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One of the most interesting parts of studying abroad in Morocco this semester is the unique perspective of my Moroccan professors. They teach international relations, Islamic culture, and Arabic classes - all topics that interact with the "human experience" a little more than my business economics classes at home. These professors have taught all over the world and have an outside view on American culture and an inside perspective on Islamic culture.
One class, Peace and Conflict Resolution, is taught by a professor who
studied in London. After taking International Negotiation at UofL, I was interested in the process of negotiating and resolving conflicts. In one of our sessions, we watched a TED Talk by Will Ury. He is a co-author of the influential negotiation book, Getting to Yes, and an all star conflict resolution professional. Ury offered a simple solution to so many of the long-lasting conflicts. "Going to the balcony" or utilizing the "3rd side" is the basic but difficult solution he posits. Taking a step back from the situation is one of the most effective beginning actions.
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| Claire Gothard - Class of 2019 |
Ury and his other Harvard allies have collaborated on a project to test this theory. Abraham's Path is an initiative to foster cross-cultural understanding by following the steps of Abraham - a father figure and role model in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The physical movement through Iraq, Syria, and Israel using the mission of compassion via Abraham portrays a potent message about connectivity and community. Ury's goal was to prove the effectiveness of taking this 3rd side to increase human connections and bring fighting peoples to a common level. The path of Abraham is a language all followers of Abrahamic religions understand. Walking the path leads people (many groups have since followed in the literal footsteps of Ury and his team in the journey) to not only converse and connect with people of all faiths and backgrounds but increases economic activity as well.
Ury ends the talk with a call to replace "Terrorism with Tourism" and "Conflict with Commerce." As a proponent of free markets and commercial interaction as a step toward peace, I was honestly surprised when the class discussion turned toward criticizing the economic approach to an initial action in the peace process. The American students in my class attacked the idea that we can replace harsh actions with actions of trade. While I understand that it may have been an oversimplification (if it were really that easy we would have sent Coca-Cola and McDonald's ages ago!), I was stunned by the push back to an idea that seemed to connect so many thoughts I've had. That discussion prompted me to write this blog reflecting on economics as an essential facet of conflict resolution and how I've seen interactions and transactions connect people all over the world.
In the spring, I attended a conference focused on the Economics of Happiness. We explored the indicators of happiness found in the economic metrics we use for other studies. One observation stood out: places with higher economic freedom tend to have higher levels of perceived happiness. Though we do not have a clear causal relationship, most economists concur that fiscal liberty and free markets correlate with happier people. Increasing the economic activity and encouraging entrepreneurial individuals along a path would begin to prompt the economic indicators of happiness.
With the global technological and communications revolution, commerce and observation are now faster and simpler. The advent of the internet has given people access to endless amounts of information. The ease of international communication has statistically increased empathy. The ability to watch videos of poor living conditions, wreckage after natural disasters, and even just know the names and faces of people in other countries has connected people globally. The humanity in all of us is tapped into when Haiti has an earthquake, when young girls are kidnapped by Boko Haram, when a hurricane cuts all power in Puerto Rico. When people are shown stories, they connect on a basic human level and are more open to cooperation to solve problems. The global increase in empathy is an instrumental step to the international goal of peace.
In the talk, Ury states, "walking is a powerful human tool." From walking to school to walking Abraham's path, the physicality of transportation by foot can be a powerful tool in connection. Walking can move you toward a goal or destination, it can keep you healthy, and it gives you the flexibility to experience a place and its people. In the past few months, I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel to new amazing places. And whether it's strolling the streets of Paris, navigating the maze of Moroccan markets, or hiking Bulgarian mountains, walking has forced me to slow down. I have time to appreciate the beauty of different physical space and cultures. A deep connection to a place--a feeling of home, spiritual calm, bliss even--can only come through methodical physical movement within a space. The connection gained by walking is a powerful representation of empathy and generates business for many local shops. I tend to buy an ice cream or water more often when walking home rather than taking a taxi.
In my mind, the concepts of peace, economics, and human connection are intertwined. It's not as simple as buying a bracelet made by Syrian refugees, but that's a great first step. We won't solve peace just by sending money or liking a Facebook post; we won't solve it by ignoring the essential role of commerce. I think Ury is on the right track and I'm excited to see how the rest of my semester plays out.
Claire Gothard, of Louisville, Ky., is a sophomore McConnell Scholar studying economics, liberal studies, business and political science.