Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution: A New Collaboration for Exchange between the United States and Colombia

Wayne State University, Michigan, United States
Strategic Partner: Universidad Externado de Colombia, Colombia

Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution: A New Collaboration for Exchange between the United States and Colombia

Wayne State University and the Universidad Externado de Colombia will establish a pilot, student exchange program to study the fundamental approaches to conflict resolution and peace initiatives in both countries, and learn about the practical skills necessary to build careers in this field. The joint course will provide students with the opportunity to learn from two geographic settings with different experiences and perspectives on conflict and post-conflict resolution: Detroit, Michigan and Bogotá, Colombia. U.S. students will analyze the recent evolution of Colombia’s armed conflict, as well as the various peace processes and peace building experiences associated with it, including the Colombian peace accords process and the re-integration of former fighters under conditions of democracy and justice. On the other hand, Colombian students will learn about Detroit’s history of civic conflict resolution, civil rights, and immigrant integration in the community, highlighting the inter-ethnic challenges and successes, and problems of crime, violence, and justice that are all intertwined with the unique economic conditions of the city.