The Experiential Peacebuilding Cycle: Grassroots Diplomacy, Environmental Education, and Ecological Norms
Publisher: Behaviorial Processes and Systems of Peace
Author(s): Saleem H. Ali and Todd Walters
Date: 2015
Topics: Cooperation
Countries: Indonesia, Iraq
Environmental issues can provide a higher purpose for cooperation despite their frequent framing as drivers of conflict. Linking environmental problems to integrative peace rather than to distributive conflict has much to do with instilling environmental norms through experiential education. In this chapter we consider the connections between experiential education and peacebuilding. We introduce a process model that we term the Experiential Peacebuilding Cycle and present case studies of experiential education in the Balkans and in Iraq that illustrate the model. We also discuss environmental education programs based on partnerships with specific social movements including religious organizations. We conclude with recommendations for furthering the experiential peacebuilding agenda through international development mandates.