10-11 September, 2008
University Conference Centre, Gregynog, Wales

Held at the University Conference Centre, Gregynog, in the beautiful Welsh countryside (see http://www.wales.ac.uk/defaultpage.asp?page=E3000), the aim of this conference is to examine the role of trust-building in conflict transformation, particularly as it relates to violent conflicts where actors have frequently employed terrorism as a contentious strategy. Trust is often the first casualty of terrorism and can be further undermined by punitive forms of counter-terrorism. At the same time, trust-building is central to establishing dialogue, the conflict resolution process and long-term conflict transformation. In a unique blend of presentations by leading scholars and political figures and interactive problem-solving sessions, participants will explore a range of important issues, including: the theoretical foundations of trust in conflict processes; trust and the effects of terrorism; practical cases of trust-building and dialogue in cases of recent and ongoing violent conflicts; trust-building as an alternative to radicalisation; and more.

Confirmed Speakers

Professor Yair Hirschfeld, Haifa University
Professor Nicholas Wheeler, Aberystwyth University
Professor Geoffrey Hosking, University College London
Professor Karin Fierke, St Andrews University
Professor John Tirman, MIT
Jo Berry and Pat Magee, Conflict Resolution speakers
Robert Lambert, founder of the Muslim Contact Unit
Arzu Merali, Islamic Human Rights Commission
Dr Arshin Adib-Moghaddam, SOAS
Dr Basia Spalek, Birmingham University

Draft Programme
Wednesday 10 September, 2008
1:00 – 2:00pm Arrival and registration
2:00 – 3:30pm Session 1: Trust-building in Theory and Practice
3:30 – 4:00pm Afternoon tea
4:00 – 5:30pm Session 2: Trust-building and Terrorism
6:00 – 8:00pm Dinner
8:00 – 9:00pm Keynote Address: Professor Yair Hirschfeld, Haifa University

Thursday 11 September, 2008
9:00 – 10:30am Session 3: Trust-Building in Practice
10:30 – 11:00am Morning tea
11:00 – 12:30pm Session 4: Trust-building and Iran
12:30 – 2:00pm Lunch
2:00 – 3:30pm Session 5: Trust-building as an Alternative to ‘Radicalisation’
3:30 – 4:00pm Afternoon tea and dispersal

Conference Fees include accommodation, dinner, lunch, and tea/coffee.
£100 – staff/waged
£50 – students
£35 – Thursday only

The conference organisers are offering 5 post-graduate student bursaries to the conference. The bursary will cover the student’s conference fee, but does not include travel to the conference. To apply, please send a 200 word statement stating why attendance at the conference will be beneficial to your research, the name and contact details of your current supervisor, and your own contact details – to Richard Jackson (rsj@aber.ac.uk).

For a Booking Form or Further Information, please contact: Richard Jackson – rsj@aber.ac.uk or Elaine Lowe – ell@aber.ac.uk.