Analyses

Quality as Critique: Promoting Critical Reflection During Encounter Programs

Photo credit: https://www.reutsadaka.org/ Peace education, in theory and practice, adapts to the context in which it is practiced. In conflict areas, peace education often aims to foster tolerance and understanding of the many perspectives and narratives that are in play. These programs that bring together people from conflicting groups are … Read more

‘Purveyance of Hope’: Climate change, Militarism, and Peace Education

Photo credit: Stephen Melkisethian Over the last 20 years, public education systems have suffered budget cuts, regimented curriculum, high-stakes standardized testing and cuts to teaching and administrative staff. Standardized testing and evaluation, often known as “teaching to the test” have substituted the critical thinking and holistic practices of education that … Read more

Minority Groups, Political Exclusion and Terrorism

When people are excluded from government power or representation, they are more likely to resort to acts of terror to address or avenge their grievances.

Defeating ISIS with Nonviolent Resistance

Photo credit: Ben Schumin This analysis summarizes and reflects on the following research: Stephan, M. J. (2015). Civil Resistance vs. ISIS. Journal of Resistance Studies, 1(2), 127-150. Retrieved from http://resistance-journal.org/ Summary The Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) is a radical religious group possessing the tendencies of both a violent insurgency and … Read more

R2P: The Responsibility to Prevent

Once violent conflict is underway, political barriers and high social and economic costs limit constructive options of violence prevention.

Aggressive Governance, Not Religion Influences the Choice Between Violence and Nonviolence

Individuals are more likely to choose nonviolent methods in response to the unacceptable consequences of violence done by their government.

Using Cell Phones to Prevent Violence

Technology-based programs, as simple as text message reporting, have been proven to aid in conflict monitoring and prevention.

Ethnic Minorities and Terrorism

The likelihood of terrorism increases when a country’s ethnic communities have close family ties in other countries (diaspora communities).

International Peacekeeping and Positive Peace

Peacekeepers with the ability to enforce peace agreements are better able to build norms of trust and cooperation compared to the absence of peacekeepers.

Manufacturing Dissent: Modernization and the Surge of Nonviolent Resistance

An increase in manufacturing increases the likelihood of nonviolent campaigns. As countries continue to modernize, social conflict manifests nonviolently.

Varying success of civil resistance in Colombia

National and local peace initiatives are mutually influential. The success of one increases the chances of success in the other.