Areas affected by conflict invariably find themselves at the centre of practices of knowledge production as a vast array of experts attempt to understand and explain the situation whilst developing appropriate responses to alleviate suffering, mitigate tensions and search for peaceful solutions. Knowledge about the causes and consequences of conflict is produced through a variety of sources, such as news reports, in academic writings, in policy documents, and in public pronouncements by politicians and other public figures, amongst other sources. This knowledge then informs and circumscribes possible responses to the conflict, enabling certain forms of intervention whilst rendering others unthinkable. Knowledge is also produced, circulated and disseminated through the training of those individuals and organisations intervening in the conflict, such as militaries, security personnel and NGOs. Finally, the transfer of knowledge from the international community to the local population forms another integral component of many interventions, with various organisations devising strategies aimed at developing the political, economic and social foundations for postconflict recovery (e.g. World Bank grants to community entrepreneurs, UNESCO education projects, human rights training, amongst numerous other examples).

The Conflict, Intervention and the Politics of Knowledge conference is free of charge and will explore the production and circulation of knowledge in these inter-related areas.

To reserve a place at this conference simply email me at rebecca.whitehead@manchester.ac.uk. Note that places will be awarded on a first come, first served basis.