Thought 2 as the class turns towards peacemaking:
The USIP publication under discussion was an interesting one and of course I appreciated the optimism, but admittedly, the cynic (/realist) in me was thrown by the sentimentalism so prevalent in the case studies provided - often involving radial turn-arounds, tears, and hugging. All well and good, very happy to see some progress, and enjoying the personal focus but it often came hand in hand with simplification and romanticizing the reality of the case.
Take Nigeria, for instance, a case I naturally turn to as it is my own case study at the moment (and, on a more personal level, having spent some time in West Africa and studied sub-Saharan African politics). In neither of the USIP chapters on work in Nigeria did they make a point of mentioning tribal or ethnic ties, regional divisions, or colonialism. ...And as I'm sure they know full well, one cannot have a proper discussion of religious conflict in Nigeria without at least referencing the names Hausa, Ibo, and Yoruba - particularly the first two, given past civil war, a secession attempt, and military coups.
Of course, the USIP publication wasn't meant to provide a history of the conflict (and same to the clip watched in class), but it strikes me that completely failing to mention these other very large and very serious factors was too distracting an omission for me to take seriously an already sentimental overview. I don't expect that every case study or discussion cover ever detail (impossible), but I'd hope that it would at least recognize the complexities.
*Side note on the USIP: have to admit, I was entertained when I first learned that they were relocating to a very snazzy, prominent new building just down the road from DOS headquarters. I attended a USIP event back in April 2010 and had a hell of a time finding the place, which didn't even occupy the entire building in which it was then housed. Can't decide how much I can applaud the symbolism of the relocation when I'm so entertained by the irony of it all. heh
No comments:
Post a Comment