In an increasingly polarized world where extremism and hatred seem to be on the rise globally, public debate seems to be driven more by emotions than facts often leading to curtailed opinion making. Media/social media often add fuel to the fire. In our education system there is little room for any discourse outside of the textbook. Contested issues and ideas are almost always topics of discussion outside the school.
How do we bring the discourse of relevant issues into spaces that traditionally have no room for them?
The PeaceWorks-History for Peace project endeavours to create this space.
Thing is that there is always a window. A frame. In varying shapes and sizes. And made of different material. Wood. Metal. Glass. Something that helps us see. Focus. Contemplate. Sometimes even meditate. On what is outside. Or appears to be. What is inside. Or appears to be. And that which is beyond. Often misted over. Hidden from hindsight. And therefore harder to comprehend. We cannot deny its existence. On the contrary. We must continue to seek it. Relentlessly.
Often the seeking will be enough.—Naveen Kishore
At this year’s History for Peace annual conference we look at the most contested idea of the 21st century—the idea of Nationalism—a concept that has seen wide scholarship in terms of method, depth, scale and quantity.
What is Nation?
What is Nationalism; What is the Construct of Nationalism?
History of Nationalism
The idea of Nation-hood; Citizenship; Patriotism
Nationalism and Identity
Nationalism and the school curriculum
The Left Wing Model of Nationalism
Nationalism and Borders
Nationalism and Media/Social Media
Nationalism, Religion and Iconography
Bringing together historians, scholars, educators and arts practitioners, these are some of the issues the conference will explore, with the aim of inspiring educators to take the discourse and understanding into schools.