Conflict Analysis and Public Awareness
Supported by the views of other conflict experts, we remain convinced that our pragmatic, non-partisan, relational approach to peacebuilding has wide applicability as a contribution to stability, human security and livelihoods. Consequently, we actively seek opportunities to apply our methodology in new environments. An example is our joint proposal with Relationships Forum Australia on aboriginal affairs. A proposal for a programme of consultations aimed at exploring means to achieve greater inclusion of aboriginal communities in Australian society, has been prepared. At present, it is not clear whether the proposal can gain public or private funding.
More broadly, we have continued to exploit opportunities to inform disparate groups of the complexities of conflict, the need for sustained and comprehensive engagement to develop long-term peace and the contribution of the relational approach. Examples include:
- A role-play simulation of complex civil war negotiations provided for a sixth-form college;
- Advice and a workshop in support of the Imperial War Museum in London that helped staff to prepare for a major educational project on truces, linked to the Olympic Truce and to be inaugurated in connection with the London Olympics;
- A series of four lectures in November 2008 for the London Lectures Trust on Christian Approaches to 21st Century Armed Conflict, published in book form in October 2009 as Peacemakers: Building stability in a complex world;
- Various lectures, talks and radio interviews, including a ‘mini-conference’ for those interested in these issues.
In addition, we initiated and ran an ‘Away Day’ in May 2009 for UK peacebuilding organisations, to improve cooperation in the field.
