A conversation with Prof. Kevin Clements, Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies and Foundation Director, The Australian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies.

In our hour long discussion over Skype, we talked about a number of issues related to terrorism, violence, peacebuilding and conflict transformation in the contemporary world. Even though the call quality was somewhat poor and Kevin didn’t have a pair of headphones with him, the interview was extremely interesting and will be the first in a series of interviews with some of the world’s leading peacebuilders and mediators that Voices of Reconciliation Internet Radio will feature in the future.

Kevin spoke about the recent escalation of violence in Sri Lanka, and in particular, the myopic actions of both the Government and the LTTE regarding the Mavil Aru issue. Kevin mentioned time and gain the need to cost the escalation of conflict and another war - the economic, social and political costs of continued military action.

When asked about how a peace process can instill hope in the minds of those affected by conflict, Kevin responded by saying this was a very difficult thing to do and went on to explore why this was nevertheless important and the manner in which hope could be engendered.

I asked him what real effect non-violent peace movement had in the face of contemporary terrorism. Kevin's answer to this was interesting, placing the burden of proof on those who felt that violence is more effective than non-violence at bringing about a resolution to a conflict.

Speaking more broadly, Kevin touched upon the the on-going conflict in Lebanon and Isreal, the role of the international community, of the travails of third party mediation, the importance of community participation and human rights in a peace process.