Showing posts with label Northern Ireland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Northern Ireland. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Tips from the Northern Ireland Peace Process

A series of experts on the Northern Ireland conflict were interviewed to compose this short movie about the lessons learned from the peace process. Although it may be a bit too early to really look back on the conflict with a clear perspective, some general conclusions can be gathered. As many mentioned, the same methods should not be applied to every conflict out there since they are each unique in their own kind and call for different ways of handling them. Nevertheless, several interesting things were pointed out, with the main points being:
  • A need to throughly understand the history and culture of the region in which the conflict is taking place.
  • Remember that peace is a process which needs a framework- it doesn't happen overnight, but rather over years or decades so much patience is needed.
  • Timing is crucial
  • Must have a good balance of combined hard and soft power
  • Do not rule out the so-called impossible- believe in a peaceful outcome

See video for more details: