Institute of Diplomacy and Conflict Transformation (IDCT)

Mission

The intricate relationship between diplomacy and the settlement of disputes by peaceful means is very much present in the notions of diplomacy and conflict resolution and in the transformation of conflicts into durable peace embedded in justice and human rights. The end of the cold war has created new geopolitical realities in the world system generating new types of global and internal conflicts requiring policymakers and scholars to go beyond the traditional rules of diplomacy. The devise of new techniques for resolving conflict such as conflict prevention, confidence building, peace building, and peace making are part of theses efforts. Moreover, diplomacy refers now to more than an interaction between two or more governments to incorporate unofficial exchanges of private citizens as well as unofficial diplomacy, the so-called “Track Two” diplomacy, in which private citizens develop solutions to situations marred with conflict. The aim of the Institute of Diplomacy and Conflict Transformation (IDCT) at the Lebanese American University is to employ a progressive definition of diplomacy in its efforts to create a culture of peace that would reduce violence and increase justice.  Our aim becomes particularly important in unstable regions such as the Middle East where there are protracted and deep rooted cycles of conflict that have created destructive and violent patterns.

The Mission of IDCT includes the following:

1. Disseminate knowledge – both accurate and relevant to the concerns of people and policymakers in the country and region about issues pertaining to the objectives of IDCT.
2. Conduct research and policy papers on issues relevant to diplomacy and conflict transformation either individually or in collaboration with similar institutions.
3. Provide current and aspiring diplomats, as well as NGOs, university students and individuals who are working (or seek work) at international agencies and civil society with training on a wide range of issues related to diplomacy, human rights, and techniques of resolving and transforming conflict.
4. Train members of the business community and the not-for-profit sectors (e.g. NGOs, and cultural and academic centers and institutes) to communicate effectively with the representatives of foreign governments and other governmental and non-governmental agencies.
5. Offer available consulting and forecasting services to the private business sector, particularly as this sector explores investment possibilities in Lebanon and the rest of the Middle East.

To achieve its mission, IDCT will engage in the following activities:

1. Carry out research projects, hold lectures and panels, organize workshops and conferences on topics pertaining to diplomacy, conflict transformation, and human rights.
2. Provide courses to train current and aspiring diplomats, civil society leaders, and individuals who seek careers pertaining to the goals of IDCT.
3. Join similar institutions with the aim of establishing a consortium to promote collaboration and create partnership in the organization of workshops, research projects, working papers, consulting opportunities to governments, NGOs, and international organizations.
4. Recommend LAU faculty and students to organize or participate in simulation models and exercises pertaining to the UN and other conflict transformation issues.
5. Organize workshops and seminars on pertinent topics.