April 2014 Review

TransConflict is pleased to present a selection of articles published during April, plus updates from the Global Coalition for Conflict Transformation

 Suggested Reading Conflict Background GCCT

1) Why should we care about Crimea?

Gerard M. Gallucci – Russia has real interests in Ukraine, the West does not. The Ukrainians have fundamental interests. The Western role should be to help them make the best deal possible with Russia while there may still be one to make. Read on…

2) Russia, Ukraine and the U.S. – the saga continues

Steven E. Meyer – The current crisis should encourage Europeans and Russians to explore structures to push security and political collaboration to the same high level as economic integration. Whilst that may not completely end changes in borders and the structure of political community, it might provide a venue to find mutually acceptable solutions. Read on…

3) Civilian casualties – what counts?

Norah Niland, former head of the UN Assistance Mission to Afghanistan’s Human Right’s Unit, explores a new report and recommendations from the Oxford Research Group on the potential role of the UN in the future recording of civilian casualties. Read on…

4) Israel’s future as an anachronism

David B. Kanin – Israel is a nineteenth century European project completed neither in the nineteenth century nor in Europe. Read on…

5) The establishment of a Special Court and transitional justice in Kosovo

Dr. Anita McKinna – Securing convictions for war crimes (regardless of the ethnicity of victim or perpetrator) is only one aspect of transitional justice. What is just as important is the perception that justice is fairly pursued and adequately addressed for all sides, in order for reconciliation to be embraced. Read on…

6) Discovering the commons in Turkey – new media, social movements and social cohesion

Derya Yuksek – The Resistance has been a turning point in enabling society to develop a new understanding of itself: as a society that is open to all. It was not the representatives of various classes or ideologies on the streets; it was the people – even those without an established ideology – who marched down the streets with their “citizen” identity. Read on…

7) EULEX mandate extended amid reports of corruption investigations into EULEX judges and prosecutors

Dr. Anita McKinna – Concerns over accountability mechanisms within EULEX and its effectiveness raise inevitable questions as to whether an institution with such a record and structure can be effective in combating corruption and strengthening justice in Kosovo. Indeed, the establishment of the new special war crimes court is seen by some as evidence of an international vote of no confidence in EULEX’s ability to fulfill its mandate. Read on…

8) Discovering the commons in Turkey – conflict as a means of transcending societal divides

Derya Yuksek – The Gezi events showed that new social movements have a significant potential to act as a forum for dialogue and unite different segments of the society under the commons; demonstrating how a conflict itself may actually be a means for transcending societal divides and moving towards social cohesion. Read on…

9) The two Koreas – evidence for how the Cold War continues

Maurício Vieira – It is possible to identify key elements that characterize the conflict between North and South Korea as a one based upon the image of the Cold War. Read on…

10) Peacebuilding and human rights – an agenda for democratic transformation

Gabriela Monica Lucuta – The democratic transformation requires a change in thinking at each level of society in post-conflict nations. There must be a shift from intervention to deescalate conflict towards conflict resolution and reconciliation. Read on…

11) Cyprus talks re-started – will the new hopes survive the old methods?

Yeshim Harris – Though peace talks have restarted in Cyprus with an air of cautious optimism, a satisfactory and sustainable peace settlement needs to be based a collaboration between leaders, civil society and the wider public. Read on…

12) Central African Republic – Muslims and Christians in Bangui at peace amidst war

Nyeko Caesar Poblicks – Even as violence in the Central African Republic escalates, there are local communities showing that peace is still possible, with grassroots peace initiatives challenging and rejecting violence. Read on…

13) Indigenous peoples – expanding the realm of justice

Prabindra Shakya – Indigenous peoples around the world often find themselves caught up in conflict, but ignored by the mechanisms used to end them. Including all parties is integral to ensuring lasting peace. Read on…

14) Basque Country – definitive cessation of ETA’s armed activity

Lokarri – Emeritus Archbishop and Noble Peace Prize winner, Desmond Tutu, welcomed ETA’s decision to start the process of disarmament, because it “opens the door to a lasting peace”. Read on…

Global Coalition for Conflict Transformation

1) The seventh GCCT newsletter

TransConflict is pleased to present the seventh Global Coalition for Conflict Transformation (GCCT) newsletter, showcasing the work of the GCCT and its members. Read on…

2) Cooperation for Peace and Unity (CPAU) from Afghanistan

TransConflict is pleased to showcase the work of Cooperation for Peace and Unity (CPAU) from Afghanistan, a member of the Global Coalition for Conflict Transformation. Read on…

3) Afghanistan – achieving the MDGs through peacebuilding

TransConflict is pleased to announce the launch a new project by the Peace Action, Training and Research Institute of Romania (PATRIR), in partnership with Cooperation for Peace and Unity Afghanistan (CPAU), both members of the Global Coalition for Conflict Transformation. Read on…

4) International Peace and Development Training Center (IPDTC) training courses

TransConflict is pleased to present information about new training courses offered by the International Peace and Development Training Center (IPDTC), which was established by the Peace Action Training and Research Institute of Romania (PATRIR). Read on…

5) New member of the GCCT

TransConflict welcomed two new members to the Global Coalition for Conflict Transformation, from Kenya and Nigeria, respectivel. The Africa Peace Forum (Kenya) was established in 1994 to contribute to the effective management of conflicts and the promotion of peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region (this included Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Uganda, Somalia, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo). The Peace Initiative Network (PIN) (Nigeria) is a non-governmental, non-partisan in politics and religion, charitable organization based in Kano, Nigeria. Read on…

What are the principles of conflict transformation?

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