Presentation

In this conference the aim is to investigate peace as a process and the various forms in which it has been conceptually framed and empirically practiced. In order to do so, the research objectives of the conference are twofold:

• (i) to explore the ways in which specific approaches to peace are (or are not) the outcome of dominant scholarly work and policy agendas; thus conversely
• (ii) to examine and investigate how peace is constructed as a concrete and common aspiration that shapes social interactions in daily life.

The purpose is thus to foster and facilitate a dialogue between scholarly interrogations and the various experiments and experiences of peace beyond disciplinary and territorial borders. The conference aims to bring together, on the one hand, academic analyses and research innovations in the politics, histories, and discourses of peace from various disciplines. One the other hand to nurture these debates with the practical expertise and field experiences of civil society actors, activists, journalists, artists and policy-makers. Thus, this conference offers a platform for productive exchange between scholars and practitioners that helps us move towards a sustainable peace.

During the conference we will seek out the differences and commonalities among the various experiments, discourses, narratives, practices and performances of peace. Given the timeliness of the issue and the urgency to engage in such dialogues, we expect a wide range of participants, including various actors from multiple backgrounds and generations.

Abstracts related to the general theme of the conference are welcome, and we particularly invite applications for papers, posters and photo-essays along the following themes:

• Conceptualizing peace – moving beyond the liberal paradigm of peace
• Spaces of/for peace – theoretically imagined and/or practically experienced
• Actors of/for peace – voices involved in designing peace
• Peace narratives – practices awaiting theorization / theories awaiting realization
• Strategies of/for peace – from educational agendas to military interventions to artistic & intercultural projects
• Networks of peace – beyond and across disciplinary and territorial boundaries

Scientific committee

• Dr. Daniela Vicherat Mattar, Leiden University College The Hague, NL
• Prof. Victoria Fontan - Head Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at the UN University for Peace - Decolonizing Peace: a Southern Epistemology for Peace and Conflict Studies
• Dr. Alexandra Novosseloff  - Senior expert at the Peace and Security Section, Global Governance Institute
• Mr. Paul van Tongeren - Co-initiator International Network on 'Infrastructures for Peace' - 'Infrastructures for Peace' : a promising approach in peacebuilding.
• Dr. Sara Cobb, Associate Professor at the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (S-CAR) at George Mason University and Director of the Center for the Study of Narrative and Conflict Resolution at S-CAR
• Prof. Luc Reychler, Center of Peace Research and Strategic Studies, University of Leuven
• Mr. Dan Smith - Senior Journalist and Secretary General of International Alert
• Caroline Hayman - Chief executive of Peace Direct
• Elizabeth Evenson - Senior Counsel at the International Justice Program Human Rights Watch (tbc)

Submissions

Online submissions : http://www2.esf.org/asp/esfrcaf.asp?confcode=387&meetno=1

Deadline for application: 30 June 2012

• Abstracts : no more 450 words.

Fees

• Registration and payment by 25 August :  395 €
• Registration and payment by 22 September :  495 €