This page features archival information and video footage from select Peace and Conflict Studies Symposium events in recent years.

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Conflict & Peace: In Your Life, In Your Community, In Your World

Our goal is to educate our community about the term “conflict transformation,” and to promote healthy relationships in our lives, societies, and countries. Conflict transformation acknowledges that conflict is a natural and dynamic necessity. As one of our group members put it, “Transformation is versatile, in that it attempts to make sense of the problem and recognize it as an opportunity for mutual, positive growth.”

Keynote

David Smith, United States Institute of Peace

Students Presentations

Fatti Bajo, an Engineering and Computer Science major

She discussed: Introduction to Conflict Transformation: An Overview of Conflict Transformation as described by John Paul Lederach, Professor of International Peacebuilding at the University of Notre Dame.

Jim Shook
– Born and raised in San Antonio, TX
– Veteran of the US Army
– Intends to double major in Physics and Astronomy
– Aspires to earn a Ph.D. in Astrophysics, conduct research in the field, and teach college-level physics
– Enjoys playing music in Austin, distance/cross-country running, playing with his dogs, and writing

He discussed: Neuroscience. Disagreements between persons or parties may be a result of the differences between physical “framework” supporting each mind involved in a conflict, not solely the result of a refusal to cooperate.

Mikaila Smith
– An early-college start student who will graduate from high-school next year
– Plans on pursuing a degree at a four-year university in Mandarin Chinese and English Literature

She discussed: Language. The complex psychological aspect of language, and how humanity’s most vital tool for communication effects cognitive development and thought processes.

Rebecca Hutchinson
– A sophomore at ACC and intends to transfer to the College of Education at UT this fall
– She has worked with children since she was 13 years old and is very interested in parenting styles and what effect they have on children when they grow up.

She discussed: Parenting. Parenting and the ways it can produce adults who choose peace over conflict and how this can affect the world.

Aaron Davis
-He spent the early part of his twenties traveling across the Middle East, Central America, and Eastern Europe
-Intends to transfer to the University of Texas where he will major in Arabic and French languages before he embarks on a career

He discussed: Discrimination. The psychological challenges and complications that arise with inter-group discrimination.

Joshua Wathen
-A US Army soldier for 6 years and held 3 job titles: Special Forces Weapons Sergeant, Special Operations Combat Medic, and Infantryman
-He has done tours in Afghanistan and Peru where he has earned two Bronze Stars, one with Valor, and also a Joint Service Achievement Medal
-A second year student at ACC who plans to transfer to theMcCombs Business School at UT Austin next fall to double major in International Business and Business Management
-His future goals are to pursue an MBA and eventually a CEO title
-In his leisure time he rock climbs, trains in MMA, DJs, rides horses, and travels for fun

He discussed: Global Conflict Transformation & Humanitarian Law. The Golden Rules of war in which mortal enemies treat each other as they would want to be treated. Abiding by International Humanitarian Law while fighting a lawless enemy is a current Conflict Transformation and can be daunting indeed.

Fatima-Zahra Belkady
-Holds an MA in International Relations and a B.A. in Political Science and Government from NYU
-Aspires to have a career in political research and consulting

She discussed: Discrimination and Global Conflict Transformation & Humanitarian Law. International Humanitarian Law unlike Human Rights was not born out of the experiences of World War II, but rather its origins can be traced through history. With the creation of the Western nation-state structure there was a need to turn brutality outward on other states rather than inward on citizens. Therefore, Humanitarian Law has evolved due to a desire to decrease brutality on a state’s constituents.

Teresa Tavera
-Health professional studying radiology
-Mother of 4
-Photographer and an amazing cook

She discussed: Domestic Violence.

Crystal Spurck
-Mother and health professional in Physician Assistant studies
-Aspires to be Neuro or Cardio Surgeon

She discussed: Domestic Violence.

Ben Fox

He discussed: Language.

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