Conflict Resolution in North Ireland and Cyprus
Describe what Lederach means by the concept of moral imagination in the field of conflict resolution
Moral imagination is dealing with real world challenges. During this process innovative ideas will establish new philosophies and movements. To achieve these objectives a number of criteria must be me: a web of relationships exist between different parties, the ability to sustain the interests of stakeholders, the desire to create something new and acceptance of the risks associated with unknown outcomes. This is illustrating how the field of conflict resolution can transform the way the various sides are looking at a host of events and their underlying meaning. (Lederach, 2012)
Give examples relevant to one of the two cases we've discussed in class during this period Cyprus or Northern Ireland
A good example of this conflict can be seen in Northern Ireland. What fueled the violence was a historical distrust of the British. At the same time, there were a certain number of people who were closer to England culturally and theologically. This sparked divisions between the different sides (who had contrasting views on religion and the role of the British in North Ireland). To improve relations Parliament encouraged the development of the Community Relations Commission. This was an attempt to create community leaders on both sides (who can help to address these differences). The problem was that it was seen as another attempt to control North Ireland indirectly. This fueled unforeseen protests and escalating violence. These areas are showing how moral imagination changed the overall scope and intensity of the conflict. (Lederach, 2012) (McCartney, 1992, pp. 44 -- 46)
Identify at least two other theories and principles of conflict resolution that Lederach presents in his book
Two other theories that Lederach (2012) is discussing include: the art of social change and the gift of pessimism. The art of social change is when there is a focus on transforming how the different parties see each other (in order to address the root causes of the conflict). During this process, there is an emphasis on a number of principles to include:
Helping to move both parties away from previous cycles of violence.
Understanding that the process will involve creating changes which have not been implemented.
Creating a balance between complexity and simplicity. (Lederach, 2012)
These ideas are showing how negotiating will require changing the focus of the different sides. At this time the envoys must work actively to maintain momentum (in order to build a lasting agreement). (Lederach, 2012)
The gift of pessimism is when the two sides do not trust each other (based upon the conflict and animosity that exists). This is expected during any kind of negotiation as everyone wants to make sure that these changes are not superficial. Therefore, all parties must understand that there will be a certain amount of skepticism from both sides. The key for a negotiator is to recognize and address these issues as reassurance that these changes are lasting and respects the interests of all parties. Once this occurs various sides will begin working to address these issues in an honest and open format. (Lederach, 2012)
Part 2
How do the opposing sides view the past, present and future of their relations with the other side ?
In the Cyprus conflict, both sides are viewing each other with a sense of contempt. This goes back hundreds of years, when the island was considered to be colony of different world powers. This created animosity between the various ethnic and religious groups (who were allied with or against a particular nation that was occupying the island). Once Turkey annexed Northern Cyprus (in 1974), was when these past divisions increased even more. This was because many people felt that this was another attempt by another foreign power to occupy Cyprus. (Papadakis, 2006, pp. 1 -- 30)
At the same time, select ethnic groups are supporting these kinds of actions based on common cultural and religious traditions with...
relationship exists between difference of religion and the occurrence of civil wars within societies. The relationship between religious groups to society can be defined against the backdrop of war. Powerful emotions surround both conflict and military conflict (Yinger, 1946). A direct relationship has been recognized for several year regarding religion and violence. Students of organized religion "have frequently pointed out the ease with which most church leaders shift, at
political framework of EU and OCT European Union (EU) and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) are in association with each other via a system which is based on the provisions of part IV of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU), consisting of detailed rules and measures which are laid down in the document issued on 27th November 2001 title Oversees Association Decision. The expiry date of this
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