Conflict is a part of everyday life. Peace and conflict studies should be part of the educational process from day one. For healthy individual and community development, we need to understand that conflict isn’t inherently bad. The issue is how to address it. Global Hotspots is a common term for workshops that focus on current conflicts and conflict resolution in the world around us based on a specific conflict. We pose with educators who have experienced and lived with conflicts themselves.
The theme can be, for example, Syria’s civil war with both regional, international and religious dimensions. Another possibility is the protracted conflict between Israel and Palestine over the same lands. Other important conflicts are the West’s failed intervention for democracy in Iraq without a Plan B or the conflict in Somalia, going back to the Cold War and where since 2002 there has been no state. Or it could be Nigeria that marginalizes population groups and is not a state for everyone. Another option is Ukraine as a conflict between the West and Russia.
Content of the workshop
-In the workshop, we set out to look at theories of conflicts and conflict resolution and question whether conflicts are insoluble.
-We look at the history and facts behind the conflict, the cultural norms and identities. And we talk about possible consequences for Denmark.
-During the workshop, we carry out various activities and role-plays that bring to life what prejudices, culture, norms and identity are for a size.
LEARNING METHODS
This workshop offers a combination of learning activities including: dilemma games, debate, formal negotiation simulations, group work, presentation, story-telling.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will gain a broader knowledge of a specific conflict. What the cause is, what consequences it has had and how the conflict has been tackled internationally.
Students will also gain knowledge of the different power structures and the role of international organizations in conflict management. The students’ preparation can be, for example, reading an article and training a number of English words as we suggest.
