Advancing pluralism as a tool for addressing self-determination conflicts: Options & approaches in a world in flux

As the world reckons with increasing geopolitical uncertainty and polarisation, intensifying armed conflict and a global climate crisis, conflict-affected societies and the peace and mediation actors working on them are struggling to meet the moment. Unprecedented attacks on the post-1945 international order, increasing internationalisation and the fragmentation of conflicts all pose new or enhanced challenges that require policy makers and practitioners to rethink their own roles and approaches.

In this landscape, the US president’s pronouncements on a proposed takeover of Greenland, Gaza and even Canada, highlight fundamental questions of self-determination, sovereignty, identity and governance that lie at the core of so many disputes and violent conflicts around the world. Many of these conflicts stem from marginalisation, exclusion, inequality – from negative responses to diversity in society. Yet there is often limited recognition of these conflict dynamics and an unwillingness among policy makers and practitioners to engage with some of the legal and political barriers to preventing or resolving them. While such conflicts can seem intractable and entrenched in polarised positions, experience shows they can and should be addressed.

Speakers

Meredith Preston McGhie
Secretary General, Global Centre for Pluralism

Jonathan Cohen
Executive Director, Conciliation Resources

John Packer
Neuberger-Jesin Professor of International Conflict Resolution, Faculty of Law, Common Law Section & Director, Human Rights Research and Education Centre (HRREC), University of Ottawa

Tahir Aziz
Senior Advisor, South Asia, Conciliation Resources

Sally Holt
Head of Accord, Conciliation Resources