News from the European Wasatia Graduate School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

"St. Edmund’s College Associates Enrich Rule of Law and Democracy Conference"

Professor Wüstenberg and Dr. Barakat, both associate fellows of St. Edmund’s College, University of Cambridge, recently participated in an impactful conference held on April 18th at St. Edmund’s College. The conference, titled "The Rule of Law and Democracy: What Values Are at Stake?" sparked insightful discussions on pivotal topics.

During the event, Professor Wustenberg engaged with a paper titled "What Do We Mean by Rule of Law and What Is the Connection with Democracy?" presented by Sebastian Platon from the University of Bordeaux. Dr. Barakat contributed by responding to a paper titled "European Responses to Challenges to the Rule of Law in European Member States and in Third Countries," presented by Professor Ramona Coman, director of the Horizon Research Programme on Dissent in Europe at ULB.

Their active participation and valuable contributions enhanced the discourse, bringing diverse perspectives to the forefront of the conference.

Yosur Al Khukun Delivers Insightful Lecture on Cinema and Society

On Tuesday, April 23rd, Yosur Al Khukun, a dedicated PhD student at the EUF Wasatia Graduate School for Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies, delivered a thought-provoking lecture on the Intersection of Cinema and Society. In her presentation, she delved into the captivating realm of cinema and its profound societal impact, addressing fundamental questions such as: What is Cinema? What is the relationship between cinema and society? Why do we watch what we watch? How does cinema portray various topics such as cultures, traditions, and identities? And, crucially, how do both cinema and societies interact?

Guiding the audience through these inquiries in English, Yosur Alkukhun offered valuable insights into this dynamic subject. The event commenced with a prayer for peace, setting a reflective tone, followed by a delightful dinner. Attendees seized the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions, enhancing their understanding of the complex relationship between cinema and society.

First Wasatia Scholar in Residence: John Loughlin from Cambridge University

Professor John Loughlin from Cambridge University will be joining the European Wasatia Graduate School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at Europa Universität Flensburg as the first Scholar in Residence starting from May 1st for a two-month period. During his residency, Professor Loghlin will deliver a lecture titled "The Northern Ireland Good Friday Agreement: Peace, but is there Reconciliation?" This promises to be an insightful and thought-provoking session.

Furthermore, Professor Loughlin will be leading a workshop for the PhD students in the European Wasatia Graduate School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, offering them valuable insights and guidance. His expertise and knowledge will undoubtedly enhance the academic experience for both the university and the students. We eagerly anticipate his contributions to our academic community.

If you wish to delve deeper into Professor Loughlin's biography, please find additional details below.

Biography

Professor John Loughlin is a distinguished Senior Research Fellow at Blackfriars Hall, University of Oxford, and an Emeritus Fellow of St Edmund's College, University of Cambridge. He also holds the title of Emeritus Professor of European Politics at Cardiff University. With a rich academic background, Professor Loughlin has served as a Visiting Professor at esteemed institutions such as Sciences Po, Paris, Bordeaux, and Aix-en-Provence, among others. His expertise extends to advising international bodies including the Council of Europe, the United Nations Habitat Programme, and the EU's Committee of the Regions. Professor Loughlin's research focuses on regionalism, federalism, and European integration, reflected in his extensive publications including "The Oxford Handbook of Local and Regional Democracy in Europe" (OUP, 2010). His contributions to European studies have been recognized through awards such as an honorary doctorate from the University of Umeå and appointment as Officier dans l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques by the French government. Beyond academia, Professor Loughlin's personal journey, from his time as a soldier to his experience in a Cistercian monastery, informs his exploration of political conflict and its theological dimensions, evident in his book "Human Dignity in the Judaeo-Christian Tradition: Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Protestant Perspectives" (Bloomsbury Press, 2019). His multifaceted approach to understanding conflict enriches both scholarly and spiritual discourse. Picture: Dr. Barakat and Prof. John Loughlin (right)

New PhD researchers:

The European Wasatia Graduate School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at Flensburg University is delighted to announce the arrival of its new cohort, consisting of thirteen international students.

Planned Events:

A welcome ceremony is planned for May 29, 2024, with the distinguished presence of Aydan Özoğuz, Vice President of the German Parliament. This ceremony signifies the beginning of their academic journey, and we eagerly anticipate supporting and guiding them every step of the way. The Wasatia Team organizes this semester the 6th Wasatia/ICES Lectures Series under the topic of "Approaches to Reconciliation and Conflict Resolution". European Wasatia Graduate School PhD Student Tea Hodaj invites to the ICES Book Club. This semester’s theme: Emigration and Borders. With the book Recommendation: "The Beekeeper of Aleppo" by Christy Lefteri (further information can be found below in the ICES Events section).

Past Events:

In late January 2024, Prof. Wüstenberg and Dr. Barakat from the Wasatia Graduate School actively participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by the Maecenata Foundation. The discussion focused on analyzing the social impact of the escalation in the Middle East since October 7th within Germany. Professor Wüstenberg and Dr. Barakat were honored with an invitation to address the Rotary Club Flensburg on Monday 25th March, where they delivered a lecture on the significance of hope in the Middle East. The event featured enlightening contributions from two Palestinian students, Ms. Doa’ Jabari and Mr. Nemer Shaheen, who shared their firsthand experiences of life in conflict-ridden areas, specifically Hebron city and the Gaza Strip.