An exciting new subject is being offered in second semester 2013 as part of the major in Peace, Conflict and War Studies within the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific. The subject, Conflict Management and Resolution (ASIA 2087), will explore the practical and conceptual challenges to resolving entrenched and protracted conflicts and achieving sustainable peace. Drawing on case studies from across Asia and Pacific, in particular Bougainville, West Papua and Timor-Leste, the course will consider topics such as: understanding contemporary conflicts, conflict prevention, conflict containment and peacekeeping, peacemaking, constitution making, peace-building, post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation and justice. Students will also learn about the roles of local, national, regional, international and transnational organisations in peace-building and consider key issues and debates such as the impact and responsibilities of the international and business communities in peace-making and peace-building, and gender in peace-building.
The subject coordinators bring with them extensive academic and practical experience in the fields of conflict management, resolution and peace-building. Kylie McKenna is a sociologist with expertise in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), resource conflict and peace building. She has a particular interest in resource conflict in Bougainville, West Papua and Nigeria and has conducted extensive qualitative research across nine countries. Her PhD research considered how businesses can amend their CSR practices to facilitate peaceful development. Anthony Regan is a constitutional lawyer with over thirty years’ experience working and conducting research in Bougainville. He advised Bougainville parties in the negotiation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement 2001 and has an ongoing advisory role in implementation of the Agreement in his work as constitutional and legal advisor to the Autonomous Bougainville Government. He was also an advisor in the constitution-making process in Timor-Leste, 2001-02. Lia Kent has conducted research on Timor-Leste since 2000. Her research considers the pursuit of justice and reconciliation in the aftermath of the conflict, including how local East Timorese have perceived and responded to the transitional justice initiatives of the United Nations and the national government. Lia worked in Timor-Leste during the period of United Nations Transitional Administration (UNTAET), from 2000-2002 with both Oxfam International and the UNTAET Human Rights Unit.
For further information about this subject, please contact Kylie McKenna (kylie.mckenna@anu.edu.au or by phone on 6125 6314).
