Call for Student Papers
"Strategies of Peace: Transforming Conflict in the Modern World"

Notre Dame Student Peace Conference, March 30-31, 2012
Submission Deadline: January 23, 2012

The Kroc Institute is pleased to announce the 2012 Notre Dame Student Peace Conference, March 30–31, 2012 at the Hesburgh Center for International Studies at the University of Notre Dame.

Organized by Notre Dame students, this annual conference provides a space for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in dialogue on important issues related to peacebuilding and current events. The conference committee is seeking undergraduate and graduate student papers, presentations and media displays—including photography, performances and films—that explore the various approaches to building sustainable peace in the modern world.

This year’s conference is entitled “Strategies of Peace: Transforming Conflict in the Modern World.” Today, we live in a complex world characterized by globalization, shifting ideals, technological advancements and changing social relationships, and these challenges force us to approach peacebuilding more strategically than ever before. In order to combat violence and structural injustice, we must integrate established methods and traditional skills with research into innovative nonviolent solutions and with education that fosters global citizenship and mutual understanding of the rights and responsibilities of all. We believe that globalization and the rise of social networking provide unique opportunities for individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations and nations to focus both their individual and collective efforts and resources where the world needs them most. With this conference, we hope to explore the interdisciplinary nature of peacebuilding and foster dialogue about how processes at various levels of society, from local to global and from the powerful to the marginalized, can unite to increase peace.

The conference will address a wide variety of topics related to peace studies and peacebuilding, particularly those that address the challenges and opportunities posed by the complexities of the modern world. Suggested presentation topics include, but are not limited to, the following themes:

Arab Spring

Peace Negotiations

Sustainable Development

Social Networking

Conflict Transformation

Education, Cultural Understanding

Role of Media

NGOs and Third Parties

Women, Children and Conflict

Global Citizenship

Social Entrepreneurship

Nuclear Disarmament

The deadline for submission is Monday, January 23, 2012. For consideration, please submit a one-page abstract or description of the project and a separate one-paragraph biography with information on your academic interests and background. Please include a project title, the author/creator name and the school in a header on all pages. Submissions should be emailed to peacecon@nd.edu as a Microsoft Word or PDF attachment with “Submission” as the subject line. Notification of acceptance will be sent once the review process is complete.

The University of Notre Dame Student Peace Conference is sponsored by the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies. Funding for transportation and lodging is not available to participants or presenters, but meals will be provided and there is no registration fee. Questions may be directed to the organizers at peacecon@nd.edu.