The Public Mediation Programme of the University of Amsterdam is pleased to invite you to a one-day conference on the 17th of November 2017, to reflect on the significance and changing character of political practices and social relations in the Netherlands through the lens of conflict. As we expect seats to fill up quickly, we kindly ask you to reserve your ticket here.

This event will predominantly be in English, some components may be in Dutch depending on the composition of the group.

Have your conflicts or they will have you

Conflict is a particularly revealing perspective for democracies in diverse societies, in which the ability to govern is tied to the ability to deal with differences in a manner that does not destroy social and political relationships. Sustained impasse, deepening polarization, and practical frustrations can all have a corrosive effect on these relationships and undermine confidence in political practices and institutions. Limiting conflict—and thereby groups’ ability to articulate grievances and manage interdependence—can, similarly, undermine the legitimacy and resilience of democratic institutions and practices. The practical democratic question is, then, not whether, but how, to have conflicts. Reflecting on these conflicts—on where they start, how they develop, and how they are handled—can provide insights into the health of our democratic society.

For whom

The State of Conflict will bring together a diverse group from civil society, government, the private sector, and the research community to analyze and discuss trends in Dutch society. The day will be hosted by prof. dr. Alexander Rinnooy Kan.

The goal of the State of Conflict is to provide an opportunity to pause, step out of the daily flux of action, and take a look with others at the insights that conflicts can provide into the issues and problems that challenge the capacity of public, civic, and private institutions and practices. We will focus on three areas in which conflicts currently challenge practice and open the kind of ‘critical moments’ in which problems are engaged and relationships develop—for better or worse. These themes are:

• Community and Conflict
• The Shape of Civic Space
• Changing Patterns of Representation

The day will provide ample opportunities to examine developments in break-out sessions organized with several partners focused on these three themes, as well as to draw insights around the key themes in plenary sessions.

At the end of the conference, the first National Negotiation Award will be awarded, in cooperation with the Dutch newspaper NRC.

We look forward to welcoming you on November 17th!