Dr. Tristan Mabry discusses power sharing arrangements that can be used to defuse group conflict with students in the CCMR in-residence course “Managing Ethnic Conflict and Religious Violence." - Defense Security Cooperation University

This 2-week seminar offered by the Prevention Relief & Recovery (PR&R) Program of CCMR introduces contemporary thinking on what causes and animates ethnic and religious tensions and violence. Participants learn and practice conflict analysis to facilitate evaluation of the various approaches governments use to manage these difficult situations. The engagement includes case studies as well as the personal testimonies of insiders from recent ethnic and religious violence. Participants will explore effective strategies of prevention and response and defense-sector reforms to enhance capacity, as well as develop their own take-away products. The workshop is oriented at the conceptual and societal level of analysis – it will not focus on tactical security techniques for confronting violence. The seminar is highly relevant for participants who either live in divided societies or may operate in areas facing ethnic or religious divisions.

Since participants will be a mix of US and international civilian and military officials the seminar provides an excellent opportunity for cross-community engagement and the development of partnering skills. This seminar is E-IMET certified.

Objectives:

1. Develop a strong understanding of the origins and dynamics of ethnic and religious violence.
2. Review and apply analytical tools for conflict analysis.
3. Investigate the various approaches used to prevent and respond to ethnic and religious violence and develop alternative approaches or strategies.
4. Explore the typical errors countries make and compile a more effective strategy of prevention and response.
5. Discuss and develop defense and security sector institutional reform proposals that can better equip national forces to prevent or respond to ethnic and religious violence.
6. Develop participant’s own case studies and learning modules to facilitate sharing and proliferation of key concepts once participants return to regular duty.
7. Build professional networks between and among conflict prevention and conflict management practitioners from the US and other countries.