Conflict Resolution and Peace Building
March 3rd about 30 people were gathered in PRIO to a meeting about Conflict Resolution and Peace Building. The speakers were David and Kathleeen Cunningham, both researchers at PRIO on a Fulbright grant, and Steinar Bryn project director at the Nansen Dialogue Network.
March 3rd, 2010
About 30 people were gathered in PRIO to a meeting about Conflict Resolution and Peace Building. The speakers were David and Kathleeen Cunningham, both researchers at PRIO on a Fulbright grant, and Steinar Bryn project director at the Nansen Dialogue Network.
David Cunningham presented some facts about the number of people killed in wars during the 20th century. Except for two peaks during WWI and WWII, the general trend has been downward. He then introduced us to the complexity of this researh field: War termination does not necessarily mean that a conflict is resolved and that a successful peace building can start. David argued that negotiations often begin too soon after a conflict, and that ”hard-line” groups, such as Taliban and Hamas, often get left out.
Kathleen Cunningham focused on different stumbling blocks in negotiation processes. She explained how conflict resolution can be identity disputes linked to language, fiscal and territorial autonomy, and to recognition of nationality. Negotiations can be about power sharing, and Kathleen told that this has been critized for reinforcing social cleavages. Kathleeen also commented on the relationship between individual versus community aspects in conflict resolution.
Steinar Bryn brought fresh stories and experiences from the Balkans and from the Israel-Palestine conflict. Steinar explained that dialogue is more than negotiations, that partners in a conflict must be put in a situation where they become curious about the other and start asking questions. This can be done directly in the same room or by exchanging questions and answers in writing. Steinar told wonderful and moving stories about former enemies ’discovering’ the other. Dialogue is a difficult process, but Steinar did not think his job was difficult – it just takes patience.
There were many questions and comments afterwards, and we left the meeting with much food for further reflections.
FAAN was very happy that the new US Ambassador to Norway, Mr. Barry White and his wife Eleanor White attended and participated in the meeting. They were welcomed to Norway and to this meeting by our chairperson, André Årnes.
Marit Bakke
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