Dissertation Proposal Defense - Dhirendra Nalbo: Sociopolitical Dimensions of Natural Resources in Peacebuilding

Dissertation Proposal Defense - Dhirendra Nalbo 
Sociopolitical Dimensions of Natural Resources in Peacebuilding:
A Study of Kachin Conflict in Myanmar

Monday, Aug. 31st
10:00am - 11:30am 
Conference Room 5145

Dissertation Committee:
Dr. Susan F. Hirsch (Chair)
Dr. Terrence Lyons
Dr. John Dale

This dissertation research aims to explore the potential strategic uses of natural resources in building sustainable peace. The extant research on natural resources and armed conflict largely focuses on the causal relationship between the two. Recent attention has shifted to increasingly explore the roles of natural resources with relation to peacebuilding, however, a gap remains in fully developing a connection to important sociopolitical dimensions. These dimensions become particularly critical where there are diverse ethnic communities that reside in resource-rich areas. While advancing the research on the correlation between natural resources and peacebuilding, this dissertation will examine one critical peacebuilding approach: an approach that emphasizes the recognition of local people and their agency over liberal peace. Using qualitative research methods, this proposed research will carryout in-depth studies of community forestry projects in the Kachin state of Myanmar, previously known as Burma. Rich in natural resources, the ethnically diverse state is riddled by a decades long conflict where natural resources are largely seen as a source of contestation.