Suchergebnisse

The large numbers of deadly conflicts between ethnic & other identity groups around the world call for more extensive & systematic applications of interactive problem-solving methods of conflict resolution. This article urges the conflict-resolution community to explore the necessity, value, & feasibility of establishing a new international & largely non-governmental organization or consortium devoted to monitoring such conflicts as they evolve & ready to help prevent, de-escalate, & resolve them through the use of interactive problem-solving techniques. The approach to conflict resolution envisaged by the author for this organization is based on direct communication, in a non-official context, between politically influential members of the communities in conflict. The article presents a model of the organization & its three components & concludes with a series of research questions to help determine (1) whether the proposed concept of an international facilitating service ought to be pursued &, if so, (2) how best to define its structure & functions so that it can make a unique contribution to international conflict resolution in constructive interaction with other non-governmental, governmental, & intergovernmental organizations devoted to peacemaking, peacekeeping, developmental aid, humanitarian assistance, human rights, & reconciliation. References. Adapted from the source document.

AbstractActs of torture are conceptualized as crimes of obedience, which are inevitably linked to crimes at higher levels of the hierarchy, where orders are issued, policy is formulated, and the atmosphere conducive to acts of torture is created. The present analysis suggests several conditions under which torture becomes an instrument of State policy and the authority structure of the State is fully utilized to implement that policy: the perception by State authorities that the security of the State is under severe threat — which, at the macro-level, can justify torture and, at the micro-level, contribute to its authorization; the existence of an elaborate and powerful apparatus charged with protecting the security of the State — which, at the macro-level, may lead to the recruitment and training of professional torturers as part of that apparatus and, at the micro-level, contribute to the routinization of torture; and the existence of disaffected ethnic, religious, political, or other groups within (or under the control) of the State that do not enjoy full citizenship rights — which, at the macro-level, may lead to their designation as enemies of the State and appropriate targets for torture and, at the micro-level, their dehumanization.

Presents the text of a lecture on the psychological impact of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat's groundbreaking 1977 visit to Jerusalem given at the American U at Cairo on 6 December 1977. Special attention is given to how the visit broke down psychological barriers that had long blocked negotiations between Egypt & Israel & led to concessions on important issues. Immediate public reaction to the visit is discussed, along with its probable long-term impact on both Israeli public opinion & political leadership; prospects for reciprocal actions; & the implications for Israeli-Palestinian relations. Although Sadat's trip culminated in the signing of the historic Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty, he understood the critical importance of the Palestinian issue for lasting peace, & expected his Jerusalem initiative to pave the way for a comprehensive agreement with other Arab states. It is noted that the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty signed 25 years ago has not yet fulfilled its promise & is unlikely to do so without a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. J. Lindroth