School of Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation

Introduction

The School of Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation was conceived from the unique statement of the AMAN Assembly 2003. At this point in history, when divisions and despair, intolerance and hatred, greed and consumerism, abject poverty and accumulation of power and wealth are so dominant, the search for an alternative paradigm for peace that is rooted in the diverse religions and cultures of Asia is of the utmost importance. Non - violence, simple life styles, unity in diversity, mutual respect and sharing of resources and just governance ought to be released from the scriptures and constitution and be practiced in day-to-day life as there is need for sustained and systematic efforts for peace".

There are many institutions and academies in Asia that teach warfare but there are very few institutions which offer courses on Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation. Launching this school is an expression of AMAN's long term commitment for peace around the world.

Goal

To create a new generation of peace workers, peace defenders, and peace negotiators towards catalyzing positive changes in the community towards prevention of conflict and promotion and sustenance of peace in the multi-ethnic, multi-cultural Asia and beyond.

Objectives:

  • To develop a resource and knowledge base for young social workers, young Muslim intellectuals, community leaders and philanthropic organizations and institutions.
  • To offer courses on peace studies, research, methods of conflict transformation and negotiation skills.
  • To promote exchange and cooperative working relationships towards positive change in Muslim communities and increase tolerance towards other religions.
  • To improve community based peace education curriculum and offer training for trainers and provide support for such education.
  • To offer Fellowships to young scholars in research work in order to develop both their understanding about socio-cultural and political changes that are taking place in Asia and the links between Islam, modernity, globalization, and gender.
  • To co-host and co organize inter-faith peace missions, task forces, workshops, and seminars on peace studies and conflict resolution.

    • Program

  • Short course on Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation
  • Curriculum development and Trainers Training for community based peace education
  • Research Fellowship
  • Workshop Forum

    • Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation Course

    Duration: Three weeks
    Course Outline:

    General orientation

  • Introduction to the School of Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation
  • Self introduction of the participants including their own work and major questions and expectations they have of the course.
  • Collective planning on conduction of the course, including the time frame and sharing of responsibility.

    • Core issues

    Understanding Peace Studies
  • Participant's own perceptions in defining peace: how does one envision peace? Can the people of various religions and nations work together to build peace?
  • Inner peace and outer peace and the inter-relationship between the two
  • Religious and cultural resources in achieving inner and outer peace
  • Introduction to meditation and practice, collective efforts in establishing peace
    • Understanding Conflict and its Changing Nature
  • Causes of conflict
  • Tools of analysis of conflict
  • Conflict prevention, negotiation, management and resolution
  • History and theories of non violent struggle
  • Healing historical memories and peace
  • Case studies (presentation of complexities of concrete conflicts) on Peace efforts: Kashmir, Mindanao; Philippines, Chittagong Hilltracts; Bangladesh, Northern Ireland,Chechnia, Bosnia, Aceh; Indonesia, Palestine, North Eastern Sri Lanka ,Southern Thailand, world wide war against Terrorism etc
  • The role of the UN in conflict resolution and human security.
    • Understanding Various Dimensions of Peace and Conflict
  • Economic development/globalization and Peace
  • Arms race and peoples security
  • Gender and peace
  • Ethnicity and peace
  • Governance and peace
  • Religion and violence and Religion and peace, how different religions define war and peace
  • Human rights and peace
  • The environment and peace
    • Peace Education and Peace Promotion
  • Concept and orientation of peace education
  • Developing peace education materials
  • Conducting peace education
  • Media and peace
  • Peace advocacy and peace promotion

    • Who can apply

    NGO workers, Peace and Human Rights activists, youth leaders, researchers, young scholars and professionals.

    How to apply

    An application form is available here. Interested candidates may send their application along with two recommendation letters. Registration and Course Fee: US$ 200 Scholarships : A few scholarships are available to partially subsidize the cost of travel, food and accommodation.
    Course Schedule: 1-22 March 2009
    Deadline for Application: 15 December 2008

    Report 2008

    For further information please contact :

    Dr. Imtiyaz Yusuf
    Director
    School of Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation

    1562/113 Soi 1/1
    Mooban Pibul
    Pracharaj Road
    Bang Sue, Bangkok
    10800 Thailand
    Tel. (662) 913-0196 Fax. (662) 9130197
    Email : aman@arf-asia.org