The Praxis Conference - Call for Papers

The Praxis Conference

Call for Papers and/or poster proposals

On August 17-18, 2017, George Mason University’s School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution in partnership with ForgottenSong, Inc. and the Dialogue & Difference Project will be hosting The Praxis Conference to facilitate discussions and presentations that bridge the gap between scholars and practitioners in the fields of conflict, peace, and humanitarian initiatives. We cordially invite you to participate as a member of one of our panels and/or present a poster about the topics listed
below.

Human-generated conflict spreads across international and domestic arenas with scholarly inquiry engaging these dilemmas, in part, through the analysis of politics, economics, education, history, and socio-cultural dynamics. Additionally, these dynamics are explored by peace researchers to determine causal factors that restrain or control conflict. Peace and conflict resolution practitioners employ various methodologies to assess and alleviate conflict-producing factors such as poverty, resource access, dehumanization processes, etc. Both scholars and practitioners gain valuable insights through their research, practice, and engagement but those insights often remain partitioned rather than shared. A more thorough familiarity with conflict dynamics as explored through scholarly research could significantly assist work conducted by NGOs, charities, and other organizations. Additionally, learning of considerations and constraints experienced by practitioners and other organizations' work could add depth and insight to scholarly endeavors.

The 2017 Praxis Conference issues a call for paper and/or poster proposals that focus on aspects of scholarship, practice, and theory, relating to the intersection of youth, conflict, and peace. We welcome papers that explore all aspects of youth in relation to conflict and peace, both domestic and international, from scholarly, practitioner, and organizational perspectives. Please submit abstracts of up to 250 words by June 1, 2017 to [email protected]. Cross-cutting or integrating proposals linking different constituencies, fields of engagement, or levels of analysis are particularly welcome. The following themes are representative of what might be addressed:

1. Economics – Formal and non-formal engagement, micro-finance, foreign investment, and cross-border economic interests. In what ways do the economy and finance lead to both conflict and conflict resolution, sustainable peace-building, and community growth?

2. Education – Formal and non-formal education, life skills, vocational training, and the arts. In what ways is education utilized in pursuit of direct and indirect purposes or agendas? In what ways is education used to incite both peace and conflict?

3. Environment – Water, land, climate, pollution, desertification, resources, mining, agriculture. How do issues surrounding the environment lead to conflict and in what ways are environmental resources utilized to mitigate conflict, grow community, and promote peace and understanding? 

4. Contextual – Group and individual identity (gender, ethnicity, class, race, religion, etc.), cultural, fiscal, and geographical. How do contextual vulnerability and capability contribute to conflict and peace?

5. Buzzwords – Development, sustainability, empowerment, child soldiers, reintegration, healing, etc. While each of these words represents a direction for research, conflict resolution practice, or humanitarian program development, how might they also be problematic or potentially objectifying?

6. Additional Themes – Feel free to contact us with other ideas if you have any additions you feel would be relevant to our conference!

All paper and poster proposals should be emailed to [email protected] by June 1st. Visit www.thepraxisconferencedc.com for more information.