Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution
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Item A Case Study of Operation Cast Lead: Understanding Israeli Chosen Trauma to Explain the Principle of Proportionality Employed in the Intervention(2014-05-30) Formosa, Gordon; Formosa, Gordon; Simmons, Solon J.This dissertation investigates the relationship between the application of proportionality employed in the December 27, 2008 – January 18, 2009 Israeli military intervention known as Operation Cast Lead, carried out in Gaza, and the large-group psycho-political concept known as chosen trauma. Thus this study probes the effect the latter concept played in the outcome of proportionality used by the Israeli military in Gaza against Hamas. The first chapter in this study will supply the general tenets with which the rest of the study shall deal. This will include definitions of proportionality in international humanitarian law, large-group psychology and chosen trauma. Furthermore this introduction shall also give the reader the motivation for carrying it out, aim of the study, postulation of hypotheses and initial research question. The research question revolves around the premise of ascertaining what role historical anxieties have had in modulating the application of proportionality employed by Israel. The second chapter will deal with xi the methodological aspects of the study, in which a thorough discussion of discourse analysis, the reasons for choosing such methodology and its merits and limitations will be tackled. Chapter three consists of the literature review which will primarily deal with building a consistent argument in support of the initial research query. This will start by giving a detailed background of the theoretical framework. Moreover aspects of the damage procured to Gazan infrastructure and civilians will be discussed and tied to Israeli perceptions of threat during the military intervention, with existing empirical and statistical research. Moreover the next chapter will be the actual discursive analysis and discussion of a number of texts sourced from the website of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Relations, after which the last section shall qualify the nature of the results obtained from the analysis. Key words: Proportionality, chosen trauma, identity, Israel, Hamas, Gaza.Item A Critique of Afghan Women’s Role in National Reconciliation Processes(2014-10-08) Dellawar, Shukria; Dellawar, Shukria; Hirsch, Susan F.This thesis critiques the role of women in the national reconciliation process in Afghanistan, and identifies the challenges in attempts to increase women’s inclusion and the potential implications of having women serve mainly in symbolic roles. The analysis presented reveals key issues that continue to keep the national reconciliation dialogue male dominated. I further lay out key stakeholder grievances and root causes for ongoing violence towards women. This thesis explores the subject through two conflict resolution field theories, namely peace-building and gender empowerment, to compare and contrast the role of women in the peace process. By examining these approaches, the thesis sheds light on the reasons why women remain marginalized in the national dialogue of peace in Afghanistan. The continued lack of women participating in the peace process could damage the intended goal of bringing a peaceful end to the Afghan conflict. I also explore some ways in which the process may be more authentic instead of politically expedient.Item A Descriptive Study of the Influence of Nature and Nurture on Human Conflict(2013-08-16) Langille, Richard S.; Langille, Richard S.; Sandole, Dennis J. D.This thesis presents the results of a descriptive study of the "nature-nurture" debate on the origins of human aggression, strong group affiliation, and rise of altruistic tendencies in human beings, particularly as it relates to collective violence. In the process of researching and writing this thesis, the author conducted literature reviews and conducted interviews with combat veterans. This thesis is slated to be a reference and resource to inform graduate students’, researchers’ and conflict interveners’ appreciation for the potential predisposition toward, and viability of, combat held by parties in conflict.Item A Discourse on Nonviolence as a Theory of Change for Peace and Conflict(2014-03-09) Mack, Johnny J.; Mack, Johnny J.; Avruch, KevinCan nonviolence as a collective ontological, epistemological, methodological, and ethical framework cohere as a theory of change relevant to today’s global, international, and cross-cultural conflicts? This thesis seeks to frame the discourse on that question, pursuing the answer by critiquing the philosophy of nonviolence, both its coherence and relevance, as a theory of change within the fields of peace and conflict. It will argue that comprehending any logic of nonviolence requires first understanding the dichotomous meanings of violence, and then comprehending them both (violence and nonviolence) as social phenomena impinging on a search for a relevant and responsive nonviolence theory of change. The goal here is to establish a paradigmatic framework to contextualize the study's objective, identify relevant terms for both violence and nonviolence, and argue that structural violence and conscientious nonviolence are the essential elements for building such a theory, particularly for the fields of peace and conflict theory and practice. Finally, it will make a case for the development of a nonviolence theory of change, and prescribing it as operative praxis for effecting positive and sustainable peace.Item A Portrait of Empathy in Peacebuilding PracticeSchmelzer, Emma Lee; Schmelzer, Emma Lee; Rothbart, DanielEmpathy is often invoked in the language of conflict analysis and resolution, but rarely examined fully or exclusively. I seek to add gravity to our field's conceptualization of empathy by asking a group of practitioners how they define and design for empathy in practice. The thesis describes theories of empathy as they stand, the methodology utilized in this study, and the main themes that can be distilled from the data about what empathy is, how it looks in practice, and what peace practitioners might be able to do to encourage it. Those interviewed laid out a multifaceted vision of empathy and placed empathy at the heart of their peacebuilding work. They also shared gorgeous stories of lived and witnessed empathy, which support their insights. Thirteen key aspects of empathy emerged from their reflections, and while it was clear that empathy cannot and should not be manufactured or forced, these interviewees did suggest seven lessons a facilitator can use to design spaces in which empathy may be more likely to emerge between conflict parties.Item A Study of Local Stakeholders’ Attitudes Vis-à-Vis the Legislation Regulating Overfishing in the Red SeaKaddah, Khaled; Kaddah, Khaled; Lutterbeck, DerekThe purpose of this research is to explore how fishermen in the area of Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt perceive legislation regulating overfishing and marine environmental protection, as well as how they perceive the impact such legislation may have on their lives. This research sheds light on stakeholder’s perceptions (focusing on fishermen) and attitudes vis-à-vis legislation that regulates their sources of income while aiming at environmental conservation in this area. Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted with the aforementioned group and thematically analyzed. The findings generally include negative perceptions with a few positive ones. In light of existing literature, the discussion recommends the inclusion of the fishermen in the government’s relevant decision-making processes as well as allowing the fishermen to deliberate existing legislation that has a negative effect on their livelihood.Item A Study of Rivalry between Neighboring Ethnic Groups in Eastern DRC: Is Co-existence Possible after Years of Polarization Following the 1996 War?(2011-07-05) Londoni, Runyerera B; Londoni, Runyerera B; Dwyer, Leslie K.This study explored the perceptions, differences, and narratives that the Bavibafuliru, and the Eastern DRC Tutsis communities living in the eastern DRC hold about the rivalry between them. The study also went further exploring the perceptions and narratives of the diaspora of the Bavibafuliru on the same issue. It was my hope to understand each group‟ perceptions and narratives in order to have a clearer picture of how my study would approach a framework for a proper intervention to resolve the conflict or manage tensions between the Bavibafuliru and Eastern DRC Tutsis communities. Historically, the Bavibafuliru and the Eastern DRC Tutsis lived together side by side for decades, though there were some issues dividing them related to land dispute and appropriation. However, events that took place especially the 1996 war of liberation led by the late President Laurent Desire Kabila escalated the conflict between the two communities after the Eastern DRC Tutsis were accused of joining hands with Kabila‟s rebellion movement that was supported by foreign troops from Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi. My study explored not only rivalries between the two communities but was more interested in finding if co-existence between the two people was possible especially following the level of hatred and polarization that was seen following the 1996 war. The study used social, and identity theories to make sense of the conflict dynamics between the Bavibafuliru and the Eastern DRC Tutsis. Through my interviews and the questionnaires that I distributed, the study found that some hypothesis including conflict theoretical perspectives from scholars were confirmed while others were disconfirmed given the reality and uniqueness of the case that explained the dynamics of the rivalries between the Bavibafuliru and the Eastern DRC Tutsi. The social and identity theories that I used helped me in coming up with some preliminary recommendations and possible explanations of theories and intervention strategies that could address the ongoing internal conflict between the two communities if and only if they are well followed. My study found that both communities have expressed concerns of issues related to the citizenship, land or territorial appropriation, killings and power. The study also acknowledged the major differences in perception between participants living in homeland vs. those in the diaspora. The Major finding in the study was that the Bavibafuliru from the diaspora were less interested in co-existing with the Eastern DRC Tutsis while Bavibafuliru living in the eastern DRC were open for a new beginning, a new world of cooperation, co-existence and expressed the sense of embracing forgiveness. Reconciling the perceptions of the Bavibafuliru form the diaspora and those living in the homeland with regard to co-existence and recognition of the Eastern DRC Tutsis as members of their society was very challenging. I hope to conduct part two of this study to explore more issues and understanding that would help develop a framework unique to the case that could lead the two communities to create a common national identity, which will help them live in peace and harmony as they used to before the 1996 liberation war.Item A Weapon of Technology: How the Internet Has Changed the Conflict Landscape in the Age of Instant Information(2013-02-18) Scalese, Adam J.; Scalese, Adam J.; Price, JamieThis thesis aims to answer the following question: How has the Internet and auxiliary technologies influenced the decision-making processes of human beings in conflict settings? Through research and analysis of related literature, this thesis examines the current discourse on the Internet and it’s affects on the human mind, human interaction, and societal influences and builds on the framework of Bernard Lonergan and Cheryl Picard’s Insight Approach to conflict analysis and resolution. There are also two case studies that serve as a basis for analysis of human decision-making in conflict settings and also the influence information technologies have on that process. This thesis serves to augment the conflict analysis and resolution theory and practice by introducing technology as a common pillar for understanding conflicts in the age of instant information.Item 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, IsmaelIn 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.Item Afghanistan Fatigue: Diasporic Narrations of Conflict Memory and Political MobilizationAyazi, Mena; Ayazi, Mena; Cobb, SaraWith Afghanistan re-gaining headlines in the media as the United States Government and Taliban insurgency hammer out a peace deal, a spike in domestic immigrant politics, and a rise in global recognition of the power of transnational diaspora politics, there lies a timely significance in understanding the state of the Afghan diaspora. This thesis unpacks the political agency of the Afghan-American community by offering insights into the relationship between the narrations of conflict memory and diasporic understandings of political agency, particularly in the context of the Afghan-American diaspora. In the process of researching and writing this thesis, the author conducted individual life story interviews and participant observation. This thesis is slated to be a reference and resource for diaspora research and networks.Item Aller Simple (One-Way Ticket): Corporate Accountability for Mass Atrocity- A Study of the French National Railroad(2015) Federman, Sarah Elizabeth; Federman, Sarah Elizabeth; Dwyer, Leslie K.Transitional justice employs a variety of mechanisms, including compensation, apologies, trials, commemoration, and truth seeking, to guide societies through violations and to more inclusively protect the rights of all people. This dissertation argues that including market actors and embracing open-ended processes enhances this post-conflict work.Item American Exceptionalism: The Role of the Government in the 21st Century(2012-09-17) Elk, Alison; Elk, Alison; Rubenstein, Richard E.Significant political events such as the fall of the Soviet Union and the opening of the Communist eastern bloc have ushered in the current era, which has captivated the global audience's study of American Exceptionalism. Despite, America's favorable position among the nations of the world, the domestic battle over what the role of government is presents a significant challenge. The topic of economic fairness has grabbed headlines around the country and has been a contributing factor to this challenge. The 2012 presidential election will provide American voters the opportunity to select a new domestic and international leader. In his ASNE speech, President Obama said, "I can't remember a time when the choice between competing visions of our future has been so unambiguously clear." That's correct. Obama's challenge is to make sure that American voters understand this. in the 2012 presidential election the central issue must be economic fairness. I will support my thesis by showing that the greatest threat to American Exceptionalism is manifested in the growing conflict over the role of government. A general review of Karl Marx and Max Weber's social economic theories will establish the foundation for discussions regarding American Exceptionalism (why democratic capitalism thrived and socialism failed). Next, a detailed analysis of FDR and the New Deal will provide the reader insight into the true conflict that has come to dominate American politics: Is the purpose of American government to be an agent of economic empowerment or dependency? Final commentary will explore the risks to American Exceptionalism if this conflict continues to become more divisive.Item An American Story of Insurgency: Narrative, Discourse, and Power in Knowledge Production(2013-08) Rupert, Michael L.; Rupert, Michael L.; Cobb, SaraAdvancement in counterinsurgency research, doctrine, and practice is hindered by discursive boundaries established in part by institutional narratives within the COIN community. Applying a narrative analytical approach, the boundaries set by the insurgency narrative are explored by dismantling claims and evaluations of the insurgent; it's setting, and the central themes of prominent COIN scholars. Reconstructing the definition of insurgency reveals the role of the institutional narrative in suppressing less biased understandings of insurgents and their setting; hindering analysis, and acting as an ideational resource of power.Item An Analysis of the Efficacy of Positive Intergroup Contact Among the Sri Lankan Diaspora(2011-05-10) Wanasinghe-Pasqual, Maneesha S.; Wanasinghe-Pasqual, Maneesha S.; Lyons, TerrenceThis research challenged the assumption that intergroup interaction does not exist among Sri Lankan diaspora, who are often presented as archetypes of conflict-driven divided diaspora. If further questions the effectiveness of such positive contact in creating catalysts for peace. The research utilized the snowball sampling technique to uncover Sri Lankan diaspora participants residing in the United Kingdom who interacted with members of the ‘enemy’ (out-)group. The research used Network analysis to gain insights into whether these diaspora interact informally with diaspora who held similar and different ideas. Narrative analysis and Positioning theory assisted in understanding whether these diaspora interactions remained positive, resulting in a reduction in prejudice and a questioning of the enemy image. The concept of ‘Turning Points’ also aided in this endeavor. The research illuminated the fact that diaspora from divided groups perceived only those close acquaintances from the out-group as friends. Despite the tenants of Contact Hypothesis, the data illustrated that these same diaspora retained intergroup bias and prejudices regarding the out-group. These research findings provide crucial insights into the understanding of the Sri Lankan conflict, diaspora studies, and the relevancy of Contact hypothesis in reducing prejudice among divided group. It further speculates on the efficacy of contact in ensuring catalysts for building peace. In exploring the nature of intergroup interaction among members of divided groups, the research concluded that rather than replacing one with the other prejudice and acceptance existed in tandem.Item An Exploration of Lonergan’s Method: Case Study of the Conflict in Western Sahara(2012-02-23) Farrell, Brian; Farrell, Brian; Price, JamieBernard Lonergan’s methodology for developing insights has a successful history in third-party dispute resolution. Practitioners such as Melchin and Picard have applied and expanded Lonergan’s frameworks in interpersonal and interfaith conflict analysis and resolution. Lonergan’s analysis, however, expands beyond gaining insights in third-party mediation. He connects cognitive process with cycles of human development, focusing on the relationship between insights and progress, and bias and decline. This research explores Lonergan’s methodology, discusses comparative analysis with realist frameworks, explores his concept of bias, decline and progress, then applies Lonergan’s methods to analysis of the conflict in Western Sahara. Using Lonergan’s analytical framework provides a method of objectivity. The territorial conflict between Morocco and Sahrawi nationalists entered its thirty-fifth year, with twenty years of stalemate for a referendum following a 1991 United Nations mandated ceasefire. The Kingdom of Morocco has not successfully negotiated that autonomy is the best option for resolution. The Polisario Front, the Algerian supported Saharawi nationalist movement, has not convinced the international community that Morocco operates outside international law in preventing self-determination through a referendum. Realist doctrine as an analytical framework, hindered from resistance to humanist insights proves insufficient for addressing intrastate conflicts, such as Western Sahara. In the fourth chapter, I develop Western Sahara as a case study to examine threats and cares for the stakeholders, bias, decline and progress, and through exploration of bias, historicity and meaning-making, authenticity and unauthenticity in authority. This research intends first to contribute knowledge in understanding application of Lonergan’s methods in intrastate conflict, and provide insights for analyzing the stalemate in Western Sahara.Item An Insurgency Within: Organizational Dissent and Change in the US Military(2016) Haring, Ellen Lois; Haring, Ellen Lois; Cheldelin, SandraThis study documents, analyzes and assesses the internal conflict that developed when personnel policies and practices concerning the employment and assignment of servicewomen were out of sync in the U.S. military and the subsequent efforts to realign policy with practice. Specifically, this study examines why some servicewomen ultimately dissented and challenged the policy that prohibited their assignment to the ground combat units of the U.S. military. Conversely, it examines the ensuing resistance to changing existing policies to allow women to serve in combat units that existed across the institutional spectrum. Looking at this conflict holistically it highlights inherent tensions and shortcomings in theories of conflict analysis and practical methods for resolution. Finally, it considers the role that organizational change models may contribute to conflict resolution practices and the potential shortcomings of those models.Item Assessing Interventions Stalled in Negative Peace: A Model for Peace & Stability Operations(2013-08-15) Adams, James R.; Adams, James R.; Sandole, Dennis J. D.International peace and stability interventions have evolved into complex multi-sector multi-level, enterprises usually achieving a negative peace status. However, in some "post-conflict" environments, conflict party sentiments that precipitated the intervention remain largely unchanged, despite intense diplomatic and reconstruction efforts. The overall aim of this research is to assess the problem of a peace and stability intervention and environment stalled in negative peace and to explore parameters for achieving and maintaining sustainable positive peace. The research design includes composite frameworks and analytical tools created or adapted for the study utilizing an exploratory approach and abduction theory. The study is a mixed-method but largely qualitatively driven exercise in conceptualizations aided by a survey, using a scheduled-structured interview format, involving 50 Bosnian nationals and 50 intervenors in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 1990s conflict and subsequent intervention was taken as a case study. Findings were assessed for the perceived status of conflict transformation structural and relational elements, and inferred association with a War- to-Sustainable Positive Peace Continuum containing key intervention thresholds. Implications and recommendations for theory, research, practice, and policy, are discussed. By building on and departing from Johan Gultung's original concepts of negative and positive peace, and utilizing a variety of other concepts, the study concludes that it is possible to assess peace and stability operations and environments in structural and relational and negative and positive peace terms, and make compelling conclusions and recommendations regarding implications for peace and stability interventions and research, theory, practice, and policy. The different perceptions of Track 1 and Track 2 - 9 intervenors on what constitutes conflict transformation, were explored as an integral dynamic of the inquiry.Item Beauty Shops and Civil War: Women in LiberiaBurr Singla, Lindsay; Burr Singla, Lindsay; Cheldelin, SandraThis thesis focuses on the experiences of women at beauty shops during violent civil conflict. Though beauty services would seem to be a peacetime activity, the women in this study indicated they continued to patronize beauty shops throughout the violent civil war. The aim of this study is to shed light on the invisible interactions of women and to find benefits associated with their time at beauty shops beyond the specific beauty services. Beauticians continued to find ways to offer their services during the civil war. Clients found ways to partake in beauty services despite there being physical risks to do so. Findings of this study may provide resources for navigating the end of a violent conflict, during peace building and reconstruction. The case study is the Liberian second civil war and respondents were in Monrovia, the capital, and surrounding areas during the conflict.Item Beyond the "Bear" Necessities: A Mixed Methods Analysis of the Conflicts Arising in Human-Black Bear Encounters(2013) Mazaika, Kathryn; Mazaika, Kathryn; Avruch, KevinHuman–black bear conflicts have been increasing over the last 25 years in the western United States. Conflicts arising in human–bear encounters involve both those between people and bears, and between people about bears and how to address them. Research focusing on the interactions between people and black bears is extensive, but few studies have focused on the conflict, or the progression from encounter to problem to conflict. Using concurrent mixed methods, this study examined the conflicts arising in human–black bear encounters in the Lake Tahoe Basin of California and Nevada. Through 70 semi-structured interviews and 119 surveys with community members and agency employees, and legal, policy, and document reviews, this research sought to learn more about the factors that influence the views participants formed about bears, and the alternatives they considered when an encounter became a problem. The interviews and background survey were administered concurrently, analyzed separately, and compared and integrated in a final interpretation. Background survey and Potential for Conflict Index (PCI) results supplemented the interview findings and created context and connections with earlier studies. Five themes organized the 12 findings that emerged from the semi-structured interviews through open and focused coding. Background survey analyses identified significant differences based on gender, and significant differences and highly mixed opinions on the importance of engaging an impartial facilitator. The research also found at least three distinct communities sharing the same physical space, but functioning for the most part independently until a problem black bear encounter occurred. Bears as provocateurs were both troublemakers and the catalysts for understanding the fractured community, how it addresses problem situations, and how their troublemaking could help to build a more connected community. Acknowledging the partitions in the larger community can create incentives to tailor conflict resolution systems that will reach individual communities based on their foremost needs and interests. It can also provide opportunities to explore areas most likely and fruitful for building bridges between the communities. These findings also provide insights into ways that existing systems for addressing problem encounters can be improved for greater harmony between people and bears and people about bears.Item Biafra: Ethnic and Political Identity Construction During the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970)Akinsitan, Olufemi; Akinsitan, Olufemi; Korostelina, KarinaEthnic identity was defined “as a constructed expression, communicated through textual description, symbols, public displays, rituals, and other practices, which is intended to act or differentiate a group from other groups.”(Buadaeng, 2009) Baudaeng wrote about the Karen people in Burma (Myanmar) and how they constructed their identity. Like Nigeria, Burma was a former British colony and a multi-ethnic, multi-religious nation. According to him, an ethnic group usually share common language, historical origin, cultural characteristics, and geographic territory. In the case of Nigeria, ethnic identity includes common languages, religion (Christianity. Islam and traditional religion), common cultures (mode of dressing, rituals, festivals, ceremonies etc.) and geographical contiguity. Although the major and minor ethnic groups in Nigeria have lived side by side for decades, they maintain distinct and varied identities. Even with inter-tribal wars and Jihad, the minority tribes were able to survive and retain their identities. The aim of this study is to examine how the various ethnic groups in Nigeria (especially the major ones) construct identities and create boundaries.