academic

The New Empire of AI with Dr Rachel Adams [Ep. 39]

In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, host Laura May welcomes Dr Rachel Adams, founder and CEO of the Global Center on AI Governance and author of The New Empire of AI: The Future of Global Inequality. Rachel’s book explores how AI is reshaping global inequalities and examines its historical ties to colonialism. Together, Laura and Rachel explore the complexities of AI governance, the AI divide, and the ethical challenges facing emerging technologies.
Key Highlights:
[00:00:00] Rachel’s journey into AI and governance: From her PhD on transparency and surveillance to becoming a global thought leader on AI governance, Rachel shares her professional journey.
[00:05:10] Why isn't AI transparent?: What makes AI systems so complex and why transparency in AI remains a critical and elusive goal.
[00:08:16] AI, inequality, and colonialism: How AI’s development and supply chains echo historical patterns of extraction and exploitation, and its disproportionate impact on the Global South.
[00:18:21] The AI divide: Examining the stark disparities in access to AI technologies and their benefits, and the resulting social and economic inequalities.
[00:23:26] Who does the work, and where?: Exploring the human cost of AI production, from data labelling to e-waste, and the economic challenges for workers in the Global South.
[00:28:36] AI governance and policy-makers: The need for international regulation, capacity-building in the Global South/Global Majority Countries, and empowering oversight institutions to create fairer systems.
[00:36:35] What can we do to help?: Concrete steps for individuals to support more equitable AI development and the importance of raising awareness about AI’s impact on global inequality.
[00:40:53] Where to learn more?: Connect with Rachel--and buy her book!
Links:
The New Empire of AI: The Future of Global Inequality by Rachel Adams (Polity Press): Available Here (Polity Press), Amazon US (hardback releasing January 2025, Kindle already available), Amazon UK (hardback releasing November 22), Waterstones
Global Center on AI Governance: globalcenter.ai
African Observatory on Responsible AI: africanobservatory.ai
Follow Rachel on LinkedIn and Twitter/X
Key Takeaway: Dr Rachel Adams argues that AI’s inequalities cannot be fully understood without recognising their roots in colonialism. Her book challenges us to rethink AI’s role in society and invites us to join the conversation about building a more equitable future.

Rwanda's Gacaca courts and gender-based violence with Dr Judith Rafferty [Ep. 37]

Rwanda’s Gacaca Courts and Gender-Based Violence with Dr Judith Rafferty
In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, host Laura May speaks with Dr Judith Rafferty, an expert mediator and researcher, about the complex role of Rwanda’s Gacaca courts in addressing sexual violence in the aftermath of the Rwandan Genocide. Dr Rafferty draws on her extensive experience and research to explore how these community-based justice mechanisms handled gender-based violence cases and whether they met the justice needs of survivors.
Key Highlights:
Dr Rafferty’s Journey into Sexual Violence Research: Discover what led Dr Rafferty to focus on conflict-related sexual violence, beginning with her work in the Central African Republic and her exposure to informal justice systems.
Understanding the Gacaca Courts: Learn about the history and purpose of Rwanda’s Gacaca courts, traditional community-based justice processes that were reimagined to address the aftermath of the genocide.
Sexual Violence in the Gacaca Courts: Dr Rafferty explains how sexual violence cases were eventually incorporated into the Gacaca system, and the challenges this brought for victim-survivors.
Justice Needs of Survivors: Explore the justice needs identified in Dr Rafferty’s research, including safety, validation, and perpetrator accountability, and how the Gacaca courts succeeded or fell short in meeting these needs.
Social Cohesion and Healing: A discussion on whether the Gacaca courts were able to foster societal healing and reintegration for survivors of sexual violence, and the ongoing challenges faced by survivors today.
This episode provides valuable insights into the intersection of traditional justice systems, gender-based violence, and post-conflict recovery in Rwanda.
Links:
TEDx Talk: When Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word. But I Don’t Care | Judith Herrmann
3-Minute Thesis: Judith Rafferty for Conflict Management and Resolution
Policy Brief: Sexual Violence After Genocide
Journal Article: Justice Interests of Female Victim-Survivors of Sexual Violence in Gacaca
Article: Interviewing Rwandan Survivors of Sexual Violence
Critical Analysis: Transitional Justice Measures in Gacaca
Full Citations:
Herrmann, J. (2017). When sorry seems to be the hardest word, but I don’t care. TEDxJCUCairns. Link to TEDx Talk
Rafferty, J., & Fox, N. (2023). Sexual violence after genocide. Policy Brief. International Association of Genocide Scholars. Link to Policy Brief
Rafferty, J. (2018). "I wanted them to be punished or at least ask us for forgiveness”: Justice interests of female victim-survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and their experiences with Gacaca. Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal, 12(3), 95–118. Link to Article
Herrmann, J. (2017). Experiences, challenges, and lessons learned; interviewing Rwandan survivors of sexual violence. Griffith Journal of Law & Human Dignity, 5(1), 165–188. Link to Article
Herrmann, J. (2012). A critical analysis of the transitional justice measures incorporated by Rwandan Gacaca and their effectiveness. James Cook University Law Review, 19, 90–112. Link to Article
Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:01:08] What drew Judith to study sexual violence?
[00:08:35] What were the Gacaca Courts?
[00:14:31] Rape and the Gacaca trials
[00:19:28] Protecting victims in Gacaca
[00:23:50] Outcomes for victims?
[00:29:19] Justice and outcome needs of victim-survivors
[00:34:55] Did Gacaca repair victims (enough)?
[00:41:42] Coping with the research
[00:44:22] Where to learn more about Judith's work

Reframing Peace Mediation with Dr Owen Frazer [Ep. 36]

Reframing Peace Mediation with Dr Owen Frazer: A Deep Dive into Conflict Transformation
In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, host Laura May engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr Owen Frazer, a seasoned conflict resolution expert and Senior Advisor for Conflict Transformation at Helvetas. Dr Frazer, with over two decades of experience and a new book titled Reframing Peace Mediation, shares invaluable insights into the art and science of mediation in conflict settings.
Key Highlights:
Dr Frazer's Journey and Motivation: From Belfast to becoming a leading voice in peace mediation, explore Owen's motivations and how his experiences shaped his approach to conflict resolution.
The Gaps in Mediation Literature: A critical look at the disconnect between academic research on mediation and practical, on-the-ground conflict resolution. Discover why Dr Frazer embarked on his PhD to bridge these gaps.
The El Salvador Peace Process: An in-depth exploration of Dr Frazer’s research on the 1989-1992 peace negotiations in El Salvador, focusing on the complexities of facilitative mediation and the power dynamics at play.
Framing in Mediation: Uncover Dr Frazer's innovative framework that explains how mediators can effectively influence outcomes through strategic framing actions—naming, claiming, and gaming.
The Role of Pragmatism in Peacebuilding: A discussion on how pragmatic decision-making impacts the longevity and acceptance of peace agreements, particularly in the context of political mediation.
Dr Frazer's Current Work: Insights into Owen’s current role at Helvetas, where he advises on conflict transformation across various contexts, from grassroots peacebuilding to navigating complex political landscapes.
This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the evolving practice of peace mediation and the intricate dance of framing that underpins successful conflict resolution.
Links:
Reframing Peace Mediation by Dr Owen Frazer: Routledge
Helvetas: Helvetas Official Site
Dr Owen Frazer's LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile
Timestamps:
Introduction and Welcome - [00:00:00]
Owen's Journey into Peace Mediation - [00:01:00]
Gaps in Mediation Literature - [00:02:00]
The El Salvador Peace Process - [00:06:00]
Framing in Mediation - [00:10:30]
Pragmatism in Peacebuilding - [00:30:00]
Dr Frazer’s Current Work at Helvetas - [00:35:33]
How to Get Involved in Conflict Transformation - [00:40:42]
Conclusion and Contact Information - [00:44:00]

Innovating 'peace' with Stephen Gray [Ep. 35]

Innovating Peace with Stephen Gray: Embracing Inclusive and Adaptive Strategies
Join host Laura May in this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast as we explore the world of inclusive peacebuilding with Stephen Gray, Director of Adapt Peacebuilding and Doctoral Researcher at the University of Sussex. With 18 years of experience in developing non-violent solutions for conflict zones, Stephen shares his journey and insights on transformative approaches to peace. Highlights include:
Stephen's journey from New Zealand to various global conflict zones, exploring his motivations and experiences.
The impact of the 2021 Myanmar coup on local peace processes and the role of social movements in challenging power dynamics.
An in-depth discussion on the crucial role of women in peace processes, highlighting how their inclusion transforms power structures and outcomes.
Stephen’s current PhD research on the differences between structured peace processes and broad-based social movements.
Innovative methodologies used by Adapt Peacebuilding to empower local communities to create their own conflict solutions.
This episode offers a profound look at the evolving landscape of international peacebuilding, emphasising the need for innovative, inclusive, and adaptive strategies in addressing modern conflicts.
Links
Adapt Peacebuilding: https://adaptpeacebuilding.org/
Adapt Peacebuilding podcast: https://adaptpeacebuilding.org/podcast/
Stephen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-the-gray/
Bookmarks
Introduction to the Conflict Tipping Podcast - [00:00:00]
Stephen's Journey into Peacebuilding - [00:01:04]
PhD Research and Myanmar's Peace Process - [00:06:07]
The Role of Women in Peace Processes - [00:12:56]
Defining Peace and Its Challenges - [00:18:07]
Challenges in Peacebuilding Funding - [00:22:05]
Adapt Peacebuilding's Approach - [00:28:43]
Innovations in Peacebuilding - [00:30:10]
Personal Reflections and Inspirations - [00:32:16]
Conclusion and Contact Information - [00:39:04]

Researching the end of the (peacebuilding) world as we know it with Dr Julia Palmiano Federer [Ep. 31]

Peace, Conflict, and the Power of Inclusion: Insights from Dr. Julia Palmiano Federer
What happens if you put two mediation fangirls who also happen to be intersectional feminists together into the same conversation? This episode! Host Laura May and guest Dr. Julia Palmiano Federer dive into critical discussions on peacebuilding and conflict mediation. Highlights include:
Julia's journey from Manila to Vancouver, and her path to becoming a researcher in peace and conflict studies.
Exploration of critical, feminist, and decolonial approaches to peace research and the significance of unofficial peace dialogues.
Insights from Julia's work on NGOs mediating peace in Myanmar, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and local cultures in peace processes.
Discussion on the impact of climate change on conflict, with a focus on Indigenous communities in Turtle Island (North America).
Preview of Julia's forthcoming projects, including a book on mediation process design and an edited volume examining apocalyptic narratives in peacebuilding.
This episode provides a look into the challenges and opportunities within international peace mediation, emphasizing the importance of empathy, inclusivity, and critical self-reflection in addressing modern conflicts.
Links
Julia's academic website - https://juliapalmianofederer.com/
The Power to Protect (Report) - https://ottawadialogue.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/PowertoProtect-Report_IDRC_JDr.-Julia-Palmiano-Federer-Ms.-Lorelei-Higgins-Parker_compressed.pdf
NGOs Mediating Peace (Book) - https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-42174-7
University profile - https://css.ethz.ch/en/center/people/dr-julia-palmiano-federer.html
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliapalmianofederer/
Co-authors mentioned: Samantha Marie Gamez, and Lorelei Higgins Parker.
Julia Palmiano Federer
Dr. Palmiano Federer is a Senior Researcher at the Center for Security Studies at ETH Zürich. She is also currently a Senior Fellow at the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Collaboratory at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership. Her research interests include critical, feminist and decolonial approaches to inclusive peace processes, unofficial peace dialogues and the nexus between climate change and conflict. She is the author of NGOs Mediating Peace: Promoting Inclusion in Myanmar’s Nationwide Ceasefire Negotiations, published in Open Access format by Palgrave Macmillan. She is a Laureate of the 2022 Women, Peace and Security Research Awards for her work on women, peace, security, and climate change. She was born in Manila, Philippines, and raised on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations (Vancouver).
Bookmarks
00:00 Meet Dr. Julia Palmiano Federer: A Trailblazer in Peace Research01:25 The Journey to Peace Building: Manila, Geneva, and beyond09:06 Unpacking the Ethical Ick16:21 NGOs in the Peace Process: Mavericks or Cowboys?23:13 Decolonizing Peace: A Critical Look at Norm Spreading27:46 The Future of Peace Mediation: More Caveats, More Care28:28 Unveiling 'The Power to Protect'29:02 Bridging Worldviews: Indigenous and Western Perspectives on Conflict31:11 The Journey of Research: Unlearning and Relearning33:47 Exploring Indigenous Women's Agency in Climate Change37:02 Positionality and Identity: Navigating Research as an Outsider44:50 Mediation Process Design and Apocalyptic Imaginaries48:37 Witches and Peacebuilding: Reclaiming Feminist Imagery52:57 Find out more about Julia's Work

Ubuntu in practice with Bryony Vince [Ep. 30]

Exploring Indigenous Approaches to Peacebuilding: The Idea of Ubuntu
In this episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast, host Laura May interviews Bryony Vince, a PhD candidate at the University of Sheffield in the UK and an advocate for context-specific indigenous approaches to peace-building. Bryony talks about her PhD focus on Ubuntu, a South African worldview that underscores interconnectedness and mutual dependence, as a tool for peace-building in South Africa. She discusses the challenges and nuances in implementing Ubuntu on the ground and its misinterpretations or misuse by governments and NGOs. In addition, Bryony shares her personal experiences in conducting field work, and her hopes for future research focusing on participatory methods, dialogue, and public space in peace-building.
0:00 Introduction00:56 Why Ubuntu? Why this subject?04:00 Why is this topic important to you?05:06 What is Ubuntu?09:05 The link between Ubuntu and peace-building12:10 Bry speaks IsiXhosa13:35 Back to peace-building and Ubuntu16:42 Do you practice Ubuntu?19:00 What's participatory research?20:58 Ubuntu as a peace 'tool'?26:31 Ubuntu post-Apartheid and structural conflict29:40 The favourite thing you learnt?31:39 Who's doing the unpaid care work? Who is peace building?36:26 What surprised you?39:57 What's next?41:47 How can people find you?
 
Links:
Twitter: @bryvince
Academic blog
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryonyvince/
University profile

Conflict prevention math with Neli Kirilova [Ep. 29]

Power Perception and Conflict Prevention in the Black Sea Region: A Conversation with Neli Kirilova
In this episode of 'Conflict Tipping Podcast', host Laura May speaks with Neli Kirilova, a researcher focused on power perception and conflict prevention in the Black Sea Region. Kirilova discusses why the Black Sea region is a nexus for conflict, largely due to cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity. She also delves into how foreign policy strategies can signal triggers for potential conflicts and effectively prevent escalation. The conversation then turns to discussing the importance of psychology and therapy in leadership.
Contents:
The Black Sea region and conflict
Influence and the six elements of power
Conflict prevention by formula
Applying conflict prevention
Refocusing on the constructive
What's next for Neli?
Neli's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neli-kirilova

Supporting mental health in conflict with Dr Nawaraj Upadhaya [Ep. 28]

Strengthening Mental Health in Conflict Zones: A Conversation with Dr. Nawaraj Upadhaya
In this episode of the Conflict Tipping Podcast, host Laura May interviews Dr. Nawaraj Upadhaya, Global Mental Health Director at HealthRight International. Dr. Upadhaya shares about his experience developing and implementing a WHO-associated Self-Help Plus intervention in Uganda and Sudan, targeting individuals dealing with mild to moderate stress. The intervention uses techniques based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and mindfulness and is delivered by lay health workers who need only a week's training. Dr. Upadhaya further elaborates on the intersection of mental health and conflict, the ethical dilemmas faced when working in conflict zones, and the need to care for frontline workers. He discusses how his personal background and experiences inform his work. Dr. Upadhaya's approach aims to empower individuals in difficult situations to find resilience and make positive changes in their lives.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation01:16 Understanding the Self-Help Plus Intervention04:29 The Impact of the Intervention on Participants07:25 The Power of Resilience in Conflict Zones08:25 The Process of Implementing the Intervention14:22 The Future of the Intervention28:52 The Role of Mental Health in Conflict31:57 Ethical Considerations in Conflict Work34:17 Caring for the Carers: Staff Wellbeing35:27 Conclusion and Contact Information
=======================
Dr Nawaraj Upadhaya, PhD, is a public health researcher and mental health system specialist. He is currently working as Global Mental Health Director at HealthRight International, New York, USA where he provides strategic and technical support in mental health and psychosocial support programming. Dr Upadhaya is also associated with the Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark as Associate Researcher.
He has over 18 years’ experience in community health, mental health and public health systems. He has experiences of working in humanitarian settings in Afghanistan, Burundi, Nepal, Uganda and South Sudan. He has also supported the programmes in Kenya, Vietnam, Ukraine and the USA. He co-directed the scaling up grant on Self Help Plus (SH+) in Uganda and also coordinated the Nepal program for a large multicountry consortium project called Emerging Mental Health Systems in Low- and- Middle Income Countries (EMERALD). He also coordinated the Post Research Ethics Analysis (PREA) project in Afghanistan, Nepal and South Sudan.
Dr Upadhaya’s work focuses on community mobilisation, community system strengthening, mental health systems, community mental health and policy engagement. He has published more than 30 papers in international journals and contributed in book chapters and manuals.
https://healthright.org/profile/nawaraj-upadhaya-phd-msc/

Nonviolence and Unarmed Civilian Protection with Dr Louise Ridden [Ep. 27]

In the latest episode of the Conflict Tipping podcast from Mediate.com, meet Dr Louise Ridden, a specialist in nonviolence and Unarmed Civilian Protection.  We talk about:
What is Unarmed Civilian Protection?  Where is it used?
How does UCP 'happen' in conflicts?
What is the role for mediation and mediators in UCP?
False binaries in war and peace
The role of peace-keeping and UCP in violent conflicts
Spaces, bodies, and time in conflict
About Louise:
Louise Ridden is a postdoctoral research fellow working on the sustainable security practices project , hosted by the Politics Unit in the Department of Management and Business and Tampere Peach Research Institute (TAPRI). She holds a PhD from Aberystwyth University, UK, where she was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. Her thesis 'Making alternative worlds: Unarmed civilian protection and nonviolent imaginaries of conflict' studied nonviolence as a way of knowing, doing, and being in armed conflict through the practice of unarmed civilian protection. 
Her current research interests include: principles and practices of unarmed civilian protection, the politics of nonviolence, Feminist IR theory, existentialist theory, knowledge production, and the intersection of nonviolence and political narrations of embodiment, space, and temporality. 
 
Connect with Louise:
Twitter: @louise_ridden
Faculty page: https://www.tuni.fi/en/louise-ridden

Queering the Colombian conflict with Dr Samuel Ritholtz [Ep. 25]

Hear from Dr. Samuel Ritholtz, a Max Weber fellow at the European University Institute and specialist in queer experiences of conflict, crisis, and displacement, as they talk about their research into anti-LGBT violence during Colombia's civil war. We explore the violence's impact on LGBT communities, the dynamics of paramilitaries, and the concept of queer peacebuilding. Let's dive in!
In this episode, we discuss:
The logic behind anti-LGBT violence by paramilitaries during Colombia's civil war.
Paramilitaries' history, including their connection to narco-trafficking and role in the conflict.
The concept of queer peacebuilding and its relevance in post-conflict settings.
The ontology of cruelty in civil war and the perception of different forms of violence.
Thanks to Sam for offering their insights into the intersection of conflict, violence, and queer experiences.  Connect with them here:
Samuel.RITHOLTZ@eui.eu
https://www.samuelritholtz.com/
https://twitter.com/SamRitholtz/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sritholtz/