed pre-positioned assessment criteria and the Shared Vision Model. The results include recommendations for fully integrated solutions. As participants recognize their shared visions, problem solving sessions in academic and religious settings could produce widely-accepted solutions, leading to greater respect for both emerging and aging human life.
Turning Points in Enviornmental Negotiation: Dynamics, Roles, and Case-Related Factors
(2007-12-18T15:27:54Z) Hall, William; Hall, William
In the more than three decades since the environmental movement began, environmental negotiation has emerged as a means for interested stakeholders to prevent and resolve conflict about natural resource use and environmental degradation. Most literature on environmental negotiation has taken the form of prescriptions for practice or descriptive case studies. Research has tended to emphasize the role of neutral third parties and outcomes (e.g., settlement rates). Only a few studies have compared large numbers of environmental negotiation cases across different dimensions, and systematic analysis of the negotiation process, especially the changes that occur in the process over time, has received little attention. Focusing on the dynamics of environmental negotiation, this dissertation explores three questions: First, what changes take place in the interactions among environmental negotiators as they progress toward agreement? Second, what influence do different xiii types of actors, such as parties, attorney representatives, government agencies, and mediators, have on the changes that occur? Third, to what extent do process dynamics vary according to case-specific factors, such as whether the negotiation was assisted or unassisted, the substantive issues at stake, the type of agreement reached, the number of parties, and the duration of the negotiation? These questions are addressed by applying an adapted version of Druckman’s (2001; 2004) turning points framework to analyze chronological events data from 29 environmental negotiation cases that concluded between 1976 and 2004 in three countries. This study’s contributions include the following: It identifies a typical pattern of change in environmental negotiation, particularly with respect to the beginning and end of such processes. Another finding is that neutral third parties (e.g., mediators) are as likely as other actors to precipitate parties’ movement toward agreement, whereas actors external to the negotiation (e.g., mediators and enforcers) collectively do precipitate movement toward agreement more often than actors internal to the negotiation (i.e., parties and their advocates). The research also highlights significant relationships between case-related factors and variables in the adapted turning points framework. The results are compared to those from related research on international and labor management negotiations and potential implications for practice are presented.
Preventive Reconciliation
(2008-07-09T12:36:47Z) Jones, Lindsay Brooke Buffum; Jones, Lindsay Brooke Buffum
This thesis discusses the use of reconciliation processes in areas of latent conflict and their utility in preventing the manifestation of conflict. This study uses a comparative case study of reconciliation in Portland, Oregon, and Dayton, Ohio. During the course of this research the author conducted interviews of community members in each city, reviews of primary and secondary source literature, and a statistical analysis of the cities affected. This thesis should be a reference and resource for practitioners of reconciliation and agents of peace.
The Application of Social Theories to Water Conflict: the Cases of Gujarat and McCloud
(2008-08-13T20:25:53Z) Davidson, Alexandra; Davidson, Alexandra
Conflicts over water resources are increasing domestically and internationally, and in a rapidly developing world there is little evidence this trend will reverse itself. The field of conflict resolution over natural resources as more than a subset of conflict over development is also growing. Two conflicts were chosen for study: the community of McCloud, California’s indecision over whether to allow a water bottling plant to be sited in their community, and the opposition that developed over the State of Gujarat’s plans to build a series of dams and irrigation infrastructure in the Narmada River Valley, India. It was hypothesized that an understanding of both conflicts would be increased by parsing the parties at conflict into one of the three approaches to natural resources promulgated in Jennifer Clapp and Peter Dauvergne’s Paths to a Green World. (MIT Press, 2005) It was furthermore hypothesized that were a conflict resolution specialist at work with parties in conflict over a natural resource able to place the parties into the three categories promulgated, that they would gain insight valuable to their work and be better able to help the parties resolve their conflict. Analyzing literature from books, academic articles, newspapers, other print media, and websites was the main research methodology employed. The research demonstrated that in the two conflicts addressed, the three categories of approach towards environmental change could be applied successfully to the parties in conflict. The research further suggests that the intersections between the three approaches may be where the greatest potential for conflict resolution lies.
Threat Narratives, Group Identity and Violence: A Study of the Dagomba, Nanumba and Konkomba of Northern Ghana
(2008-08-21T15:39:23Z) Aapengnuo, Clement M.; Aapengnuo, Clement M.
Ghana has a reputation as a peaceful, stable and democratic state in the West African subregion. However, beneath this peaceful image, there are more than 200 internal conflicts around traditional authority (Chieftaincy), land and politics. In the northern part of the country, these conflicts take on ethnic dimensions. Between 1980 and 2002, the three northern regions recorded 26 violent ethnic conflicts. The impact of these conflicts on national and sub-regional security in general and economic growth and development in the three northern regions in particular is very high. Governmental and nongovernmental organizations are frustrated because their efforts at improving the lives of the people are repeatedly disrupted if not destroyed by the cycles of inter ethnic violence. This thesis explores the relationship between value systems and ethnic identity formation and how the difference in value systems influences the salience of identity and conflict. Through narratives from in-depth interviews, the thesis analyzes group identity formation and their impact on conflict. Understanding the role of competing value systems in the formation of salient identity and relations between identity salience and violence will help explain why some ethnic groups are prone to violence in northern Ghana. The research shifts the focus from the use of ethnicity, chieftaincy and land as causal factors of the conflicts to their interpretation, perception and employment in the process of social identity formation, interests and perceptions of the ‘other’. By analysing the role of salient identity in the denigration of others, the thesis explains how through narratives an enemy is created out of the “other” and violence towards them justified.
Civil Conflict in Southern Mexico: A Comparative and Integrative Analysis of Three Cases
(2008-08-26T14:11:22Z) Finley, Ethan; Finley, Ethan
Since the early 1990s, southern Mexico has suffered several significant instances of civil unrest, protest and violent military/civilian clashes, which profoundly affect the lives of local peoples and threaten national and regional stability. This study examines three remarkable and ongoing episodes of low-intensity civil conflict in Mexico's southern states of Chiapas, Oaxaca and Guerrero. It is concluded that the three states suffer from similarly high levels of structural violence, and that the militant groups under consideration share many grievances and goals. However, the three groups vary widely in terms of the contentious tactics they use, particularly their use of violence. It is argued that this variance is due in large part to a complex relationship between the political opportunities and constraints faced by each group and their unique social identities and ideologies. The implications of the study's analytical model for the nonviolent settlement of intrastate conflict in general are considered.
Building the Capacity for Peace After Genocide: The Reconstruction of Formal Education in Rwanda
(2009-02-03T21:16:25Z) Njanga, Laura Bryant; Njanga, Laura Bryant
In the aftermath of a civil war or genocide, some non-governmental organizations (NGOs), peace educators, post-conflict development practitioners, and governments believe in the healing power of providing all school-age children and young people with equal access to formal education. Under these circumstances, education is perceived as a peace-building and life-saving protection mechanism. Education for all, according to advocates, can also contribute to the reconstruction of nations torn apart by identity-based conflicts. The post-genocide government of Rwanda has looked to formal education as a peace-building tool in their national reconstruction. As such, they have prioritized the rebuilding of their national education system in order to fight poverty, combat prejudice, and, most importantly, build national unity amongst Rwanda’s three major ethnic groups in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide and civil war. This thesis utilizes archival research and theories supported from the fields of conflict analysis and resolution and peace studies. This exploratory study presents the case in favor of the educational reconstruction process in post-genocide Rwanda, under specific conditions. Educational reconstruction is interpreted as a peace-building mechanism, due to its capacity to reach the largest number of civil society actors across conflict groups through a common human development resource—education. The study further argues that structural reforms in the national education system can help reduce animosities, foster cooperation, ensure capacity building, and promote civil society participation between the government and civil society, and particularly amongst citizens of Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa descent. It is demonstrated throughout this study that the outcome of the educational reconstruction process depends on its conditions, how it is engineered, by whom, and the availability of necessary resources.
The Impact of Political Alliances on Voter Prejudice in Post Conflict Countries
(2009-02-04T21:41:39Z) Ouaiss, Makram E.; Ouaiss, Makram E.
Scholars of conflict resolution have studied ways to reduce prejudice in society for years, believing that prejudice leads to or increases the likelihood of conflict. The primary focus has been on schools, universities and communities. More limited research has been conducted on the contribution of political party alliances on reducing prejudice in postconflict societies, divided along ethnic, linguistic, racial, religious or tribal lines. While alliances are often perceived as a way to overcome divisions between political forces and coalesce around common goals and interests, it is not clear if citizens living in deeply divided societies experience a change in their level of prejudice when the party they support enters into an alliance with a party that represents another group with which they may have been previously in conflict. Furthermore, it is unclear how lasting these changes in perceptions are, especially if political alliances change. The conflict resolution literature offers techniques and approaches to overcome prejudice based on the study of interpersonal, group and community conflict. Ideas on how to overcome inter-state conflicts are also explored and discussed by scholars at length. The research is guided by a framework that suggests political party alliances have an impact on party supporters in deeply rooted conflicts. The framework further suggests that until a formal alliance occurs, the views and perceptions among party supporters remain vulnerable and lacking in strength. Such an alliance enhances the effectiveness of conflict resolution interventions conducted at micro or meso levels. The research focuses on national-level politics and intra-state conflict. It looks closely at the alliance between two Lebanese political parties: the Lebanese Forces headed by Dr. Samir Geagea, a party that receives its support from the predominantly Christian Maronites (Eastern rite Catholics) and the Future Movement, a party that draws its support predominantly from the Sunni Muslim community headed by Saad Hariri, the son of assassinated former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri. For the last several decades, and in large part due to Lebanon’s 1975-1990 war, members of these communities have been on opposite sides of the Lebanese and regional conflicts. Following the assassination of Prime Minister Rafic Hariri and the pull-out of the Syrian troops from Lebanon, and after nearly three decades of military occupation, the country held parliamentary elections for the first time without a foreign military presence in June 2005. The Future Movement and the Lebanese Forces struck an alliance and formed the governing coalition with other political parties and individuals. The present research is based on a desk review, a survey of 136 individuals from both groups, in Beirut and its suburbs, and 20 in-depth interviews. The research points to several findings, namely that: a) political alliances across religious lines help lessen prejudice among voters supporting the alliance; b) voter prejudices are primarily caused by fear; c) voters who support political alliances become less prejudiced towards the other and can, in some cases, even open up to members of other groups that are outside the alliance; and d) situational and contextual factors can change party followers’ attitudes and perceptions soon after an alliance dissolves, despite improved relations during the alliance. What is clear from this research is that different approaches and techniques used to reduce prejudice are part of the way political party alliances function. These approaches and techniques include: Equal Status Contact, Superordinate Goal, Knowledge/Education, External Event/Common Fate/Common-Enemy, and Normative and Structural changes. The research findings support the framework. This has important implications for the conflict resolution field regarding the impact of macro level conflict-reducing mechanisms, such as political alliances. The research ultimately suggests that without a formal macro level agreement, gains made at the micro level remain significantly vulnerable to contextual and situational changes as well as to leadership interests. It is hoped that the insights presented in this dissertation can be of use to political scientists and conflict resolution practitioners as they advise on ways to overcome divisions and rebuild deeply divided societies.
Conflict Resolution and Conflict Transformation Practice: Is There A Difference?
(2009-02-05T16:30:15Z) Rhodes, Gloria; Rhodes, Gloria
This research is a comparative study of professional practice related to two schools of thought in the field of nonviolent conflict intervention: conflict resolution and conflict transformation. The research relies upon a thorough review of scholarly literature related to these two schools and on primary data collected from twenty semi-structured interviews with professional conflict intervention practitioners. The central question that guided the research was: Do practitioners‟ definitions (self-definitions and definitions of the terms conflict resolution and conflict transformation) and theories of practice, including goals, intervention strategies, and criteria for success, depend upon their self-identification with either the conflict resolution or conflict transformation school of thought? Categories of analysis for self-definitions and intervention strategies arose from practitioner reports. Data related to goals and criteria for success were plotted on a framework for evaluating interactive conflict resolution which provided a structure for comparison. The findings show that some practitioners do refer to their practice exclusively as either conflict resolution or conflict transformation. The data provide evidence however, that other practitioners use the terms conflict resolution and conflict transformation contextually for strategic, pragmatic, or philosophic reasons. The subsequent comparative analysis describes the similarities and differences in practice between each of these categories of practitioners. The comparative analysis shows that practitioners across definitional categories look beyond the various schools of thought and share a broad range of goals, intervention strategies, and criteria for success. The research is relevant to everyone interested in research on practice. It will be of special interest to all those in the evolving field of nonviolent conflict intervention where tensions related to professional identity are part of the current discourse in the field. The study encourages consideration of the philosophical and practical complementarity of conflict resolution and conflict transformation, two, sometimes competing, schools of thought.
NGOs and the Globalization of Universal Human Rights: A Do No Harm Approach to Human Rights Advocacy
(2009-02-06T19:14:34Z) Dasanayake, Upulee; Dasanayake, Upulee
In recent years, certain advocacy campaigns launched in the midst of on going peace processes by mainstream Human Rights Non-Governmental Organizations (HR NGOs) has created much controversy. HR NGOs that base their advocacy efforts exclusively on international legal frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and legal instruments such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) have been accused by some groups and individuals in protracted conflict situations of slowing down or stopping peace negotiations ignoring the urgency of local populations for resolutions. This thesis examined this controversy in depth through mainstream HR NGO advocacy campaigns in three active conflict zones: Northern Uganda, Darfur region of Sudan and North-East Sri Lanka. Findings of this research reveal the limitations of the current mainstream NGO approach to human rights advocacy in active conflict zones and suggest a more comprehensive “Do No Harm” approach that has the potential of addressing the many complexities of protracted social conflicts with minimal harm to victims.
Religious Peacebuilding Interventions in Sudan: A Comparison of Intrareligious and Interreligious Conflict Resolution Initiatives
(2009-02-06T20:02:28Z) Morton, Jonathan R.; Morton, Jonathan R.
This thesis presents a comparative analysis of two different cases of religious peacebuilding in Sudan prior to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005. The paper integrates concepts and theories of conflict analysis and resolution with a review of the work of two facilitators. Douglas Johnston used faith-based diplomacy to develop working relationships among top Muslim and Christian religious leaders and scholars, leading to formation of the Sudan Inter-Religious Council. William Lowrey cooperated with the New Sudan Council of Churches to engage at the grassroots level with chiefs of the Dinka and Nuer tribes in the People to People process. The thesis investigates the approaches they share and examines how they each creatively adapted intervention methodologies to fit different contexts. The comparison demonstrates the capacity of religion to play a positive role in a variety of conflict situations, promoting sustainable societal relationships through nonviolent conflict resolution.
Filipino Migrant Nurses in the United States: An Analysis of Family Adjustments and Conflicts
(2009-02-09T18:26:35Z) Jose, Roberto Siasoco; Jose, Roberto Siasoco
This is a qualitative study about cross cultural, as well as family conflicts that affect Filipino Nurse Migrants as they immigrate to the United States to work as nurses for different institutions. To report and document the conflict narrative of Filipino Migrant Nurses in the United States from the standpoint of the Nurses themselves. The ultimate goal of this project is to build a program of conflict prevention embedded in the recruitment of Nurses from the Philippines. 12 Migrant Families, 1 official of national organizations and 1 government official participated in the completion of this project between the dates of winter of 2004 to the summer of 2006. The narratives were heard and their personal, data audio recorded in the interviews. The interviews were then transcribed and the text analyzed. The focus of this analysis is the different conditions and experiences of the families and the specific, culture consonant ways in which a Filipino Migrant Nurse copes with a new environment. The study also concentrates on the different conditions and policies that prevail amidst shortage of nurses and the recruitment of nurses in the Philippines. Research suggests that the current recruitment process has led to worker overload amidst the nursing shortage and wage abuses as new recruits wait for their immigration documents. The study traces the historical and personal conditions that led Filipino Nurses to the choice of migration. This information is also triangulated between the different members of their partners and family members. The findings suggests that although various family conflicts are commonly experienced by migrant nurses as they move to the United States, there are very few institutions, private companies and hospitals addressing adjustment issues and related conflicts. In the midst of a nursing shortage, there are significantly more elements of migration than can be addressed by the current national security centered immigration approach. Institutional coordination and sensitivity to internal and external conditions from the different private and government agencies in both the Philippines and the United States is due. But before solutions are put forward, this study examines what adjustment issues Filipino nurses encounter as they have historically immigrated to the United States. Before any price can be put on their service, it would only be prudent to examine what price they pay in the process.
Revitalizing Our Dances: Land and Dignity in Paraguay
(2009-02-09T18:55:10Z) Duckworth, Cheryl Lynn; Duckworth, Cheryl Lynn
Throughout Paraguay, indigenous communities are facing increased and unnecessary hardship as their lands are sold to private agriculture business. They are often subject to arrest, intimidation and torture. As a result of losing their lands, they no longer have access to food security, potable water or shelter. Accordingly, they are increasingly organizing resistance to neoliberal policies, specifically land privatization. The stunning fall of Gen. Stroessner opened unprecedented social and political space for such mobilization. The new sociopolitical space enabled indigenous leaders to form critical (if complex) partnerships with NGOs, accessing social and financial resources. Movements nearly always coalesce around an organizing frame. The prominence of dignity in the framing of this movement is clear. This dissertation will support my claim that once Stroessner’s regime had collapsed, previous narratives around dignity could crystallize into active social mobilization around the Dignity Frame.
Justpeace Prospects for Peace-building and Worldview Tolerance: A South Asian Movement’s Social Construction of Justice
(2009-07-02T16:30:25Z) Rinker, Jeremy A.; Rinker, Jeremy A.
This dissertation is an attempt to understand the meta-narratives of justice operating within the Trailokya Bauddha Mahasangha, Sahayak Gana (TBMSG), a dalit Buddhist social movement active in Maharashtra, India. The movement, a vestige of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 1956 conversion to Buddhism, is actively fighting for dalits rights by exposing atrocities and rights abuses against dalits, as well as, advocating an identity for dalits as newly self-aware Buddhists. Such a social action approach has supported both inclusive and exclusive conceptions of social justice, and this dissertation is intended to develop an understanding of the dialectics involved in the various conceptions of social justice within the movement. With the broader aim of explaining how such understanding can inform conflict resolution practitioners engaged in peace-building practice among marginalized populations, this dissertation is based on a social constructionist epistemology. In analyzing the justice/injustice narratives routinely produced by movement activists and leaders, this dissertation takes an action science approach of helping the group make better use of the deployment, limitations, and contradictions of the narratives it weaves. The aim of the present work is to build upon theories that address the nexus between conflict resolution and social justice in developing an epistemological framework for understanding, in theory and use, actors’ normative commitments to justice. By unpacking the social justice commitments of TBMSG members, this dissertation exposes the rationale for understanding how, in practice, narratives are produced and deployed, as well as, constructive of movement members’ conceptions of social change. In short, this dissertation is a peeling away of layers of reality inherent in movement members’ justice/injustice narratives in order to begin to understand the implementation of social justice as an ideal.
The Effectiveness of the EU as a Peace Actor in Post-conflict Bosnia Herzegovina: An Evaluative Study
(2009-07-25T19:06:23Z) Eralp, Ulas Doga; Eralp, Ulas Doga
The dissertation evaluates the effectiveness of the European Union as an actor of peace in post-conflict Bosnia Herzegovina. While doing that it discusses the use of democratization as a form of peacebuilding in a post-conflict society. The EU membership perspective that has been a tool of EU’s soft power that transforms aspirant countries into working liberal democracies surprisingly underlines the divisions of the Bosnian society. Reforms necessary for the EU integration fail over disagreements between the constituent nations of Croats, Serbs and Bosniaks on the notions of the state and its functions as well as the character of the society that it is supposed to serve. Dissertation argues that without the advent of the political subject by itself it is not possible to talk about civic politics. Manufacturing the political will for conflict transformation and democratic transition would just postpone the imminent political catastrophe in Bosnia Herzegovina. Instead the European Union should assume the role of a moderator and be honest about the EU membership prospect of the Western Balkan countries. When a post-conflict society like that of Bosnia Herzegovina is locked in a constant paradox between the dream of EU membership and the reality of ethnic fragmentation, efforts for peacebuilding and democratization requires honesty.
Experiential Encounters: New Models of Interfaith Dialogue
(2009-09-28T19:39:34Z) Moberg, Marci; Moberg, Marci
This is a qualitative research study that explores new models of interfaith dialogue (IFD) characterized as dialogue-by-experience that remain understudied and that may provide opportunities for religious minorities, youth, women, and religious leaders from a variety of persuasions that traditional IFD models do not. The goal of this study is to examine several research gaps in the field of conflict resolution regarding dialogue-by-experience encounters: individual paths to participation, participant motivations, the effects of encounters on individuals, and the role of religion, more specifically the nature of participation by Muslim religious and community leaders. Three dialogue-by-experience encounters serve as the foundation of this research: The Fez Sacred Music Festival, the “On the Way to the Sulha” encounter, and the Big Hug on Jerusalem. Data was gathered through in-depth interviews with three target populations: IFD scholar-practitioners who have served as observers, participants, and facilitators of dialogue-by-experience encounters; dialogue-by-experience organizers/leaders; and encounter participants. In-depth interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed. Deeper findings highlight several unique elements of dialogue-by-experience IFD encounters that provide opportunities traditional IFD encounters do not. The use of universal mediums like ritual, symbol, and gesture through the inclusion of music and joint prayers provide an opportunity for people to make meaning of the encounter through means other than words. As a result, this multi-faceted methodology attracts a diverse pool of participants. These participants form new relationships and networks during the encounter that have immense potential to mobilize later for positive social action. However, obstacles including apolitical frameworks are currently holding dialogue-by-experience IFD encounters back from their full potential to positively impact social change positively.
Myth, Memory and Militarism: The Evolution of an American War Narrative
(2009-10-01T19:53:17Z) Creed, Pamela M; Creed, Pamela M
This dissertation uses positioning theory and narrative analysis to examine the relationship of culture, emotion and agency in the dramatic construction, mobilization and acceptance of an American war narrative and later of individual counter narratives. The study takes the events of 9.11 as a traumatic trigger, or crisis, and then demonstrates that the storylines in the 9.11/Iraq War narrative patterns were anchored more in American mythological constructs, public memories and militarism than content about terrorism or Iraq. In the second phase, I present micro-narratives of veterans of the Iraq War. I analyze how they understood the presenting storylines by attempting to discern the strength of the cultural influence inherent in the narrative patterns. Finally, I describe the impact of the personal experience of serving in Iraq – living the intended trajectory of the narrative. I attempt to locate shifts in attitudes or perceptions, which may have resulted in the repositioning of self or discourse. Throughout the study I examine the role of emotions, particularly anger, pride (honor), shame and humiliation.
Disruption of a Movement: A Network Analysis of the Assassination of Benazir Bhutto
(2010-01-15T21:21:53Z) Shue, Mitchell Y.; Shue, Mitchell Y.
To more accurately understand the impact of the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on the democratization movement in Pakistan, this thesis study provides a network-oriented analysis of those individuals associated with her either personally, as participants in the movement, or in some other non-obvious way. By using publicly available news sources and data visualization software, this thesis shows the shape of the social network and identifies change agents, opinion leaders, and other actors and groups who might play key roles in the network. The analysis reveals what effect her assassination has had on the shape of the democratization network and on the network’s ability to recover, grow, and develop in order to advance the cause of democracy in Pakistan. While many individuals and small groups became detached from the network when the former Prime Minister was assassinated, based solely on topology, the surviving network showed no signs of imminent collapse or weakness. The subject of this study is intentionally narrow, but the implications and applications of this type of network-oriented analysis in the field of conflict analysis and resolution are numerous. By making use of well-known and widely accepted network theories, together with software tools and algorithms to visualize relationships between individuals and groups, researchers and practitioners can better understand what happens when key individuals and groups are added to or removed from a network. Will the network collapse? Can it repair itself? Will it grow at an increased or decreased rate? Answers to these types of questions form a basis of understanding that can help researchers and practitioners decide what tactical or strategic adjustments might be needed to continue or expand conflict resolution efforts and interventions, or perhaps to even anticipate conflict escalation.

Browse

Browsing Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution by Issue Date

Results Per Page

Sort Options