Why Media Matters at ICAR

As the Russian tanks rolled into the city of Poti, Georgia, pundits emerged in the media, providing perspectives on the history of the conflict in the region, its relation to oil, and its context vis-a-vis global politics, providing predictions on the success of the mediated agreement. While certainly interesting, most of this analysis reinforces and intensifies existing polarizations in the region and in the world. There is little in the way of analysis or recommendations that address the long-term transformation of this conflict. We need "conflict resolution" perspectives in the media, where these views tell a new story, one that contributes to de-escalation, as well as new strategies for political leaders.

At the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ICAR), faculty and students are actively presenting a "conflict resolution" perspective on current conflicts around the world. For example, Professors Dennis Sandole and Susan Allen Nan have recently been doing media interviews on the conflict in Georgia. Professor Solon Simmons has been providing regular analysis of the presidential campaign, in light of his research on the culture conflict within the U.S. ICAR student Sam Risk and Professor Mark Gopin have done media interviews that highlight the role of identity and religion in the Middle East.

Faculty and students published a blitz of letters to the editor, over the past year, in the International Herald Tribune, Washington Post, Economist, New York Times, Financial Times, as well as op-eds in the Richmond Times Dispatch, Baltimore Sun, Christian Science Montitor, and The Hill. And YouTube hosts several pages of media interviews by ICAR faculty and students. ICAR's media presence is, in large part, due to the media expertise and enthusiasm of Michael Shank, Communications Director at ICAR. With his background in journalism, working in the policy community on the Hill in Washington D.C., Michael brings not only expertise in communications, but in the politics of policymaking.

And on top of all this, Michael is a doctoral candidate at ICAR, so he is able to help hone the "conflict resolution" perspective on world events. While research, which feeds our curriculum, is our core practice, we must ensure that we generate relevant research pertinent to resolution of conflicts today, and those of tomorrow. We want to impact, through our research, the course of events, reducing violence, ending genocide, and promoting sustainable peace. The world today cannot afford to have the light of conflict resolution under a bushel and ICAR is working to ensure that it shines brightly in the media, as well as in more traditional academic domains.

For a detailed listing of our interviews and articles,
go to http://icar.gmu.edu/ICAR_Newspage.