The main conference building is the Hesburgh Center for International Studies (HC). Additional sessions and meals will take place in Jenkins Nanovic Halls (JN), which is immediately next door (to the south) of the Hesburgh Center. Sessions will take place in the Auditorium, C103, C104/5, and the Great Hall. In Jenkins Nanovic, meals will take place in the Forum (the main atrium, down the hall and to the left) and sessions will take place in 1030, which is adjacent to the Forum.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Check-In, Free Time (HC Great Hall)
Pre-registered participants and presenters should check-in at the Hospitality Desk to receive name badges and materials. Volunteers will be available to answer questions about campus or nearby eateries for those wishing to explore before the conference begins.
12:30 pm – 1:15 pm
Session 1. Opening & Lightning Talks (HC Auditorium)
Aria Bossone and Evie Garces-Foley, 2025 Conference Chairs, will offer introductory remarks, share last minute announcements, and provide tips and best practices for a successful conference experience. Several lightning talks will follow opening remarks.
“Spaciocide and the Intersection of Environmental Violence, Biopolitics, and Necropolitics”
Whitney Hedlund, University of Notre Dame
The Government of Israel has systematically oppressed the Palestinian people through a variety of well-documented acts of violence, such as unlawful detention, mass starvation, genocide, ethnic cleansing, and dispossession of land, to name a few examples. However, the term spaciocide, initially coined by Sari Hanafi, is frequently overlooked in the literature covering structural violence. Spaciocide refers to how Israel “targets land for the purpose of rendering inevitable the ‘voluntary’ transfer of the Palestinian population primarily by targeting the space upon which the Palestinian people live.” Using this spaciocide as a framework could help illuminate obscured forms of oppression within the settler colonial structure. My presentation will begin by exploring the case of Palestine and Israel to illustrate how Israel’s use of spaciocide has strengthened Israel’s settler colonial project. Next, through the lenses of environmental violence, necropolitics, and biopolitics, this presentation will examine how these related strategies of colonial violence align with or diverge from the framework of spaciocide. The analysis will conclude by investigating Sari Hanafi’s definition and framework of spaciocide to determine if it is a useful theory that helps illuminate a gap within the related literature on oppression, structural violence, and occupation.
“The Media’s Mirror: Conflict, Truth and Peacebuilding in Burma”
Khaing Yadanar Phyoe, University of San Diego
Media holds immense power in shaping how we perceive conflicts and envision solutions. It can serve as a mirror reflecting truth or as a tool that deepens divisions. The lack of balanced, ethical reporting leaves many stories untold, perpetuating a cycle of misunderstanding and neglect. This presentation explores the intricate interplay between media and conflict with a focus on Burma, a country with over 70 years of internal conflict which has seen its struggles escalated by the 2021 military coup. Media narratives, both domestic and international, play a pivotal role in shaping public perception and influencing the momentum of these conflicts. In Burma, military-controlled outlets spread propaganda portraying the country as stable while pro-resistance media often exaggerate victories of resistance forces, creating false hope among the public. Both sides use divisive language that fuels hatred and undermines peacebuilding efforts. This talk will also examine the role of Western media which often overlooks Burma’s crisis. Through this lightning talk, I will highlight the urgent need for media to act as a reflective mirror by fostering understanding and promoting solutions. By examining the case of Burma, we’ll uncover how responsible media can become a transformative tool for peacebuilding in a divided world.
“What Challenges are Myanmar Female Political Prisoners Facing Under the Military Coup?”
July Aung, Nottingham Trent University
While the scope and understanding of peacebuilding is trying to expand in global context beyond traditional sense, Myanmar community has been in an extremely fragile condition against peacebuilding initiatives due to the ongoing military coup launched on February 1. Among human rights violations and violations against international humanitarian Law (IHL) faced by Myanmar people, female political prisons are probably the most vulnerable groups who pay the price for the local and global community’s negligence. By looking through lens of feminism, current conditions of female political prisoners, unanimously produce loss of women’s rights and large-scale violations of human rights. The issue of gender equality profoundly plays a major role as patriarchy norms underscores the social disparities between men and women in Myanmar political landscape. Myanmar cannot wait for justice to all victims and survivors of violence against women. Perpetrators of violence must be responsible for the violations of human rights and all forms of sexual and gender-based violence. All perpetrators must take accountability, and trials must engage against them at International Criminal Court for all human rights violations and humanitarian crisis, genocide and war crimes. Without addressing the underlying root causes of conflict, peacebuilding cannot be established and applied empirically.
1:15 pm – 1:30 pm
Break
1:30 pm – 2:45 pm
Session 2. Panel: Art and Peacebuilding (HC Auditorium)
Moderated by Norbert Koppensteiner, Kroc Institute
“Women Reclaiming Agency After Sexual Assault: Recreational Pole Dance as a Communal Healing Pathway”
Willow Carmount, University of Waterloo
This lecture explores the conditions in which recreational pole dancing facilities trauma healing for women who have experienced sexual assault. As recreational pole studios rapidly rise in popularity, primarily among women, it’s vital to understand how these spaces fill a crucial gap. Drawing on Carolyn Yoders strategies for trauma awareness and resilience model, feminist scholarship from academics such as Catherine MacKinnon, studies evaluating the impacts of recreational pole dance, and survivor testimonies, this lecture argues that recreational pole dancing provides a powerful non-pharmacological pathway for healing sexual trauma. Sexual Assault surivors often feel powerless, and a lack of agency over their sexuality (Rape Crisis Capetown Trust n.d.). Contemporary Western society simultaneously commodifies and demonizes female sexuality, amplifying this harm. Therefore, empowerment through sexual reclamation is integral to survivors’ healing. Recreational pole dancing, by providing a safe women centered space for communal healing, and by virtue of its irreducibly sexual character, empowers survivors to reclaim their sexual agency. Sexual violence, its impacts, and healing avenues exist at the intersection of peace studies and gender studies. This lecture draws to light the relationship between violence, power, gender, and sex in contemporary Western society.
“Healing Wounds, (Co)Creating Legacies: The Importance of Art in the Colombian Truth Commission”
Maria Rossi, University of Notre Dame
This proposal examines the role of art in the work of the Colombian Truth Commission (TC), established after the 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), with a particular focus on the transmedia materials available on the TC’s Artistic and Cultural Activations tab. The TC was established to facilitate clarification, and foster coexistence, as well as non-repetition. This entails promoting the clarification of violations, recognizing the dignity of victims, and elucidating the multifaceted impact of the armed conflict on the lives of ordinary people. Art has been employed as both a methodology for engaging with communities and sharing testimonies and as a form of legacy. By analyzing transmedia materials, including theater, music, poetry, and visual arts, and conducting semi-structured interviews with those involved in designing arts-based strategies, this study will explore both the limits and accomplishments of using the arts in transitional justice.
“The Ethics of Fairyland”
Nandita Varma, University of Notre Dame
We, as humans, are nothing if not whimsical. Doomed or destined to be the only species with such a capacity for feeling and understanding the world around us, it is our duty to fully buy into the marvel of humanity. We must find ourselves and our environment utterly enchanting. So, what is stopping us from deciding, right now, that the novelty of life is just…magic? I don’t mean to invoke the typical notions of potions and cauldrons, but rather a perfectly ordinary magic. The magic of being alive, on Planet Earth, at the same time as each other. Cut a grapefruit in half and you will see a pair of lungs. Step on a frozen lake, and with a crack! you’ve wielded Zues’ lightning bolt, emblazoned in ice. We are magic, if you’d let us be. “The Ethics of Fairyland” is a small collection of paintings exploring the wondrous nature of the world and us, as its inhabitants. And in that state of affairs: how can we understand and respect the very essence of life on earth? What does the ethical realm and its responsibilities decree from the citizens of fairyland?
Session 3. Panel: Israel / Palestine (JN 1030)
Moderated by Francesca Freeman, University of Notre Dame
“Collective Memory, Diaspora Nationalism, and Bridging Palestinian and Israeli Communities in Chicago”
Jamil Allan, University of Notre Dame
This presentation examines the role of collective memory and diaspora nationalism in shaping the identities of Palestinian and Jewish-Israeli communities in Chicago. Drawing from theoretical frameworks, historical contexts, and interviews with community members, it explores how shared narratives of trauma and resilience perpetuate division while also offering potential pathways for reconciliation. Central themes include intergenerational trauma, post-memory, and the duality of collective memory as both a divisive and unifying force. The analysis incorporates lived experiences from interviews with religious leaders, activists, and community members, unveiling the interplay between cultural preservation, activism, and diaspora identity. Key findings highlight Chicago as a microcosm of the broader Palestinian-Israeli conflict, where urban proximity intensifies divisions yet creates opportunities for dialogue. Proposed reconciliation strategies include interfaith dialogue, educational programs, and joint advocacy initiatives addressing shared challenges like combating discrimination. Drawing inspiration from Desmond Tutu’s reconciliation framework and Chicago’s history of bridging divides, this session emphasizes the necessity of empathy, mutual recognition, and collaborative action for fostering understanding and coexistence.
“Longing and Liberation: Diasporic Iranian Jewish Zionism, Identities, and Trauma”
Ariana Somen, Pace University
Why and how is Zionism a dominant ideology in the diasporic Iranian Jewish American community and what role does trauma play in this political alignment? Unrecognized and unhealed trauma experienced by Iranian Jews due to forced migration following the Iranian Revolution of 1979 has led to the development of collective memory and identity in these communities. Zionism, capitalizing on these experiences, garners support from Iranian American Jews based on a false sense of safety and homeland. This research puts literature on Iranian Jewish identity, Zionism, and trauma theory in conversation with autoethnographic interviews with Iranian American Jews. By contextualizing Iranian Jewish history and its intersection with Zionism and examining trauma’s role in shaping identity and political affiliation, we can listen to the lived experiences of Iranian American Jews and understand contemporary diasporic identities and perspectives. It is through a focus on personal narratives that we understand the tension between the desire for Iranian liberation and the commitment to Zionism. This research is an important, yet neglected, part of a larger conversation in mainstream American Jewish political discourse. Understanding these nuances better equip us to resist colonialism and Zionism, deconstruct violent narratives, heal intergenerational trauma, and build networks of solidarity.
“Beyond Pragmatism: Working Towards a New Vision of Solidarity Through the Irish-Palestinian Context”
James Thompson, University of Notre Dame
This project reflects on my experiences collaborating with and walking alongside Palestinian solidarity activists in Ireland. Due to the colonial histories of both countries, there is significant support for the Palestinian cause among the Irish, with activism intensifying in response to the current siege on Gaza. Historical parallels such as partition, military occupation, the prominence of anti-occupation paramilitary groups, and attempts at cultural erasure resonate with many Irish people and thus shapes the consciousness of Irish activists and people. While many Irish activists see Palestinian resistance as necessary towards the ultimate goal of decolonization, there is overwhelmingly less consensus for the same outcome in regards to the occupation of Northern Ireland, revealing complexities in the nature of this historical solidarity. By foregrounding identity and historical memory, this project unsettles prevailing theories of transnational solidarity, which often prioritize pragmatic alliances based on common objectives. This work challenges existing theories of solidarity that prioritize shared goals over the role of identity in fostering transnational connections. Instead, it argues that a “colonized” identity and experience can inspire acts of solidarity, even in the absence of aligned political objectives or desired outcomes in their respective situations. By highlighting solidarity as a set of actions that are motivated by historical, emotional, cultural, and symbolic ties, this work challenges the idea of political pragmatism as particularly central. Thus, this work seeks to contribute to a framework of transnational solidarity in how it is constructed, negotiated and sustained across oceans and generations.
Session 3. Panel: Health and Peacebuilding (HC C103)
Moderated by Dr. Laura Miller-Graff, Kroc Institute
“Restrictions as Violence: Reproductive Health in Indiana”
Olivia Anderson, University of Notre Dame
This presentation argues that Indiana’s abortion restrictions are a form of structural and cultural violence–both in the harm that comes from the law itself and the antidemocratic means through which the bills are implemented. This is not a new phenomenon in the post-Roe era, but has been built up through the decades and supported by predominantly harmful religious rhetoric. The support is culturally violent when utilizing religion, as it creates a good versus evil dichotomy that further dehumanizes those who provide and receive abortion care. Additionally, this form of cultural violence supports white supremacy by not allowing other interpretations of Christianity or other religions that may permit abortion. To combat this violence, there needs to be federal protection of abortion, removal of the Title X gag order, and universal healthcare. In Indiana, Hoosier democracy must improve and allow anti-abortion laws to be defeated. On the community level, there needs to be an increase in education based on mutual respect. Education can restore trust and bridge the ideological gaps between pro-choice and anti-abortion Hoosiers so there can be productive conversations about moving forward in a post-Roe world.
“Correlation between Exclusive Breastfeeding and Postpartum Mental Health: Evidence from Ghana”
Alexa Mulroe, University of Notre Dame
To promote peace, health, and development within low-and-middle-income countries, efforts focused on improving maternal mental health should be prioritized. In Ghana, employed women are expected to navigate occupational responsibilities with breastfeeding in the postpartum period. Among the health benefits breastfeeding confers to a mother and her infant, recent studies have found that breastfeeding offers mothers significant mental health benefits such as reducing postpartum stress. Despite these benefits, recent estimates show only 50% of infants in Ghana are exclusively breastfed. This study evaluates the correlation between exclusive breastfeeding and postpartum mental health among 76 employed women in Accra, Ghana. A questionnaire that assessed breastfeeding and postpartum mental health, with covariates including breastfeeding self-efficacy and social support was administered. This study found that 70% of participants practiced exclusive breastfeeding, with 43% of mothers identified for having probable postpartum depression. No significant correlation was found between exclusive breastfeeding and postpartum mental health. However, a positive correlation was observed between breastfeeding self-efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding. This suggests that interventions focused on improving mother’s confidence in breastfeeding may be beneficial to their practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Future studies using longitudinal data and a larger sample within Ghana could provide insight into the long-term impacts of exclusive breastfeeding on maternal mental health.
“Understanding the Experience and Emotional Boundaries of Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic”
Mehwish Rehman, University of Notre Dame
Previous research has shed light on the intense experiences of nurses who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses endured an ever-changing work environment engulfed by ambiguous protocols, frequent new information, and patients with unprecedented illnesses. The impact of COVID-19 on nurses has been detrimental, with an incredible number of workers suffering from lasting emotional pain. This pain has contributed to a mass exodus of nurses, leaving a strain on the healthcare system. Contributing to and complementing existing research, this investigation aims to understand how nurses understood their changing working environment and how they altered/maintained their nurse-patient practices. Given the weight of this topic, I utilized semi-structured interviews to guide the conversations while allowing interviewees to elaborate deeply in their responses. A consent form was sent before each interview, which detailed the use of voice recording and the right to rescind participation. Verbal consent was obtained before the interview and voice recording began. All interviews have been de-identified. Data analysis involved thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes related to the emotional experience and practices of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Session V1. Panel: “Sports for Change: Raising Environmental Awareness, Building Peace and Solidarity” (Virtual)
Forbi Nyosai, IR Institute of Cameroon
Enie Elive & Abie Abia, University of Buea
The Eco Soccer Championship has been a beacon of hope in promoting environmental peacebuilding, community engagement, and resilience in Cameroon’s Southwest Region. This region has been plagued by socio-political unrest since 2017, resulting in significant environmental challenges, displacement, and trauma. Amidst this turmoil, the Eco Soccer Championship has emerged as a powerful tool for building peace, cohesion, and education. Soccer is a unifying force that transcends borders and brings people together. The Eco Soccer Championship leveraged this power to foster greater understanding, cooperation, and solidarity among diverse communities. By creating a shared experience and platform for collaboration, the event promotes peace, inclusion, and cross-cultural exchange.
2:45 pm – 3:00 pm
Break
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Session 5. Panel: Indigenous Environments (HC Auditorium)
Moderated by (TBD)
“Formations and Perceptions of Trust: Conservation NGOs and Indigenous Communities in Alto Mayo, Peru”
Evie Garces-Foley, University of Notre Dame
Partnerships between conservation organizations and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) require a foundation of trust and common understanding for the success of conservation initiatives and the wellbeing of local populations. Power imbalance, lack of transparency, lack of consistency, and lack of presence can create a climate of mistrust between international conservation NGOs and local communities which inhibit such successful partnerships. To explore how trust is present, formed, and perceived by external and local Indigenous actors in conservation partnerships, this research analyzes the relationship between Conservation International Peru and the Awajún Native Communities in the surrounding areas of the Alto Mayo Protected Forest in the Peruvian Amazon. This presentation is based on the independent ethnographic research project I conducted in the Alto Mayo region of Peru during the summer of 2024. Using a mixed methods approach of participant observation and in-depth interviewing with Conservation International staff and Awajún Native Community members in multiple communities, my research finds that while Conservation International Peru’s decade-long relationship with the Awajún is a model conservation relationship for long-term success of both conservation and IPLCs’ goals, trust is a constant process that must be actively sought after and reflected upon.
CANCELLED – This presenter is unfortunately no longer able to join us for the conference. The panel will proceed as a solo talk by the remaining panelist. We apologize for the inconvenience!“Bridging Cultures and Ecosystems: Indigenous Healing Gardens in Urban Landscapes”
Alma Hartman, University of Hawai’i
This presentation explores how agroforestry systems in the form of indigenous healing gardens can bridge environmental stewardship and cultural education with healing. My work with the Māla La‘au Lapa‘au (Native Hawaiian Healing Garden) at the John A. Burns School of Medicine in the heart of Honolulu showcases the profound impact of this garden on education, indigenous healing and culturally significant practices. The garden helps medical students integrate traditional practices with native plants through ceremonial contexts and uses, grounding them in culture and place while equipping them to serve rural Hawaiian communities. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how implementation of indigenous agroforestry in institutions like universities and hospitals can enhance education, foster peace, and promote harmonious coexistence between people, and the environment using culturally deep knowledge systems.
Session 6. Workshop: “Bridging Divides: Learning to Listen to One Another” (JN 1030)
Maddie Colbert, University of Notre Dame
In such a divisive political environment, many in the United States refuse to even have conversations with those on the other side of the political spectrum. Dialogue is too often thought of as a mechanism to debate those with whom we disagree. Debate and heated political conversation turn away many who consider themselves to be less politically engaged, therefore producing fear of having important conversations or painting the political “other” as something that could never be understood. With the goal of building peace through respectful conversation, BridgeND aims to bring in people with all perspectives. BridgeND is a student-run, multi-partisan organization whose mission is to “bridge the political divide” through respectful and productive conversations. We discuss a variety of topics – from immigration to banned books to political activism at the Olympics. We aim to show students how to discuss political topics in a respectful manner, equipping them to do so outside of our meetings and out in the real world. As simple as it may seem, these conversations hinge upon our ability to truly listen and to understand where others are coming from. Our ability to listen to and understand one another’s perspectives is vital to creating good policy.
Session 7. Workshop: “Afrocentric Pathways to Peacebuilding: Bridging Legacy and Innovation in Social Service” (HC C103)
amy horst & Cynthia Chirinda, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Nia Imani Family (NIF) is a Milwaukee-based social action organization founded in 1994 to empower families and communities through an Afrocentric approach. Originally focused on transitional housing for young mothers, NIF has evolved to support diverse populations, including young fathers and the broader community. This workshop introduces participants to NIF’s unique philosophy, rooted in the ancestral wisdom of African Diaspora peoples. Through poetry, storytelling, journaling, and art, participants will explore how Afrocentric principles can transform social service practice and empower communities. By engaging in this experiential orientation, attendees will deepen their understanding of cultural frameworks that promote resilience, connection, and growth. This session invites participants to reimagine peacebuilding as a dynamic, inclusive process rooted in cultural authenticity and creative expression.
Session V2. Talk: “Post-Conflict Justice and DDR: Addressing Opportunities and Motivations to Build Durable Peace” (Virtual)
Zach Weis, Nebraska Wesleyan University
Do disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) and post-conflict justice work together to build more durable peace? A great deal of literature is dedicated to understanding the factors that generate conflict, and more recently, scholars have sought to understand the specific conditions in which conflict recurrence happens. DDR and post-conflict justice are two mechanisms of peacebuilding that have become of great interest to scholars. While individual case studies show a promising relationship between both mechanisms and preventing conflict recurrence, large-scale studies are less optimistic. This paper joins this discussion by showing how the success of DDR and post-conflict justice may be dependent on the simultaneous use of the other. Drawing on a recent post-conflict justice dataset (Binningsbø, et al., 2012), I investigate the relationship between DDR, post-conflict justice, and conflict recurrence by using a Cox proportional hazards model, and I find support for my argument that DDR and post-conflict justice work together to build more durable peace.
4:00 pm – 4:15 pm
Break
4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
Session 8. Poster Session (HC Hallway)
“The Canvas of Recovery: Art Therapy’s Role in Healing Trauma”
Elena Bater, Pace University
What role does art therapy play in trauma healing? Trauma is an all-too-common human experience, and for many, leaves scars both invisible and visible – affecting not only the brain and body but the soul as well. For decades, psychologists have been researching methods to promote trauma healing and have developed various approaches that can aid this process. Therapy, as an umbrella term, has become the primary avenue for trauma healing involving methods like cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, etc. However, an often-overlooked approach is art therapy. Creating art itself has many therapeutic components such as autonomy of choice, freedom of emotional expression, and space to make mistakes without abusive retaliation. Beyond individual healing, art has also been pivotal in collective healing and peacebuilding, used in protest—through rebellion murals or solidarity iconography—as well as in post-conflict settings, where activities like theatre performance and collaborative songwriting promote reconciliation and peace. By building on existing literature published on the topics of art, trauma, and peacebuilding through in-depth interviews with locally practicing art therapists, I argue that art therapy plays a unique but pivotal role in trauma healing and should be incorporated into peacebuilding practices more frequently by facilitators.
“Black-White Biracial Identity Formation and its Implications for Studying Peace in PWIs”
Layne Davis, Pace University
This presentation explores the complex interplay between racial socialization and predominantly white university (PWI) environments, focusing on Black-white biracial student identity formation through a qualitative study of seven Pace University students. The findings highlight the fluid nature of biracial identity, influenced by family, peers, and institutional settings, and challenge fixed notions of race. This research has significant implications for peace studies programs at PWIs by revealing how these institutions contribute to racial socialization and identity formation, with both positive and negative outcomes. The study emphasizes the importance of adopting an intersectional approach to curriculum development, as gender, sexuality, religion, and other social identities shape biracial individuals’ experiences. Additionally, the research utilizes narrative approaches, employing in-depth interviews that provide nuanced accounts of lived experiences, underscoring the value of personal storytelling in fostering empathy and understanding. This work reveals the need for PWIs to create intentional spaces for students to explore their complex identities and to address institutional practices that may lead to racial marginalization, rather than placing the responsibility on biracial students to create their own sense of belonging. This research contributes to a more equitable and just world both inside and outside the academic space.
“Community-Building Aspects of Traditional Music and Dance in Post-Conflict Northern Ireland”
Clare Hill, University of Notre Dame
The Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998, officially bringing an end to The Troubles, a period of violent conflict in Northern Ireland around religious and geopolitical tensions that began in the 1960s. Although the peace agreement marked their official end, the legacy of The Troubles have continued to shape Northern Irish society to this day. My research seeks to understand the way that traditional music and dance in Northern Ireland is perceived to fit into this often-sectarian social situation in the region. Are public traditional music sessions and ceilis considered exclusive to either Catholics or Protestants? Are the participants more or less willing to embrace those of a different persuasion in such a setting? Over Spring Break of 2025, I will travel to Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, to find answers to these questions. I will interview participants at local traditional music and dancing events. I will consider their answers within the larger conceptual framework of cross-community-building efforts. My report will focus on ways that traditional music and dancing practices in Northern Ireland either contribute to cross-community engagement or detract from it. From these findings, I will extrapolate larger themes that may be applicable to other contexts.
“From Online Contention to IRL Clashes: Drivers of Political Violence In Eritrean-American Diaspora”
Sara Laine, University of Notre Dame
Eritrea, a country in the Horn of Africa, has had one president and one election since its independence in 1993. Over three decades later, hundreds of thousands of Eritreans have migrated globally, bringing with them a zest for political debate. In recent years one question has led to increased tension in Eritrean diaspora communities, culminating in violent clashes between these groups across the West: are they in favor of the ruling party’s People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PDFJ) government or in opposition? Mainstream news outlet coverage focuses more on the violence rather than the drivers behind what moves people to these drastic actions. With Doug McAdam’s resource mobilization and political opportunity, and Sidney Tarrow’s contention in social movements as the theoretical basis for this paper, the central question I will address is what are the drivers of violent acts between pro and anti-PFDJ supporters in the Eritrean diaspora.
“Borders of Peace: Colonial Legacies, Ethnic Divides, and the Future of Cyprus”
Alice Lei, University of Notre Dame
Cyprus is an island fractured by history, its divisions a physical and political reminder of unresolved conflict. Once a British colony, Cyprus became independent in 1960, but tensions between Greek and Turkish Cypriots soon spiraled into violence. The 1974 Turkish invasion cemented the island’s partition, and today, a UN buffer zone cuts through the capital, Nicosia, the last divided capital in Europe. Some believe this separation has maintained peace by preventing bloodshed, while others argue it has only frozen a conflict. This presentation explores the Cyprus Problem through the lens of colonial history, ethnic nationalism, and peacebuilding. Drawing from my week on the island, where I met historians, activists, and artists working toward reconciliation, I examine whether division can ever be the foundation for lasting peace. Can a community fractured by war and displacement rebuild trust? How do colonial histories shape the possibilities for peace? And what lessons does Cyprus offer for other settler-colonial contexts, particularly Palestine? This presentation will challenge dominant narratives of peace and conflict resolution, arguing that true reconciliation requires more than stability—it demands an honest reckoning with history and a vision for a shared future.
“The Battleground of North Kivu: An Everlasting Conflict”
Desire Muhozi, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
This presentation explores the ongoing conflict in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, through the lens of personal experience. Drawing from my mother’s survival of the early signs of genocide against the Tutsi and her life as a stateless refugee in Tanzania, I will highlight the human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for peace. The conflict has reached a critical stage with M23 rebels capturing Goma, the largest city in Eastern DRC. This escalation has not only strained regional relations but also led to the severance of ties between Rwanda and South Africa. European mercenaries captured by M23 were sent back to their home countries via Rwanda. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) forces surrendered to M233. Despite these developments, the conflict is far from over as the Congolese president refused to attend an East African meeting called by the current EAC chair, President William Ruto of Kenya. Through Twitter posts, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa accused the Rwandan Defence Force of fighting as a militia in support of M23. In response, Rwandan President Paul Kagame corrected Ramaphosa, stating that the RDF is an army, not a militia, and warned that Rwanda is ready to confront South Africa if it chooses confrontation2. This conflict has raised concerns across Africa and Europe, and the US president refused to comment on Rwanda’s involvement when asked by a journalist. The presentation will also discuss the mental health impacts of genocide and displacement, emphasizing the importance of restoring peace in Eastern DRC for the Tutsi community.
“Muslim Integration in France: The Role that Influencer Culture Can Play in Broadening Perspective”
Megan Toner, University of Notre Dame
This research examines the intersection of religious discrimination, social media, and integration processes in France, focusing on the topic of Muslim-French influencers. With the broader history of the migration of the Muslim community, primarily from Algeria and the societal trends within France, I explore how social media platforms, particularly through the lens of influencer culture, can both reinforce and challenge discrimination in French society. The rise of influencer culture within the context of fashion and modest attire, offers a unique lens through which to examine how Muslim-French individuals are represented and marginalized online. My project incorporates data analysis of social media engagement, comparing Muslim influencers to other French figures, and interviews with both academics and influencers to capture personal narratives of discrimination. The research will culminate in a roundtable discussion with Notre Dame students as part of the Kroc Institute Peace Conference, aimed at exploring how social media influences their identities and engagement with social issues. My project aims to inspire students to use social media more consciously, advocating for online communities that promote respect, inclusion, and understanding.
Session V6. Talk: “Breaking the Silence: A Pathway for Sustainable Peacebuilding” (Virtual)
Ajayi Oluwaseun, University of Ibadan
“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me…” – Vince Gill. In the Fall of 2023, I was awarded a grant from the Global Affairs Office at Duke University to research peacebuilding through the arts. This project, Arts-Based Conversation for Peacebuilding (abcforpeace.wordpress.com), involved regular meetings with a Hindu and Muslim high school friend. Together, we explored the intersection of faith, art, and peacebuilding. The experience was formative, therapeutic, and profoundly informative, solidifying my conviction that creative expression can transcend cultural and religious barriers to foster dialogue and understanding. Traditional peacebuilding across religions have centered around sacred texts or issues. ABC for peacebuilding is centered around an artwork. It brings people of different faiths an opportunity to come together and discover their unique perspectives through their conversations on art. These mothers, teens and coworkers are the peacebuilders influencing their families, the next generation and peers to pause and listen; and to learn to agree to disagree.
5:15 pm – 5:30 pm
Break
5:30 pm – 6:45 pm
Session 9. Keynote: “Mnobmadzewen: Relationships and Reflections on a Good Way of Living” (HC Auditorium)
Jason Wesaw, Potawotomi Peacemaker and Artist
Our keynote lecture will explore collaborations across Indigenous peacemaking and artistry, highlighting the importance of grassroots and relational approaches to peacebuilding.