Peace and security a growing focus for scholars – and a strong commitment for Rotarians

“Peace has been a core value of Rotary International since the mid-1920s. In fact, many of the projects and activities that Rotarians undertake around the world come from a commitment to peace-building,” says Ernie Ginsler, Assistant Governor (Kitchener- Waterloo) for Rotary International. This commitment extends to Waterloo’s graduate programs, with the Rotary Peace Scholarships.

 

For many years, Grebel’s undergraduate program has championed the study of conflict and peace-building. More recently they launched the professional Master of Peace and Conflict Studies program. The MA in Global Governance was developed by members of the Department of Political Science in 2007, and offers a stream focused on conflict and security.

 

As threats of war and militant conflicts appear to be on the rise – including expanding terrorism and use of remote weaponry such as drones -  the programs have an ever- stronger imperative to address rapidly developing threats to peace and security.

 

"War is not new. But the ways in which warfare is being conducted in the 21st century are new,” says Professor John Ravenhill, Director of the Balsillie School of International Affairs. "Now more than ever we need academic institutions to work together with governments to craft creative responses to the new security challenges."

 

While the Global Governance program tackles issue of security from the perspective of organizational players such as governments and NGOs, the Peace and Conflict Studies program addresses the pivotal role that individuals within civil society play in building and sustaining peace.

 

“Events in the world today profoundly demonstrate how violence begets violence,” says Professor Lowell Ewert, Director of the Peace and Conflict Studies programs. “It is

impossible to kill one’s way to peace.  What is needed is a new paradigm of mutual respect, human rights, affirmation of the dignity of everyone, which are the building blocks of decency that are formed and strengthened through education.” 

 

For over ten years, Rotary International has supported six university-based Rotary Peace Centres around the world. The local Rotary clubs currently support three graduate scholarships and are committed to increasing their support. “The unique history of this community,” says Mr. Ginsler, “plus a university whose programs span peace and conflict studies to global governance, makes it an ideal location for local Rotarians and others to invest in supporting students who are committed to building