Peace in the Basque Country, Peace around the World

Support student travel to research the Basque Country/Spain Peace Process on the ground as a case study to assist future peace processes around the world.

In a world where conflict seems to be the norm rather than the exception, the School of Diplomacy strives to contribute to the process of building peace among nations. The Basque Country has experienced protracted conflict described as "Europe's longest war" with roots that can be traced to the time of Spanish Civil War and before. To assess lessons that can be used to aid future peace processes around the globe and assist the Basque Country's continued peace-building with Spain, Dr. Borislava Manojlovic, the School's Director of Research Projects, has assembled a Basque Research Team. This team of graduate and undergraduate students works with the Basque government to examine the Basque peace process from all angles, including conflict negotiation, gender issues, economic implications, and language and culture, and publish their findings.

Studying this case from the U.S. alone will produce limited results. The Basque Study Abroad trip explores the consequences of the conflict and steps that are being taken to help spur the reconciliation process. Travel to the region allows them to experience the state of the peace process for themselves, interview people on the ground, and track the progress in real time. We need your support to fund travel for the student research team to visit the Basque Country and Spain to connect their research with primary sources, interview officials and civilians, participate in conferences and official meetings, and so much more.

The lessons that the student research team is learning about the role of women in conflict, the role art can play in peace processes, local approaches to economic development, post-transitional justice are having a real time impact on the way the Basque government moves forward in the peace process. In addition, the research can play a role in guiding future peace processes around the globe. Help the School to further its global impact on sustainable peace.

International travel to locales off the tourist track, published research, niche expertise in a region and area of study, these are the unique experiences that distinguish a student's resume when applying for jobs. Help our students to get that advantage they need to be successful after graduation.