Co-sponsors: The Fletcher School and the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict
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The only executive education program in the advanced, interdisciplinary study of nonviolent conflict, taught by leading scholars and practitioners of strategic nonviolent action and authorities from related fields.
Dates
June 23-30, 2007
Location
The Fletcher School, Medford, MA
Who should apply?
Members of local and international NGOs, journalists, staff members of international institutions, scholars and staff members of think tanks and research groups, and interested policy analysts and advisors.
Content
The pivotal global “battlefield” in the 21st century, in struggles for human rights, democracy and self-determination, may not involve violence or military force – but rather the use of civilian-based nonviolent conflict, in the same way that popular civic movements overturned oppressive systems in countries such as the Philippines, Chile, South Africa, Serbia and Ukraine. Unfortunately many writers and analysts misread the success of these struggles as driven by spontaneous protests, principled nonviolence, or rulers’ ineptitude. In contrast, the strategic ingenuity and tactical skills of those who take up nonviolent struggle in order to challenge injustice and oppression have often produced the outcome.
The Institute will address these questions: Why do certain civilian-led struggles succeed while others fail? What are the most important strategic considerations in using nonviolent resistance? What roles have media and communications played in struggles? How have external actors interacted with local movements? Historical and contemporary cases of civilian-based struggles will be examined, including issues-based movements as well as popular struggles against foreign occupations and authoritarian governments.
Today, as the oldest exclusively graduate school of international affairs in the United States, The Fletcher School continues to redefine itself to meet the demands of a world of dizzying change. As both a professional and academic institution, Fletcher develops the vital link between theory and practice in international relations. The Fletcher School is pleased to offer a certificate in the Advanced Study of Nonviolent Conflict that draws upon its multi-disciplinary approach to global affairs.
Summer Institute Modules
I. Global Framework for Nonviolent Conflict
II. Nonviolent Conflict and the Realities of Power
III. Resisting Oppression and the Choice of How to Fight
IV. Contemporary Struggles for Rights
V. Strategic Opportunities
VI. Transnational Activism and Assistance
Additional Components of Summer Institute:
- Documentary Films: A Force More Powerful; Bringing Down a Dictator
- The discussions will be supported and supplemented by showing both of these award-winning documentary films.
- Use of A Force More Powerful: A Game of Nonviolent Strategy
- A new state-of-the-art video game, “A Force More Powerful,” was released in 2006. The game is the only interactive educational tool that helps develop strategic and tactical decision-making skills in civil resistance and civilian-based movements.
- Teamwork: Participants will engage with concepts and strategies in team exercises and role play
Inquiries and Applications
Please direct inquiries for more information about the curriculum and faculty to Althea Middleton-Detzner, Program and Research Associate, International Center on Nonviolent Conflict, icnc@nonviolent-conflict.org.
Only a limited number of applicants will be invited to participate in the Summer Institute. Applicants should send a copy of their CV, along with a short (1-2 page) essay describing their motivations for participating and how it would contribute to their work, no later than April 30, to Althea Middleton-Detzner, at: icnc@nonviolent-conflict.org.
Fees
Participants (or their sponsoring organizations/institutions) will be expected to cover their own travel expenses to and from Boston.
Registration fees are as follows:
- Corporate/Major Institutional: $500
- Staff members of NGOs or other non-profit organization: $250
- Scholars and Journalists: $100
The registration fee may be waved for individuals with no institutional affiliation whose applications are accepted and demonstrate real need. A limited number of travel funding will be available.
Dates
June 23-30, 2007
Location
The Fletcher School, Medford, MA