Conference: Trust-Building in Conflict Transformation University Conference Centre, Gregynog

2008This conference was jointly sponsored by the centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Contemporary Political Violence (CSRV) and the DDMI and held at the University Conference Centre at Gregynog. The conference examined the role of trust-building in conflict transformation, particularly as it relates to violent conflicts where actors have frequently employed terrorism as a contentious strategy. Trust is often the first casualty of terrorism and can be further undermined by punitive forms of counter-terrorism.

At the same time, trust-building is central to establishing dialogue, the conflict resolution process and long-term conflict transformation. In a unique blend of presentations by leading scholars and political figures, and interactive problem-solving sessions, participants explored a range of important issues including: theoretical foundations of trust; trust and the effects of terrorism; practical cases of trust-building and dialogue in cases of recent and ongoing violent conflicts and trust-building as an alternative to radicalisation.

Speakers included Dr Arshin Adib-Moghaddam (SOAS), Jo Berry (conflict resolution speaker), Dr Marie Breen-Smyth (CSRV, Aberystwyth), Professor Karin Fierke (St Andrews), Professor Yair Hirschfeld (Haifa University), Professor Geoffrey Hosking (UCL), Dr Richard Jackson (CSRV, Aberystwyth), Robert Lambert (Founder, Muslim Contact Unit), Patrick McGee (conflict resolution speaker), Dr Arzu Merali (Islamic Human Rights Commission), Dr Basia Spalek (Birmingham), Professor John Tirman (MIT) and Professor Nicholas Wheeler.

The conference was held under Chatham House rules and a rapporteur's summary is now available.