Lessons from the Streets of Belfast

Over the past two years, Cohen has brought several Northern Ireland reconciliation workers to the UO to share “lessons from the streets” with his students as well as the Eugene community. These visitors have recounted their life stories — sometimes tragic, always moving — and their on-the-ground efforts to reconcile the citizens of a country divided for decades.

“Students always walk away with new perspectives and insights,” said Cohen.

Since the late 1960s, “The Troubles” — ongoing strife between Catholics/ Nationalists and Protestants/Unionists — have led to more than 3,000 deaths, primarily the result of urban warfare between paramilitary groups. Political ideology, in addition to religion, has fueled much of the conflict.

Peacemaking efforts by politicians — such as the “Good Friday Agreement” ceasefire in 1998 — have helped stem the tide of violence, but the grassroots efforts of activists like Cohen’s guest speakers are carrying out the community- level mediation, negotiation and education needed to heal the wounds.

Cohen also arranged for the speakers to visit various Eugene non-profits and organizations to gather ideas for their work.

Not only has Cohen brought the realities of Northern Ireland to the UO, but he has also arranged internships in Northern Ireland, using his contacts at both government and non-governmental organizations. Five students from his classes on “The Troubles” have interned so far, with more going this fall.

“Without exception," said Cohen, “students return transformed, many of them committed to working in the area of dispute resolution, all of them committed to reducing conflict on a personal level.”

The Carlton and Wilberta Ripley Savage Endowment for International Relations and Peace funded the visits from the Northern Ireland community workers and has also provided assistance to student interns.