International conflict resolution is an interdisciplinary field of study that allows students and practitioners to examine and formulate effective approaches to deadly conflict. Scholars in the field link their work to the study of development, human rights and humanitarian affairs, security policy and social psychology. The course of study integrates elements of these and other approaches into a framework that allows students to sharpen their understanding of root causes, conflict dynamics, and opportunities for conflict transformation.
CICR offers courses that seek not only to transfer knowledge, but also to encourage dialogue about conflicts and possible responses to them. As an interdisciplinary center, CICR partners with corresponding programs through the Columbia University Conflict Resolution Network, as well as with institutions outside the university. Because of its unique location in New York City, CICR provides access to the United Nations and a broad range of international organizations. CICR creates a bridge between the academic community and experienced practitioners. Building and strengthening such relationships is a crucial element of CICR’s endeavor to promote knowledge and implement initiatives in this emerging field.
CICR also offers training in conflict resolution theory and practice that often occur outside Columbia University’s typical classroom environment. These trainings provide a wide range of powerful opportunities for learning about conflict and responses to conflict. CICR’s training philosophy is grounded in a strong commitment to interactive, dialogue-based experiences that provide new pathways for transforming conflict. The center’s approach to training focuses on elicitive modalities that serve to uncover, clarify and strengthen responses to conflict operating within the participating institution or community. Elicitive learning is paired with didactic teaching interventions (e.g., lectures and presentations) as well as facilitated dialogues that serve to integrate theory, skills and experiences.
CICR has designed training curricula and workshops for groups ranging from ethnic minorities in Burma to police and community leaders in Northern Ireland. The CICR approach to training focuses on five themes: