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Civitas Revenge & Reconciliation Conference Index
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Initial Information on Civitas Revenge & Reconciliation Conference February, 2004 Civitas 2003 Conference on Revenge & Reconciliation The urge to “get even” is universal. Individuals as well as nations seem to have a natural tendency to want revenge for insults, persecution and acts of violence. But a look at world history, current events, and even at our own individual lives shows that, rather than resolving the original issue, acts of retaliation tend to make matters even worse—extending the cycle, provoking additional hostilities, escalating the level of violence, and creating needless suffering. The question is: Are there alternatives to this cycle of conflict? Human beings may be “hard-wired” for revenge, but does that mean that it’s the only possible reaction? Are there ways to transform the urge to retaliate into something positive. Are there ways to reconcile differences without violence and to break the cycle?At Civitas’ 2004 Revenge/Reconciliation Conference, we’ll examine the cycle of conflict in the world, in local/regional issues, and in personal interactions. Sample topics include: long-standing international conflicts, such as those in the Middle East, Northern Ireland, South Africa, and the Balkans; the death penalty; war-crimes tribunals; truth and reconciliation commissions, and many more. Working in small and large groups, you’ll collaborate with other participants to develop recommendations and policies that could help break the cycle of conflict that plagues human interactions. For this conference, we’re introducing a new “role” for participants. Instead of representing a UN country, each participant will select an issue to research and will act as a “knowledge leader” on that subject. [Topic options are on a separate page.] In committee, you’ll bring your “expertise” into the discussion to add depth and relevance.The conference will be serious, intense, and intellectually challenging. You’ll use skills in communication, research, collaboration, reasoning, conflict resolution and debate. The conference is a place to learn, to be heard, to meet new people, to work collaboratively, and to add your creative thinking to important discussions with worldwide implications. |
