Geneva - United Nations
Dates (tentative): July 2 - 27, 2008
Group Leader(s): Prof. Denise Garcia (denisegarcia@neu.edu) and Prof. Nikos Passas (College of Criminal Justice at NU)
Director of Operations: Yasmin Sharif
Course Description:
Geneva: Global Issues and Humanitarian Action
A Dialogue of Civilizations to the World's Capital of Humanitarian Action
and the European headquarters of the United Nations
Geneva is the most international city in the world. It is a crossroads of humanity where peoples of all civilizations meet to work for the most important issues of our time in its several international and non-governmental organizations.
We will be interacting (lectures, private meetings, lunches, dinners) with: the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Labor Organization, the UN Environment Program, the World Trade Organization, the Small Arms Survey, NATO, the International Crisis Group, United Nations Convention on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Division on Globalization and Development, the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, among others. Geneva is near the Alps and a hiking excursion is planned. You will be meeting over 25 (of over 20 different nationalities) practitioners, diplomats, UN officials, on diplomacy, humanitarian action, and activism for the most pressing world problems.
Since the end of the Cold War, the world has become substantially more complex resulting in profound consequences for the practice and study of international politics. The twenty-first century presents a range of more interconnected global issues; i.e. challenges and threats that go beyond states' borders. These challenges move much beyond states' borders. The search for creative and innovative international cooperation is essential. In the disarmament field for instance, this is particularly urgent. During the Cold War, multilateral negotiations, especially over arms control and disarmament were conducted with little interference from civil society and with no connection to other major policy issues, such as development, public health, and environment. Threats were those aimed at the state and posed principally by other states. This picture has radically changed in the last fifteen years.
How can multilateral negotiations on global issues take account of such multiple interconnected challenges? Most importantly, how can a much-needed humanitarian focus assume prominent role in the conduct of international relations today? How can future negotiators, researchers, and practitioners of global issues create more effective ways to address them through a humanitarian prism?
This Dialogue will therefore examine some of the pressing problems and global issues that are predominant in the international agenda of states, and international and non-governmental organizations. Principally in its aims, the Dialogue will examine the tools and practice of disarmament and humanitarian action as a way to address some of the highlighted challenges for ultimately achieving peace among nations, and global development.
The Dialogue will also include a short stop in Brussels, capital of the European Union, for students to visit the International Crisis Group (ICG) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The ICG is the leading think tank researching on the causes and solutions to conflicts worldwide. At NATO, students will be visiting the Middle East Division, and NATO's Partnership for Peace. You will meet citizens from around the world in this trip!
See the Geneva Powerpoint!
View student Emily Turner's video slideshow of her experience on the 2007 Geneva Dialogue.
Course Credits: IAFU938 Dialogue of Civilizations Globalization and Social Science (4 credits) and 4 credits in POLU938 Syllabus
Cost of Program: It is anticipated that most of the major costs related to this program can be covered by Summer tuition. There may be an additional program fee depending on length of stay in-country, airline ticket prices, or other extra-ordinary expenses. Students will be responsible for some meals (dinners cost approx. 15 US$) and spending money.
Application Process: The program is open to students of any major, but priority will be given to upperclass students. Download the Dialogue of Civilizations application, enrollment form, and waiver form. Turn in the completed forms to Cynthia Rapp in the International Affairs Office, 270 Holmes Hall.
Application Deadline: December 14, 2007
Disclaimer: Some information posted here is tentative and subject to change based on costs and dates of available flights. The website is updated as current information becomes available.
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