Book Launch: Functional Coexistence in Socio-Political Conflict

Join us for the launch of Functional Coexistence in Socio-Political Conflict: Enabling Social Change Across Decades, edited by Tatsushi Arai (Kent State University) and Margarita Tadevosyan (George Mason University).

About the Book:

This book introduces the concept of functional coexistence as a context for building practical strategies for long-term conflict intervention and social change.

Functional coexistence is a pragmatic relationship of mutual non-recognition sustained in the absence of physical violence. In this volume, a team of internationally recognized scholar-practitioners of peacebuilding presents seven in-depth case studies of functional coexistence, expanding its potential for practical conflict intervention. Bridging theory to evidence and vision to practice, the book offers guideposts for sustained conflict intervention, presents compelling examples of peace potential within the context of functional coexistence, and identifies common pathways for change among them. It also proposes a customized framework for program evaluation and highlights the merit of long-term policymaking and funding. Instead of losing hope based on traditional expectations of conflict resolution and reconciliation, this pioneering study of conflict non-resolution demonstrates the power of tenacious pragmatism, strategically guided by a decades-long historical view of social change.

Opening remarks delivered by Dr. Alpaslan Ozerdem, Dean of the Carter School

Panel Discussion Participants:

• Dr. Tatsushi Arai, Associate Professor of Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, Kent State University
• Dr. Margarita Tadevosyan, Executive Director, Center for Peacemaking Practice, George Mason University
• Dr. Gül Mescioglu Gür, Senior Professorial Lecturer, Washington Semester Program, American University
• Dr. Mohammed Abu-Nimer, Professor, International Peace and Conflict Resolution, School of International Service, American University
• Dr. Doğa Erlap, Senior Professorial Lecturer, Peace, Human Rights & Cultural Relations, American University
• Dr. Ann Phillips, Fellow, Center for Peacemaking Practice, George Mason University