6TH PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION CONFERENCE [PCRC2019]
15th - 17th of November 2019, Bangkok, Thailand
Aetas Bangkok Hotel
PRESENTERS
15th - 17th of November 2019, Bangkok, Thailand
Aetas Bangkok Hotel
PRESENTERS
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Leading Peace Development in a Volatile, Complexx, and Uncertain Environment
Dr Andrew Campbell - Institute of Peace and Leadership [USA]
The global transition from agrarian to industrial advancements throughout the 20th and 21th century carried socio-political, educational, economic, ideological, and security challenges that shaped domestic and international relations. Numerous studies suggest a positive association between economic and education inequality and socio-political tension on the security of nation-states. Scholars note that shifting from colonialism to state sovereignty created a complex mixture of economic, socio-political, legal, and cultural challenges within the transnational, national, and subnational systems. History shows that within the international system these challenges carried economic disparities between states, in bipolar and multipolar political and security challenges causing chaos, volatility, and uncertainty within the international system. After both World Wars, the international community formally created international institutions and treaties between states. The institutions of non-intervention and treaties of collective security agreements provide the space for significant technological developments that altered the international economic system as well as the world order. As a result, the integration of economic and technological innovation span across territorial boundaries impacting not only the principal sectors of society but also the peace and security apparatus. In fact, globalization produce complex and uncertain outcomes that challenge business and political leaders to think strategically while navigating within an ambiguous cross-border socio-political and economic environment.
Leading Peace Development in a Volatile, Complexx, and Uncertain Environment
Dr Andrew Campbell - Institute of Peace and Leadership [USA]
The global transition from agrarian to industrial advancements throughout the 20th and 21th century carried socio-political, educational, economic, ideological, and security challenges that shaped domestic and international relations. Numerous studies suggest a positive association between economic and education inequality and socio-political tension on the security of nation-states. Scholars note that shifting from colonialism to state sovereignty created a complex mixture of economic, socio-political, legal, and cultural challenges within the transnational, national, and subnational systems. History shows that within the international system these challenges carried economic disparities between states, in bipolar and multipolar political and security challenges causing chaos, volatility, and uncertainty within the international system. After both World Wars, the international community formally created international institutions and treaties between states. The institutions of non-intervention and treaties of collective security agreements provide the space for significant technological developments that altered the international economic system as well as the world order. As a result, the integration of economic and technological innovation span across territorial boundaries impacting not only the principal sectors of society but also the peace and security apparatus. In fact, globalization produce complex and uncertain outcomes that challenge business and political leaders to think strategically while navigating within an ambiguous cross-border socio-political and economic environment.
Defending the Vulnerable: The Essential Role of Interdisciplinary Research and Teaching in the Field of Peace and Conflict Studies
Dr. Brett R. O’Bannon - Webster University [Thailand]
Eleven academic journals were targeted with bogus submissions as part of a hoax that the perpetrators assert aimed to expose shoddy, ideologically driven polemics parading as scholarship. The targeted journals engage with a wide array of subjects but they share a commitment to interdisciplinary research (IDR). IDR integrates methodologies, concepts, and theories of multiple disciplines to grapple with problems of such complexity that they are beyond the scope of a single discipline (CFIR 2005). Given this shared commitment, the journals have another thing in common – they are young; the mean age of the eleven journals is 26. Comparing them to the age of flagship disciplinary journals such as American Anthropologist and The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 131 and 133, respectively, starkly reveals their still nascent stage of development. This paper defends that which made the victims of the Grievance Studies Hoax vulnerable – the often-inchoate state of the methodologies and assessment standards of emergent interdisciplinary fields of inquiry. Peace and Conflict Studies, an IDR field par excellence, has long been the target of critics who adopt similar rhetorical strategies employed by the Grievance Studies perpetrators. My defense proceeds in two stages: first, I offer a rejoinder to a vociferous critic of sociologist Robin Diangelo’s work in Critical Race Studies, then I draw connections from that exercise to the essential role interdisciplinarity has played in the advancement of our field and which has accounted for our most important contributions.
Dr. Brett R. O’Bannon - Webster University [Thailand]
Eleven academic journals were targeted with bogus submissions as part of a hoax that the perpetrators assert aimed to expose shoddy, ideologically driven polemics parading as scholarship. The targeted journals engage with a wide array of subjects but they share a commitment to interdisciplinary research (IDR). IDR integrates methodologies, concepts, and theories of multiple disciplines to grapple with problems of such complexity that they are beyond the scope of a single discipline (CFIR 2005). Given this shared commitment, the journals have another thing in common – they are young; the mean age of the eleven journals is 26. Comparing them to the age of flagship disciplinary journals such as American Anthropologist and The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 131 and 133, respectively, starkly reveals their still nascent stage of development. This paper defends that which made the victims of the Grievance Studies Hoax vulnerable – the often-inchoate state of the methodologies and assessment standards of emergent interdisciplinary fields of inquiry. Peace and Conflict Studies, an IDR field par excellence, has long been the target of critics who adopt similar rhetorical strategies employed by the Grievance Studies perpetrators. My defense proceeds in two stages: first, I offer a rejoinder to a vociferous critic of sociologist Robin Diangelo’s work in Critical Race Studies, then I draw connections from that exercise to the essential role interdisciplinarity has played in the advancement of our field and which has accounted for our most important contributions.
The Almajiri System, Violence, and Peace in Northern Nigeria
Prof. Akin Akinade - Georgetown University [Qatar]
The Almajiri educational system in northern Nigeria started around the 11th century in Kanem-Borno and was later replicated in the Sokoto Caliphate. Historically, it was a much-revered and respected tradition. However, colonial rule, political manipulations, corruption, and utter neglect have contributed to the present state of the Almajiri system in northern Nigeria. The Almajiri syndrome that has bedeviled most parts of northern Nigeria has resulted in millions of children roaming the streets and consequently becoming easy recruits for violent and insurgent groups in the region. This paper examines the historical origin of this syndrome and offers concrete ways to ameliorate this menace in northern Nigeria. It maintains that in order to have peace and stability in the region, both the government and non-governmental agencies must address some of the issues in the Almajiri system. This presentation also examines some of the cogent challenges of the Almajiri culture for Christi.
Prof. Akin Akinade - Georgetown University [Qatar]
The Almajiri educational system in northern Nigeria started around the 11th century in Kanem-Borno and was later replicated in the Sokoto Caliphate. Historically, it was a much-revered and respected tradition. However, colonial rule, political manipulations, corruption, and utter neglect have contributed to the present state of the Almajiri system in northern Nigeria. The Almajiri syndrome that has bedeviled most parts of northern Nigeria has resulted in millions of children roaming the streets and consequently becoming easy recruits for violent and insurgent groups in the region. This paper examines the historical origin of this syndrome and offers concrete ways to ameliorate this menace in northern Nigeria. It maintains that in order to have peace and stability in the region, both the government and non-governmental agencies must address some of the issues in the Almajiri system. This presentation also examines some of the cogent challenges of the Almajiri culture for Christi.
Open World Empire: Rethinking Law, Culture, and Rights
Prof. John Nguyet ERNI - Baptist University [Hong Kong]
The overall goal of this paper is to attempt to forge a connection among cultural studies, human rights discourse, and international law, in order to understand better the changing and complex political context that continuously reshapes social and political lives. At a time of enormous uncertainties and egregious erosion of liberties, and given that the three fields above share a common commitment to social justice theory and practice, this conceptual paper aims at constructing a new integrated framework of analysis underscored by the notion that human rights are “a site of legal-cultural struggles.” By this, we mean to focus on two critical dimensions. First, there is the dimension of human rights as transnational social movements of cultural politics. Second, there is the dimension of human rights as a global legal apparatus. This conceptual paper’s ultimate aim is to mutually reframe human rights and cultural studies, rearticulating them as symbiotic political and intellectual practices. On the one hand, it seeks to move human rights discourse beyond narrow normative and doctrinal practices, as well as contest its narrow definitions of culture and power. On the other hand, it hopes to take cultural studies somewhere it has largely stayed away from, namely the domain of formalized institutional rules of engagement in general, and international human rights law in particular.
Prof. John Nguyet ERNI - Baptist University [Hong Kong]
The overall goal of this paper is to attempt to forge a connection among cultural studies, human rights discourse, and international law, in order to understand better the changing and complex political context that continuously reshapes social and political lives. At a time of enormous uncertainties and egregious erosion of liberties, and given that the three fields above share a common commitment to social justice theory and practice, this conceptual paper aims at constructing a new integrated framework of analysis underscored by the notion that human rights are “a site of legal-cultural struggles.” By this, we mean to focus on two critical dimensions. First, there is the dimension of human rights as transnational social movements of cultural politics. Second, there is the dimension of human rights as a global legal apparatus. This conceptual paper’s ultimate aim is to mutually reframe human rights and cultural studies, rearticulating them as symbiotic political and intellectual practices. On the one hand, it seeks to move human rights discourse beyond narrow normative and doctrinal practices, as well as contest its narrow definitions of culture and power. On the other hand, it hopes to take cultural studies somewhere it has largely stayed away from, namely the domain of formalized institutional rules of engagement in general, and international human rights law in particular.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
The Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) Archipelago: Where Interdisciplinarity has served us best, and how it could improve our theory and praxis still further
Dr. Brett R. O’Bannon - Webster University [Thailand]
There are undeniable tensions among those who identify with an established discipline, such as Political Science, History, or Economics, and those whose research and teaching interests have necessitated their disciplinary “boundary transgressions” (Krings et. al. 2016). Disciplinarians proudly point to their flagship journals as the repository of the discipline’s accumulated knowledge and, thanks to its established methodologies constituting its status as a “normal science,” the field’s principle quality control mechanism. Those, however, who find that their training in an established discipline inadequately equipped them to engage with what they see as the most pressing of the world’s problems point to the same journals and the same established methodologies as the reasons we are so poorly responding to global crises of climate change, globalization-driven inequality, and the continuing, but ontologically transformed, scourge of war. PACS iconically represents how frustration with the stifling nature of “paradigm mentalities” (Walker 2010) led to the transgression of many disciplinary boundaries and to the emergence of what some in the field, much to the chagrin of the author, claim is an established discipline in its own right. It is precisely where there are signs of disciplinary formation in the PACS archipelago, that we are weakest. The openness of PACS to experimental methodologies and novel experiential-based theorizing is the hallmark of our field.
The Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) Archipelago: Where Interdisciplinarity has served us best, and how it could improve our theory and praxis still further
Dr. Brett R. O’Bannon - Webster University [Thailand]
There are undeniable tensions among those who identify with an established discipline, such as Political Science, History, or Economics, and those whose research and teaching interests have necessitated their disciplinary “boundary transgressions” (Krings et. al. 2016). Disciplinarians proudly point to their flagship journals as the repository of the discipline’s accumulated knowledge and, thanks to its established methodologies constituting its status as a “normal science,” the field’s principle quality control mechanism. Those, however, who find that their training in an established discipline inadequately equipped them to engage with what they see as the most pressing of the world’s problems point to the same journals and the same established methodologies as the reasons we are so poorly responding to global crises of climate change, globalization-driven inequality, and the continuing, but ontologically transformed, scourge of war. PACS iconically represents how frustration with the stifling nature of “paradigm mentalities” (Walker 2010) led to the transgression of many disciplinary boundaries and to the emergence of what some in the field, much to the chagrin of the author, claim is an established discipline in its own right. It is precisely where there are signs of disciplinary formation in the PACS archipelago, that we are weakest. The openness of PACS to experimental methodologies and novel experiential-based theorizing is the hallmark of our field.
Communist Legitimacy in Xi Jinping's China: Implications for Regional Security
Dr. Balazs Szanto - Webster University [Thailand]
In the absence of democratic consensus, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has primarily relied on two key sources of legitimacy since the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests: delivering economic development to increase standards of living and a nationalist narrative dispersed through the patriotic education system. China has been undeniably successful in pursuing rapid growth through its export oriented economic policy. However, as this mode of development reaches its logical limits, the CCP will need to shift its basis for legitimacy. This will likely mean an increased reliance on patriotism. An increase in the CCP’s reliance on nationalism will have grave implications for regional security as the narrative disseminated through the patriotic education system is often suspicious of foreign influence, combative in its attitude towards major powers such as Japan, and steadfast in its objective of restoring China to a deserved position of regional leadership. This research proposes the following objectives: (1) To examine the sources of the CCP’s legitimacy in China and to explore whether there is an observable shift in their relative importance. (2) If there is an observable shift, then to explore its implications for regional security. China’s domestic politics and foreign policy are closely tied. As early as 2011 observers have noted the balancing act the CCP faces trying to pursue a good neighbourly foreign policy while maintaining nationalist credentials.
Dr. Balazs Szanto - Webster University [Thailand]
In the absence of democratic consensus, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has primarily relied on two key sources of legitimacy since the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests: delivering economic development to increase standards of living and a nationalist narrative dispersed through the patriotic education system. China has been undeniably successful in pursuing rapid growth through its export oriented economic policy. However, as this mode of development reaches its logical limits, the CCP will need to shift its basis for legitimacy. This will likely mean an increased reliance on patriotism. An increase in the CCP’s reliance on nationalism will have grave implications for regional security as the narrative disseminated through the patriotic education system is often suspicious of foreign influence, combative in its attitude towards major powers such as Japan, and steadfast in its objective of restoring China to a deserved position of regional leadership. This research proposes the following objectives: (1) To examine the sources of the CCP’s legitimacy in China and to explore whether there is an observable shift in their relative importance. (2) If there is an observable shift, then to explore its implications for regional security. China’s domestic politics and foreign policy are closely tied. As early as 2011 observers have noted the balancing act the CCP faces trying to pursue a good neighbourly foreign policy while maintaining nationalist credentials.
Feminism’s Normative Transformation of Peace and Security: Rethinking Ends, Means and the Space in Between
Ms. Aisha Binte Abdur Rob - Centre for Peace and Justice, BRAC University [Bangladesh]
The inception of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)’s Women, Peace and Security Agenda (WPSA) was envisioned as the inauguration of a feminist transformation of peace and security, as the Agenda can both generate and propagate gender norms. However, as contemporary feminist scholarship is increasingly more critical of WPSA, this presentation will assess the extent to which WPSA has transformed gender norms in peace and security. In order to evaluate whether the WPSA has been more effective in maintaining gender norms or in transforming them, both the prevalent gender norms prior to the Agenda and the vision of transformation that inspired feminist advocacy for its inauguration must be delineated. A qualitative analysis of WPSA’s content will thus be presented and it will be established that the Agenda has not achieved the transformation originally envisioned. Given that WPSA has revealed distinct potentials that were unanticipated at its inception, its specific role in contributing towards the transformation of gender norms in peace and security will be discussed, drawing on empirical evidence from Bangladesh, which is currently crafting its first National Action Plan (NAP) under WPSA. The presentation will conclude with reflections on how Bangladesh’s NAP can be framed to address local contexts based on the specific role ascribed to WPSA in the pursuit of a transformed gender regime in peace and security.
Ms. Aisha Binte Abdur Rob - Centre for Peace and Justice, BRAC University [Bangladesh]
The inception of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)’s Women, Peace and Security Agenda (WPSA) was envisioned as the inauguration of a feminist transformation of peace and security, as the Agenda can both generate and propagate gender norms. However, as contemporary feminist scholarship is increasingly more critical of WPSA, this presentation will assess the extent to which WPSA has transformed gender norms in peace and security. In order to evaluate whether the WPSA has been more effective in maintaining gender norms or in transforming them, both the prevalent gender norms prior to the Agenda and the vision of transformation that inspired feminist advocacy for its inauguration must be delineated. A qualitative analysis of WPSA’s content will thus be presented and it will be established that the Agenda has not achieved the transformation originally envisioned. Given that WPSA has revealed distinct potentials that were unanticipated at its inception, its specific role in contributing towards the transformation of gender norms in peace and security will be discussed, drawing on empirical evidence from Bangladesh, which is currently crafting its first National Action Plan (NAP) under WPSA. The presentation will conclude with reflections on how Bangladesh’s NAP can be framed to address local contexts based on the specific role ascribed to WPSA in the pursuit of a transformed gender regime in peace and security.
Conflict resolution in the Age of AI
Dr. Bognár Csaba - Institute of Intercultural Psychology and Pedagogy [Hungary]
The changed lifestyle resulting from the wide spread use of Internet has been transformed by the smart devices even more rapidly in our lives. The acceleration of technological development, the born of the digital culture, the expansion and attainment of atheism, knowledge in the 21st century increases uncertainty about the systems that were previously believed to be stable, the concept of life, value judgment, social organization and legal system as well as our environment itself, which basically undermines the safety of normal life, transforming the sci-fi of the last decades into reality. Possible prospects for the future will only increase this. The multi-threading processes, the possible evolution of cyborgs, or genetic manipulation challenges not only legislation, but also human existence, probably changing it in the near future. In solving problems and disputes, communication plays an increasingly important role in finding alternatives to settle disputes as the accelerating changes create gaps before the responses that aim to correct the existing disadvantages of the legal system and legal institutions. The exponential growth of knowledge leads to the creation of a strong artificial intelligence. Former dimensions can transform into a weirdly post-sci-fi World that is overwhelming in today's thinking, within only a human lifespan. Against this background, new directions of conflict resolution need to be developed. Fast solutions to peace have greater value.
Dr. Bognár Csaba - Institute of Intercultural Psychology and Pedagogy [Hungary]
The changed lifestyle resulting from the wide spread use of Internet has been transformed by the smart devices even more rapidly in our lives. The acceleration of technological development, the born of the digital culture, the expansion and attainment of atheism, knowledge in the 21st century increases uncertainty about the systems that were previously believed to be stable, the concept of life, value judgment, social organization and legal system as well as our environment itself, which basically undermines the safety of normal life, transforming the sci-fi of the last decades into reality. Possible prospects for the future will only increase this. The multi-threading processes, the possible evolution of cyborgs, or genetic manipulation challenges not only legislation, but also human existence, probably changing it in the near future. In solving problems and disputes, communication plays an increasingly important role in finding alternatives to settle disputes as the accelerating changes create gaps before the responses that aim to correct the existing disadvantages of the legal system and legal institutions. The exponential growth of knowledge leads to the creation of a strong artificial intelligence. Former dimensions can transform into a weirdly post-sci-fi World that is overwhelming in today's thinking, within only a human lifespan. Against this background, new directions of conflict resolution need to be developed. Fast solutions to peace have greater value.
Rights of Armed Non-state Actors: Debating Religious and Moral Theories
Ms. Asma Nasar Chattha - Centre for International Peace and Stability, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) [Pakistan]
Social creation of identity and role of norms in international politics and international law is an emerging dimension of Social constructivist school of thought. In this perspective the grey areas in the International Humanitarian Law are explored regarding armed non-state actors. Being a norm focused body of law, various moral theories have been analyzed to judge their impact on the international law. Moral traditions like consequentialism, deontology and virtue ethics have been explored with special emphasize on Immanuel Kant’s Categorical Imperative and Habermas’s Discourse Ethics. All these philosophical normative frameworks are later compared to ethical framework offered by Islam with special focus on the Al-Ghazali’s treatise on ethics. This comparison offers a unique mix of theological and philosophical ideas on ethics and norms which establishes base for International Humanitarian Law through which rights of armed non-state actors are to be judged. Limitations of both worldviews are also discussed in order to offer a practical and rational solution for the status armed non-state actors under international humanitarian law which is not politically charged.
Ms. Asma Nasar Chattha - Centre for International Peace and Stability, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) [Pakistan]
Social creation of identity and role of norms in international politics and international law is an emerging dimension of Social constructivist school of thought. In this perspective the grey areas in the International Humanitarian Law are explored regarding armed non-state actors. Being a norm focused body of law, various moral theories have been analyzed to judge their impact on the international law. Moral traditions like consequentialism, deontology and virtue ethics have been explored with special emphasize on Immanuel Kant’s Categorical Imperative and Habermas’s Discourse Ethics. All these philosophical normative frameworks are later compared to ethical framework offered by Islam with special focus on the Al-Ghazali’s treatise on ethics. This comparison offers a unique mix of theological and philosophical ideas on ethics and norms which establishes base for International Humanitarian Law through which rights of armed non-state actors are to be judged. Limitations of both worldviews are also discussed in order to offer a practical and rational solution for the status armed non-state actors under international humanitarian law which is not politically charged.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
ASEAN and the 'Peaceful Use' THE ‘PEACEFUL USE’ of Outer Space: Mapping the Legal Contours of Future Conflict in Outer Space
Prof. Robin Ramcharan - Webster University [Thailand]
Inter-state conflicts in outer space are likely to become a reality in the not-so-distant future. Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), some of whom have space programs that cater to socio-economic development needs, must prepare for this impending reality, which is likely to impact their access and free use of outer space environment. In preparing, it is important to keep in view elements of imperative as space technologies and capacities of adbanced space nations (USA, China, India, Russia for example) and as private sector research and development evolve rapidly allowing faster and easier access to sapce. The legal regime, developed since the start of space age in 1957, holds that space is the "province of mankind" (that all nations can access space, use it freely, use its resources), that territorial sovereignty (ownership of property) does not apply to outer spacem and, crucially, that space is to be used for peaceful purposes. The interpretation of the latter is of particular concern here. What is the meaning of 'peaceful' use? What are the positions of ASEAN, if any? What are the positions, if any, of members within space programs (Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) on this issue? There is to date no scholarly mapping of ASEAN positions on this topic.
ASEAN and the 'Peaceful Use' THE ‘PEACEFUL USE’ of Outer Space: Mapping the Legal Contours of Future Conflict in Outer Space
Prof. Robin Ramcharan - Webster University [Thailand]
Inter-state conflicts in outer space are likely to become a reality in the not-so-distant future. Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), some of whom have space programs that cater to socio-economic development needs, must prepare for this impending reality, which is likely to impact their access and free use of outer space environment. In preparing, it is important to keep in view elements of imperative as space technologies and capacities of adbanced space nations (USA, China, India, Russia for example) and as private sector research and development evolve rapidly allowing faster and easier access to sapce. The legal regime, developed since the start of space age in 1957, holds that space is the "province of mankind" (that all nations can access space, use it freely, use its resources), that territorial sovereignty (ownership of property) does not apply to outer spacem and, crucially, that space is to be used for peaceful purposes. The interpretation of the latter is of particular concern here. What is the meaning of 'peaceful' use? What are the positions of ASEAN, if any? What are the positions, if any, of members within space programs (Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) on this issue? There is to date no scholarly mapping of ASEAN positions on this topic.
The Role of Tourism in Cross-Strait Diplomatic Relationship: Political Economy Analysis
Dr. Man T. Cheng - Macau University of Science and Technology [Macau]
Kinmen, governed by Republic of China (Taiwan), is a Cross-Strait post-conflict landscape that has become increasingly popular to tourists from People Republic of China (PRC). There has been a scholarly interest in the instrumental role of tourism in promoting peace across the Strait (e.g. Guo et al., 2006). This perspective could overlook the complexity of the nuanced quotidian micro-politics of actors who have a stake in the Cross-Strait tourism (Zhang, 2013). This paper responds to the call of Zhang that the peace agenda of developing Kinmen needs scrutiny. It analyses the current tourism development of Kinmen, sanctioned by the PRC state, arguing that it has prompted a single-market dependency as Kinmen as it is, pertaining to a consistent peace discourse adopted by the local people. On the other hand, Kinmen’s close cultural affinity with Fujian of PRC is so strong vis-à-vis their Taiwanese identity. This is strengthened by the perspective that Kinmen’s economic development has been ignored by the central government. Employing political economy, author analyses how tourism has become a contemporary reality that the peace agenda fails to encapsulate. I also critique that tourism has become an instrument for the PRC to satisfy its diplomatic purpose.
Dr. Man T. Cheng - Macau University of Science and Technology [Macau]
Kinmen, governed by Republic of China (Taiwan), is a Cross-Strait post-conflict landscape that has become increasingly popular to tourists from People Republic of China (PRC). There has been a scholarly interest in the instrumental role of tourism in promoting peace across the Strait (e.g. Guo et al., 2006). This perspective could overlook the complexity of the nuanced quotidian micro-politics of actors who have a stake in the Cross-Strait tourism (Zhang, 2013). This paper responds to the call of Zhang that the peace agenda of developing Kinmen needs scrutiny. It analyses the current tourism development of Kinmen, sanctioned by the PRC state, arguing that it has prompted a single-market dependency as Kinmen as it is, pertaining to a consistent peace discourse adopted by the local people. On the other hand, Kinmen’s close cultural affinity with Fujian of PRC is so strong vis-à-vis their Taiwanese identity. This is strengthened by the perspective that Kinmen’s economic development has been ignored by the central government. Employing political economy, author analyses how tourism has become a contemporary reality that the peace agenda fails to encapsulate. I also critique that tourism has become an instrument for the PRC to satisfy its diplomatic purpose.
Qat, War and the Political Economy of Aid in Yemen
Mr. Stean Auguste Tshiband - United Nations [Yemen]
Stean Auguste Tshiband's presentation will revolve around the social, economic and environmental impact of qat chewing in Yemen and attempts to disentangle complexities surrounding qat and examines the interplay between the qat sector, humanitarian response and the war economy in Yemen. Five aspects involving qat are of interest the author: (i) the impact qat has on households economies as the result of compulsive addiction, (ii) the effects on productivity due to idleness and health-related immobilization of subjects, (iii) the environmental impact of qat and the potential for conflicts, especially around water resources, and (iv) the relationship between qat, aid and the war economy.
Mr. Stean Auguste Tshiband - United Nations [Yemen]
Stean Auguste Tshiband's presentation will revolve around the social, economic and environmental impact of qat chewing in Yemen and attempts to disentangle complexities surrounding qat and examines the interplay between the qat sector, humanitarian response and the war economy in Yemen. Five aspects involving qat are of interest the author: (i) the impact qat has on households economies as the result of compulsive addiction, (ii) the effects on productivity due to idleness and health-related immobilization of subjects, (iii) the environmental impact of qat and the potential for conflicts, especially around water resources, and (iv) the relationship between qat, aid and the war economy.
Myanmar's Religious and Ethnic Conflict: A Case Study
Ms. Lindsay Jamerson - University of North Carolina at Greensboro [USA]
This case study analyzes the Rohingya ethnic cleansing and investigates the current conflict while explaining more complex questions involving the crisis; this is done by describing and addressing its escalation. The framework used to support this analysis is Christopher Mitchell’s SPITCEROW. By using this framework as a guide to analysis, it is conclusive that the Rohingya are being systematically abused as a result of historical oppression and European imperialism. Additionally, multiple intervention strategies are introduced.
Ms. Lindsay Jamerson - University of North Carolina at Greensboro [USA]
This case study analyzes the Rohingya ethnic cleansing and investigates the current conflict while explaining more complex questions involving the crisis; this is done by describing and addressing its escalation. The framework used to support this analysis is Christopher Mitchell’s SPITCEROW. By using this framework as a guide to analysis, it is conclusive that the Rohingya are being systematically abused as a result of historical oppression and European imperialism. Additionally, multiple intervention strategies are introduced.
The Law of the Land: Communal Conflict in Indonesia
Susi Fitria Dewi S.Sos., M.Si., Ph.D - Universitas Negeri Padang [Indonesia]
The background of this article is the rise of land conflicts in Indonesia with reason of respect for traditional values. The purpose of this paper is to describe the customary land conflicts experienced by migrant and local farmers and customary law on customary land in Tamiai village, Kerinci district, Indonesia. The method of this research is descriptive qualitative, by interviewing 12 people that involved in the conflict. The results of the study found that; land conflicts occur because one party violates customary law on land use. As punishment, the offender can be evicted from the land that has been his livelihood. Conflicts can be resolved if the offender returns to comply with customary provisions related to land use. This research concludes that customary law in Indonesia is still strong in regulating the use and ownership of customary land. Unfortunately, in some cases the community justifies criminal acts because of defending customary law. This research recommends that local governments regulate law on customary land, so that community rights and obligations are protected.
Susi Fitria Dewi S.Sos., M.Si., Ph.D - Universitas Negeri Padang [Indonesia]
The background of this article is the rise of land conflicts in Indonesia with reason of respect for traditional values. The purpose of this paper is to describe the customary land conflicts experienced by migrant and local farmers and customary law on customary land in Tamiai village, Kerinci district, Indonesia. The method of this research is descriptive qualitative, by interviewing 12 people that involved in the conflict. The results of the study found that; land conflicts occur because one party violates customary law on land use. As punishment, the offender can be evicted from the land that has been his livelihood. Conflicts can be resolved if the offender returns to comply with customary provisions related to land use. This research concludes that customary law in Indonesia is still strong in regulating the use and ownership of customary land. Unfortunately, in some cases the community justifies criminal acts because of defending customary law. This research recommends that local governments regulate law on customary land, so that community rights and obligations are protected.
The Civil War in Sri Lanka and its Aftermath
Ms. Abina Nimalraj - [Canada]
An internecine civil war between two ethnonational communities engulfed the island of Sri Lanka for over three decades of its post-independence political life. Violence, inequalities, discrimination and injustices based on ethnicity were cited as reasons by the minority Tamils that led to an armed rebellion against the State spearheaded by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Although the civil war came to an end with the defeat of the LTTE in May 2009, fundamental issues based on language, ethnicity and equality remain unresolved with a perceived hegemonic thrust of the of the ethno-religious majority. Can an overarching accommodation be attained between the warring parties through a feasible approach toward peace and conflict resolution? Taking a comprehensive view of Sri Lanka’s complex historical context with its underlying multiform identities as ethnicity, religion, language and the demand for territorial separatism this paper will analyze the impact of the civil war on both communities and the structural violations, as turning separatism into terrorism that distorted the cause and outcome of the war. The paper argues that despite the termination of the war there is still a need for external actors to intervene to bring about an effective peace building mechanism through a restitutive process to address the losses in terms of human life and property to pave the way for lasting reconciliation.
Ms. Abina Nimalraj - [Canada]
An internecine civil war between two ethnonational communities engulfed the island of Sri Lanka for over three decades of its post-independence political life. Violence, inequalities, discrimination and injustices based on ethnicity were cited as reasons by the minority Tamils that led to an armed rebellion against the State spearheaded by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Although the civil war came to an end with the defeat of the LTTE in May 2009, fundamental issues based on language, ethnicity and equality remain unresolved with a perceived hegemonic thrust of the of the ethno-religious majority. Can an overarching accommodation be attained between the warring parties through a feasible approach toward peace and conflict resolution? Taking a comprehensive view of Sri Lanka’s complex historical context with its underlying multiform identities as ethnicity, religion, language and the demand for territorial separatism this paper will analyze the impact of the civil war on both communities and the structural violations, as turning separatism into terrorism that distorted the cause and outcome of the war. The paper argues that despite the termination of the war there is still a need for external actors to intervene to bring about an effective peace building mechanism through a restitutive process to address the losses in terms of human life and property to pave the way for lasting reconciliation.
Strategic Public Interest Litigation as the mean of Social Change: Focusing on the Case of South Korea
Mr. Dongyeon Kim - Hankuk Academy of Foreign Studies [South Korea]
This paper put its focal point on the mechanism which law brings about social change. This research undertakes empirical analysis of the case of Korea in a variety of perspectives from the decisions of the judicial branch to its circumstances and social impacts. This paper begins with the question of how PIL is defined under the context of legal theory and practice. The paper examines the ability of the law to generate social change. The criticism employs multi-dimensional approaches. Expanding the criticism provided by Rosenberg, the limitations are found in the distinctiveness of law, the disparate concept between the law and the social movement, distortions and judicial restraint which are found in the field of legal practice. Moreover, the approach also contains considerations regarding chances of winning and a perspective from the civil society. The necessity of PIL is also proven by shedding light on its values and potentials. The positive perspective discovers its basis from the liberty of the Judicial Branch from the capital power, a trigger for the social change, effect of judgment and advantages of minorities by choosing PIL rather than other methods. Finally, this paper discusses the institutional remedies regarding PIL to improve its effectiveness and maximize its positive values.
Mr. Dongyeon Kim - Hankuk Academy of Foreign Studies [South Korea]
This paper put its focal point on the mechanism which law brings about social change. This research undertakes empirical analysis of the case of Korea in a variety of perspectives from the decisions of the judicial branch to its circumstances and social impacts. This paper begins with the question of how PIL is defined under the context of legal theory and practice. The paper examines the ability of the law to generate social change. The criticism employs multi-dimensional approaches. Expanding the criticism provided by Rosenberg, the limitations are found in the distinctiveness of law, the disparate concept between the law and the social movement, distortions and judicial restraint which are found in the field of legal practice. Moreover, the approach also contains considerations regarding chances of winning and a perspective from the civil society. The necessity of PIL is also proven by shedding light on its values and potentials. The positive perspective discovers its basis from the liberty of the Judicial Branch from the capital power, a trigger for the social change, effect of judgment and advantages of minorities by choosing PIL rather than other methods. Finally, this paper discusses the institutional remedies regarding PIL to improve its effectiveness and maximize its positive values.
Yemen conflict and its impcat on health of refinery workers
Dr. Maged Saeed Alhaj - Assiut university [Egypt]
1.Introduction about Yemen :Yemen is located at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, a strategically important area. It is bordered by the Red Sea to the east — across from East Africa — and the Gulf of Aden in the Arabian Sea to the West. 2.Nature of conflict :Due to the ineffectiveness of the army, the Houthi rebellions led by Abdul Malik al-Houthi spread throughout the Shia majority, northern Yemen Iran jumped in and helped the Houthi rebellions . It deployed it’s Naval Vessels in Gulf of Aden under the pre-text of combating piracy but in reality, it was to support the Houthis with financial aid, weapons and military advisors. Responding to it, Saudi started air strikes against the Houthis near the border. 3.Mapping of Yemen conflict:hot fronts are in Yemeni-Saudi borders , Addaleh and Al-Hodeiadeih 4.Impact of conflict on Yemeni people:They affected by this conlict all people of Yemen which loss homes , food security ,work and health coverage 5.Impact of conflict on health of refinery workers and infrastructure Aden refinery company: due to conflict ,the moderiazation of refinery is suspended which reflect on health of workers due exposure of hazardous emissions 6.Yemen conflict and global peace: Tِhere are many threats might affect the engery world supply .in ddation to control the country by extermies group.
Dr. Maged Saeed Alhaj - Assiut university [Egypt]
1.Introduction about Yemen :Yemen is located at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, a strategically important area. It is bordered by the Red Sea to the east — across from East Africa — and the Gulf of Aden in the Arabian Sea to the West. 2.Nature of conflict :Due to the ineffectiveness of the army, the Houthi rebellions led by Abdul Malik al-Houthi spread throughout the Shia majority, northern Yemen Iran jumped in and helped the Houthi rebellions . It deployed it’s Naval Vessels in Gulf of Aden under the pre-text of combating piracy but in reality, it was to support the Houthis with financial aid, weapons and military advisors. Responding to it, Saudi started air strikes against the Houthis near the border. 3.Mapping of Yemen conflict:hot fronts are in Yemeni-Saudi borders , Addaleh and Al-Hodeiadeih 4.Impact of conflict on Yemeni people:They affected by this conlict all people of Yemen which loss homes , food security ,work and health coverage 5.Impact of conflict on health of refinery workers and infrastructure Aden refinery company: due to conflict ,the moderiazation of refinery is suspended which reflect on health of workers due exposure of hazardous emissions 6.Yemen conflict and global peace: Tِhere are many threats might affect the engery world supply .in ddation to control the country by extermies group.
Elements of PEACE modeling
Dr. Laurent Mary Chaudron - Theorik-Lab [France]
The aim of this conceptual position paper is to provide a first step towards a constructive modeling of Peace as an autopoiesis property of human structures. The core of the cooperative organization of cognitive - human or artificial - agents is the self-orientation process which is first described, the formal prerequisites are then listed and the methodology is finally detailed through the application of a Peace engineering program.
Dr. Laurent Mary Chaudron - Theorik-Lab [France]
The aim of this conceptual position paper is to provide a first step towards a constructive modeling of Peace as an autopoiesis property of human structures. The core of the cooperative organization of cognitive - human or artificial - agents is the self-orientation process which is first described, the formal prerequisites are then listed and the methodology is finally detailed through the application of a Peace engineering program.
A Transition by Boat: The Case for Transitional Justice for the Stateless
Ms. Aisha Binte Abdur Rob - Transitional Justice Institute, Ulster University [UK]
The field of transitional justice (TJ) emerged from the disciplines of law and political science, originating in the need to establish accountability for mass atrocity in transitions from oppressive regimes. TJ inherited the statist orientation of public international law, which shaped its pursuit of the normative ideals of human rights and justice, making the State the locus of transition and the subject of human rights-based reconstruction. However, the human rights of human beings who belong to no State were not adequately integrated in TJ’s conceptualization. State-centrism has thus obscured the justice-claims of the stateless, that is, those who have no legal bond with any State, where the condition of statelessness is embedded in the social divides across which mass atrocities are committed. This presentation will offer an evaluation of the extent to which the field of TJ can address statelessness in pre-transitional zones, that is, cases of protracted statelessness resulting from ethnonationality-based exclusion and attended by gross and systematic violations of human rights in a region where the supra-state governance regime is in pre-transition. It will then draw together multidisciplinary insights that can guide TJ’s adaptation for the context of statelessness in pre-transitional zones. The presentation will introduce a novel conceptual paradigm that adapts TJ for statelessness in pre-transitional zones, which both normatively reorients the field and structurally reframes its measures for application to the context.
Ms. Aisha Binte Abdur Rob - Transitional Justice Institute, Ulster University [UK]
The field of transitional justice (TJ) emerged from the disciplines of law and political science, originating in the need to establish accountability for mass atrocity in transitions from oppressive regimes. TJ inherited the statist orientation of public international law, which shaped its pursuit of the normative ideals of human rights and justice, making the State the locus of transition and the subject of human rights-based reconstruction. However, the human rights of human beings who belong to no State were not adequately integrated in TJ’s conceptualization. State-centrism has thus obscured the justice-claims of the stateless, that is, those who have no legal bond with any State, where the condition of statelessness is embedded in the social divides across which mass atrocities are committed. This presentation will offer an evaluation of the extent to which the field of TJ can address statelessness in pre-transitional zones, that is, cases of protracted statelessness resulting from ethnonationality-based exclusion and attended by gross and systematic violations of human rights in a region where the supra-state governance regime is in pre-transition. It will then draw together multidisciplinary insights that can guide TJ’s adaptation for the context of statelessness in pre-transitional zones. The presentation will introduce a novel conceptual paradigm that adapts TJ for statelessness in pre-transitional zones, which both normatively reorients the field and structurally reframes its measures for application to the context.
Re-thinking Transitional Justice for Paecebuilding in Post-xenophobic conflict zones: A case of South Africa
Mr. Michael Washaya - Rhodes University [South Africa]
The introduction sets the agenda for the presentation and succinctly outlines the problem statement and background to study. Definition of salient terms such as, “xenophobia” and “transitional justice” is also catered for in the introduction. The body of the presentation attempts to elucidate the theoretical explanations of the xenophobic conflict. It alludes to the fact that the Integrated Threat Theory provides the most plausible theoretical explanation of xenophobia in South Africa. The presentation also attributes the perpetuity of the scourge of xenophobic violence to a combination of factors that includes the denialist attitude of the South African government, the shortcomings of the South African justice delivery system when dealing with xenophobic crimes and the inherited culture of violence from the legacy of apartheid.The presentation also makes strong claims to the fact that xenophobic violence is to a large extend a crime against humanity hence the justification for transitional justice mechanisms more or less similar to those expounded in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. It also emphasizes the imperative need to urgently implement inclusive transitional justice mechanisms that starts with the establishment of a Truth Commission. Perpetrators must account for their crimes and receive appropriate deterrent punishment and victims must also be adequately compensated. Public apologies and social transformational programs should naturally lead to reconciliation.
Mr. Michael Washaya - Rhodes University [South Africa]
The introduction sets the agenda for the presentation and succinctly outlines the problem statement and background to study. Definition of salient terms such as, “xenophobia” and “transitional justice” is also catered for in the introduction. The body of the presentation attempts to elucidate the theoretical explanations of the xenophobic conflict. It alludes to the fact that the Integrated Threat Theory provides the most plausible theoretical explanation of xenophobia in South Africa. The presentation also attributes the perpetuity of the scourge of xenophobic violence to a combination of factors that includes the denialist attitude of the South African government, the shortcomings of the South African justice delivery system when dealing with xenophobic crimes and the inherited culture of violence from the legacy of apartheid.The presentation also makes strong claims to the fact that xenophobic violence is to a large extend a crime against humanity hence the justification for transitional justice mechanisms more or less similar to those expounded in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. It also emphasizes the imperative need to urgently implement inclusive transitional justice mechanisms that starts with the establishment of a Truth Commission. Perpetrators must account for their crimes and receive appropriate deterrent punishment and victims must also be adequately compensated. Public apologies and social transformational programs should naturally lead to reconciliation.
Justice for the Rohingya: the steep path ahead of the ICC
Ms. Silvia Ottinetti - [Italy]
The Rohingya crisis and crimes perpetratedThe response of the ICC ● Request of the OTP ● Decision of the PTC → enlargement of the Court’s jurisdictionThe limits of the cooperation regime ● Legal framework on cooperation ● Constraints on the OTP’s investigative powerThe (im)possibility of a UNSC referral ● Non-enforcement of cooperation orders ● Politicisation of justice and loss of legitimacy Concluding remarks
Ms. Silvia Ottinetti - [Italy]
The Rohingya crisis and crimes perpetratedThe response of the ICC ● Request of the OTP ● Decision of the PTC → enlargement of the Court’s jurisdictionThe limits of the cooperation regime ● Legal framework on cooperation ● Constraints on the OTP’s investigative powerThe (im)possibility of a UNSC referral ● Non-enforcement of cooperation orders ● Politicisation of justice and loss of legitimacy Concluding remarks
Ethnic Conflict or Territorial Conflict: The Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar
Mr. Selim Yilmsx - University of Nottingham [UK]
In recent years, the ongoing crisis in Myanmar between the Rohingya Muslims and Rakhine Buddhists has drawn an increased number of attention internationally, academicians who aims to contribute or even provide a feasible solution for such conflict also raised up the public awareness on this 'humanitarian' issue as the Rohingya Muslims were unfairly rejected by the Buddhists dominated government. However, this presentation aims to look at this issue from another end by examining the originality of Rohingya Crisis. The presenter argues that before the issue turned into a humanitarian struggle, the beginning of such situation may have started by either an ethnic or territorial conflict, or even a mixture of both. Scholars such as Horowitz (1998) and Stack (1997) both emphasised the essential role of ethnicity in forming the initial ideas of political parties and organisations. Vasquez (1993) also stated that governments may only be interested when territorial factors involves and ‘geography’ itself can be a source of conflict (Diehl,1991). In today’s presentation, the Rohingya Crisis will be applied into both ethnic and territorial context as both in its own way has been found to cause violet response. Coming up with a conclusion on which factor has dominantly caused such conflict might provide a better understanding for the academic world to improve the life of the individuals who suffers from the conflict.
Mr. Selim Yilmsx - University of Nottingham [UK]
In recent years, the ongoing crisis in Myanmar between the Rohingya Muslims and Rakhine Buddhists has drawn an increased number of attention internationally, academicians who aims to contribute or even provide a feasible solution for such conflict also raised up the public awareness on this 'humanitarian' issue as the Rohingya Muslims were unfairly rejected by the Buddhists dominated government. However, this presentation aims to look at this issue from another end by examining the originality of Rohingya Crisis. The presenter argues that before the issue turned into a humanitarian struggle, the beginning of such situation may have started by either an ethnic or territorial conflict, or even a mixture of both. Scholars such as Horowitz (1998) and Stack (1997) both emphasised the essential role of ethnicity in forming the initial ideas of political parties and organisations. Vasquez (1993) also stated that governments may only be interested when territorial factors involves and ‘geography’ itself can be a source of conflict (Diehl,1991). In today’s presentation, the Rohingya Crisis will be applied into both ethnic and territorial context as both in its own way has been found to cause violet response. Coming up with a conclusion on which factor has dominantly caused such conflict might provide a better understanding for the academic world to improve the life of the individuals who suffers from the conflict.
Harnessing Positive Psychology’s Potential for Improving and Creating More Peaceful Individuals and Societies
Dr. Amoneeta Beckstein - Webster University [Thailand]
This presentation tries to address the following question: How can we utilize positive psychology research to improve and create more peaceful individuals and societies? Positive psychology has already contributed some important potential answers to this critical question. This seems to be essential for humanity’s survival, or at very least so that people can live peacefully in a just world without atrocious human rights violations. Peace is a necessary first step since it is a contributing factor to life-satisfaction and well-being. Furthermore, we already have a substantive amount of empirical knowledge, techniques, and solutions to effect lasting change that could incentivize peaceful flourishing. This paper furthers previous calls for research on psychology’s added value to the transdisciplinary field of peace building by encouraging positive psychologists to collaborate with researchers from other diverse fields to gather the current information, begin filling in the gaps, and utilize the results to be peace activists and implement evidence-based paths to more peaceful individuals and societies. Our own futures and the futures of the seventh generation to come depend on such cross-disciplinary work. Limitations, future directions, and implications for peace practitioners are explored.
Dr. Amoneeta Beckstein - Webster University [Thailand]
This presentation tries to address the following question: How can we utilize positive psychology research to improve and create more peaceful individuals and societies? Positive psychology has already contributed some important potential answers to this critical question. This seems to be essential for humanity’s survival, or at very least so that people can live peacefully in a just world without atrocious human rights violations. Peace is a necessary first step since it is a contributing factor to life-satisfaction and well-being. Furthermore, we already have a substantive amount of empirical knowledge, techniques, and solutions to effect lasting change that could incentivize peaceful flourishing. This paper furthers previous calls for research on psychology’s added value to the transdisciplinary field of peace building by encouraging positive psychologists to collaborate with researchers from other diverse fields to gather the current information, begin filling in the gaps, and utilize the results to be peace activists and implement evidence-based paths to more peaceful individuals and societies. Our own futures and the futures of the seventh generation to come depend on such cross-disciplinary work. Limitations, future directions, and implications for peace practitioners are explored.
From the affected people to transformative leader: The benefits of brain science activities on healing of affected people by unsettling events in the southern border Thailand
Assitant Prof. Dr. Preeya Keawpimon - Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus [Thailand]
Theory of Brain Science. How the stressful events interrupted the normal function of our brian. The holistic teachniques2activities to improve the brain function. The change in physical, mental, spiritual of effcted people after attending the brain science activeity. The outcome of the change to community member.
Assitant Prof. Dr. Preeya Keawpimon - Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus [Thailand]
Theory of Brain Science. How the stressful events interrupted the normal function of our brian. The holistic teachniques2activities to improve the brain function. The change in physical, mental, spiritual of effcted people after attending the brain science activeity. The outcome of the change to community member.
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