The Talloires Tradition
O
n Saturday, May 30th, 2009, The Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy hosted its Eighth Annual Symposium at Tufts European Center in Talloires, France. The symposium has evolved over the years to become a tradition rich event, featuring a confluence of Fletcher alumni and distinguished international scholars, who come together to discuss the day’s most pressing global issues.
The 2009 Symposium commenced with opening remarks from Dean Stephen Bosworth during which he introduced the theme of the weekend’s discussion, “Making Peace, What Have We Learned?” This was followed by the keynote address from Martti Ahtisaari, the former President of Finland and laureate of the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize, who was later presented with The Fletcher School’s Dean’s Medal in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to promoting peace around the world.
The afternoon ushered in additional conversation including a panel discussion (hosted by Dean Peter Uvin and Professor Eileen Babbitt) that explored processes of sustaining peace.
Dean Uvin emphasized the need to examine root causes of conflict when dealing with conflict resolution, noting that war changes root causes such as the polity, relations, economy and the minds of people, and that as a result, priorities change. He added that it is important to deal with the issues in the here and now.
Uvin stressed the importance of continuing to invest in discussion, mediation, and politics as even after peace has been established. He added that the process of conflict resolution takes time and that it may be impossible to cause change very quickly. Rather, it is important to find small opportunities in order to learn, access information, and make changes gradually.
Professor Eileen Babbitt spoke on the themes of co-existence and reconciliation in peace-building. She explored elements of social group psychology and identity focusing on the construction of national narratives as a part of identity, the notions of group loyalties, and social norms.
Professor Babbitt used many salient global examples during her discussion, such as the Israeli-Palestinian comparison, the Tutsis and Hutus in Rwanda, and the political violence that surrounded The Troubles in Northern Ireland. She addressed ways in which to approach intergroup dynamics, focusing on the key elements: re-humanizing the other, re-introducing complexity beyond us vs. them identity, and the need for leadership in helping to re-frame the relationship.
“Reconciliation is probably never over.” Babbitt described the process as an ongoing negotiation. The relationship may always possess tension, which is why it critical to recognize and normalize it.
Pointed questions raised by Fletcher alumni and guests rounded out discussions at the symposium. The diverse group of participants drew from personal experiences and perspectives through the trajectory of questions, including many salient topics such as the 20th anniversary of Tienanmen Square, Israel & Palestine, Zimbabwe, Pakistan & Afghanistan.