Dealing with the Past: Theory & Practice Course

Course Topic Finding a way to deal with a violent past following events such as civil war, the end of an authoritarian regime or occupation, is often argued to be the basis for lasting peace, democracy and rule of law. International advocacy networks, norms and legal frameworks support national and local actors in the design of mechanisms and processes like truth commissions, tribunals or commemorations. The ways in which these different actors interact shape, among other factors, whether a particular dealing with the past process succeeds in being locally relevant and effective. This course focuses on the potentials and challenges of designing and implementing a dealing with the past process, and the ways in which actors can work together to ensure effective policy decision-making. Topics include: • ‘Local’ approaches to dealing with the past • ‘International’ norms and frameworks • State and nation-building • Social transformation • Impact assessment Course methodologies include expert inputs, peer exchange, case studies, exercises, skills training and self-study. Faculty Leading scholars and experienced practitioners facilitate this course. Visit the Academy’s website for the current faculty list. Target Audience This course is designed for practitioners and academics interested in bridging their own experiences with current conceptual insights and practical knowledge on dealing with the past. Dates and Venue This 5-day on-site course will take place from 9 – 13 May 2016 at the swisspeace Academy in Basel, Switzerland. The registration deadline is 29 February 2016. Certification Successful participants are awarded a Confirmation of Participation. This course can be taken as one module of the Certificate, Diploma and Master of Advanced Studies in Civilian Peacebuilding programs offered by swisspeace and the University of Basel. Contact Please visit academy.swisspeace.ch or contact academy@swisspeace.ch for more information. Host swisspeace is a practice-oriented peace research institute that strives to build capacity on civilian peacebuilding of Swiss and international actors by conducting research on violent conflicts and their peaceful transformation, and by offering trainings, consultancies and spaces for the exchange of experiences.