Panel Discussion on USIP Report: Education and Practice in Peace and Conflict
On February 1, 2010, the ICAR Graduate Certificate Program and ICAR Student Association (ISA) hosted Nike Carstarphen a founding member of the Alliance for Conflict Transformation; Craig Zelizer, an Associate Director of the Conflict Resolution MA Program in the Department of Government at Georgetown University; and David J. Smith, National Education Outreach Officer at USIP, three of four authors of the special report of “Graduate Education and Professional Practice in International Peace and Conflict.” This report came out of a collaborative effort between the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and the Alliance for Conflict Transformation (ACT) to study the level of preparation of graduate students and professionals seeking careers in the international peace and conflict field.
The overall aim of the research was to explore the gap between academic programs and the needs of employers that hire individuals for international conflict work. In the introduction to the panel, Dr. Mara Schoeny, Director of the ICAR Certificate Program, stressed the importance of the report, for both educators and interveners in conflict. The report outlines potential methods of information sharing to maximize learning and awareness of opportunities to engage more practically in conflict. The panelists touched upon the tremendous growth of the Conflict Resolution field, which has generated important questions as to how to evaluate the quality of practical and academic programming.'
The report presents research developed with input from twenty-five faculty members, program administrators, and career development staff from thirteen academic programs at nine postgraduate institutions in the United States that focus on international conflict-related fields. The report’s findings highlight an apparent gap between the academic achievement and field experience, in terms of a division between theory and practice. In addition, the report visits contradictions between generalists and specialists, conflict resolution mainstreaming and cross-sectoral development, and the inclusion of emerging "Best Practices" into academic programming related to international peace and conflict.
In terms of meeting the needs of employers’ the report recommends that students seek overseas experience, build program management experience, develop cross-sectoral practical, and technical skills, and learn another language. Similarly, academic programs were encouraged to increase opportunities for international field experience and internships, increase opportunities to develop program management skills, and establish strong relationships between theory and practice.
During the discussion academics and graduate students shared their ideas about the report, concerns about the challenges in the job market, and made suggestions for other avenues of exploration relevant to the report. The event responded to a clear need to examine different perspectives on the relationship between graduate education and professional practice in international peace and conflict, a discussion that will hopefully continue in the future. ■
To view the report, visit:
http://icar.gmu.edu/publication/10745
To watch the discussion, visit:
http://icar.gmu.edu/event/10808
To read a response to the report by ICAR Ph.D. Michael English, visit: