HCPB MEMBERS BLOG

Imagining a different reality: Filmmaking and Research

by Nicky Armstrong and Dr Evelyn Pauls

Scholars of the “aesthetic turn” in International Relations have broadened the scope of not only how to study international politics but also what to study (art forms, such as literature or film; aesthetic practices of states, such as military parades or national holidays; and visual material, such as photographs from Abu Ghraib). Bleiker and others have shown how “aesthetic sensibilities can help us rethink some of the most serious problems in global politics” and to find new ways of thinking, seeing, hearing, and sensing the political.

Drawing on the research project “I Have to Speak”, that used participatory documentary filmmaking to explore the long-term reintegration of female ex-combatants as both a method and a dissemination tool, we can look at filmmaking, its potential, and its challenges from three different perspectives: (1) Film as data; (2) film as method and (3) film as output.

Official Narratives, Protracted Conflicts: The Use of Language and Its Interpretation in Peacebuilding – A Little Survey on the Case of Cyprus by Hakan Karahasan (hakan.karahasan@neu.edu.tr)  Can one argue that conflict occurs because there is contact between groups but no understanding? To put it differently, that conflicts take place because of misunderstandings? Can one argue that Covid-19 is influencing peacebuilding negatively because people have less physical contact with each other...

Developing the Media Sector in Peacebuilding Contexts By Fabíola Ortiz dos Santos (Doctoral Program MEDAS21, Duisburg-Essen University) The role of media in peacebuilding environments is critical, yet difficult to put in practice and to be coordinated. How could journalists and media houses they work for be better equipped to report in a way that enhances the prospects of peacebuilding? Media can play a constructive and proactive role in peacebuilding with its ability to direct public...

HCPB’s event on ‘ICTs, social media and peacebuilding’ – Jan 19th 5-7pm UK time! We are very pleased to announce our first event of the year! On 19 January from 5-7pm we will be focusing on the role that social media and ICTs can play in peacebuilding! We have an exciting programme! First, Diana Dajer will give a presentation entitled: ‘Cracking the Code of Tech for Peace: International Perspectives of Peacetech’. Diana is Director of Colombian Institute of Studies of the Public Ministry,...

Graphic novels: Drawing on peacebuilding By Hannah Baumeister Fair laws and legitimate, accessible, effective legal institutions are crucial to peacebuilding. They define appropriate social behaviour, protect rights, limit power, and hold accountable those who abuse it. Laws and legal institutions provide frameworks and mechanisms for non-violent dispute resolution and address underlying grievances. They prevent the re-emergence of violent conflict, further reconciliation and incentivise...