Intractable conflicts are conflicts that persist over a long period of time, resist various attempts of resolution, and present sporadic episodes of violence juxtaposed with periods of relative calm. In these settings individuals live in a culture of chronic violence and aggression which is perpetuated from generation to generation. The conflict becomes a part of people’s lives, social practices and collective memory, posing serious implications at different levels. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is emblematic of intractability.
Peace education is particularly relevant in intractable conflicts such as the Israeli-Palestinian one. It can foster mutual understanding, dialogue and tolerance as well as transform attitudes and behaviors, thus contributing to a culture of peace. Quaker Council for European Affairs recently published a report entitled Peace Education: Making the Case, which promotes a multi-layered approach to peace education.
Speakers:
Elena Mancusi Materi: Senior Liaison Officer, UNRWA Representative Office to the EU
Sarah Sutter: Programme Manager, Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, European Commission
Ellis Brooks: Peace Education Coordinator, Quaker Peace and Social Witness
Avi Goldstein: Director and Facilitator, Pathways Institute for Negotiation Education
Mbarak Zaheran: Independent researcher, Middle East regional expertise
This is a great opportunity to better understand:
- What is the role of peace education in intractable conflicts
- How peace education can facilitate the transformation of hostile attitudes, entrenched beliefs and negative emotions. Examples from Israel-Palestine
- How international organizations can further improve their engagement to promote education for peace in intractable conflicts