UI International Programs

A wonderful start to International Education Week!

Why peace is more than ending wars

​World leaders and international agencies need to pay more attention to what happens between warring countries after hostilities between them cease, a University of Idaho scholar says.

​“Peace is an ecosystem, not just an event,” Dorine Tyr, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Politics and Philosophy, said Tuesday.

She spoke at the Renfrew Interdisciplinary Colloquium as part of U of I’s International Education Week. About 35 people attended.

​The traditional model for peacebuilding suggests that peace will automatically follow a peace agreement. This incorrectly assumes that peace begins after the violence ends, Tyr said. Instead, the failure to address underlying conditions – such as government corruption and lack of trust in electoral systems – leaves those nations vulnerable to more conflict.
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She advocated for a model of positive peace, a term coined by Johan Galung, a Norwegian peace researcher. Tyr defined that as a system that builds societal strength by removing what she called “triggers of conflict.”

​To go beyond traditional peacebuilding, Tyr called for attention to daily interactions between citizens, distribution of power (including gender dynamics), institutions and the rule of law.

​She described the peacebuilding experience of three African countries: Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Botswana. Tyr called Botswana “a story of legitimacy” because the peace process incorporates the views of indigenous peoples.

“Peace in Botswana lasts because the people trust their institutions,” she said.

​Before coming to the University of Idaho, Tyr was a Fulbright scholar at Syracuse University. She has been a consultant for the International Center for Journalists.

(Kenton Bird, reporting and photo)

Global Music Open Mic Night

Join the International Programs Office at One World Café (off-campus) for an exciting night of music and culture in celebration of International Education Week! From traditional tunes to modern melodies, we welcome all genres with an international twist. No exceptional talent is required — we're just down for a good time. A full PA system and piano keyboard will be provided — just bring your instrument and your passion!

Global Scavenger Hunt

Celebrate International Education Week with the International Programs Office and School of Global Studies at our Global Scavenger Hunt! Team up with friends to explore different regions of the world, answer trivia questions about countries and cultures, and collect passport stamps as you travel between stations throughout the Admin Building. Teams of up to five participants can test their global knowledge, learn something new, and compete for fun prizes, including international treats. Come join us for an hour of friendly competition and global discovery!

FIFA WORLD CUP FINAL WATCH PARTY 🌎

This Sunday. Doors open at 11.45am at the IPO Event Center (LLC Building #3), 901 Paradise Creek St.

See you there!

Who are you rooting for?