The Baker Institute Annual Report 2022-23

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2022–2023 Annual Report

The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies

Editorial content for the 2022–2023 annual report was written and produced by Kaitlyn Granger, Program Coordinator of The Baker Institute. Assistance was provided by April Feagley, Assistant Director of Communication. Layout and design by Angie Ciccarelli, Graphic Designer.

From the Director

For more information on the Baker Institute’s academic department: www.juniata.edu/pacs

Dear supporters of the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, I take great pride in presenting the 2022-2023 Annual Report. This report showcases our collective commitment to peacebuilding, highlighting the shared achievements and milestones from the past year. As the director of this esteemed Institute, it has been an incredible privilege to support our mission of ‘studying warfare and deeprooted conflict as human problems and peace as a human potential.’

the Fall Semester and cultivated rich intellectual debates concerning the global implications of the conflict. In the Spring, the Institute sponsored students to attend an international conference in Montreal, Canada (pp. 16-17). This opportunity expanded student knowledge and network in the Peace and Conflict Studies field. We established a cooperation agreement with a prominent university in Costa Rica, took a student cohort to study in Kenya, and led conflict resolution training with a partner institute in Malaysia (pp. 7 & 9).

I am honored to lead such an exceptional team of colleagues. Thanks to the Baker Institute Scholar in Residence, Amr Abdalla, for his leadership and continued support for the Institute’s work, and Kaitlyn Granger, the Baker Institute’s Program Coordinator, for her excellent execution of our programmatic activities.

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Instagram and Twitter @juniatapacs

This year, we strengthened efforts to promote peace through various initiatives. None of this progress would have been possible without the engaged collaboration of our Juniata College community – most notably our academic department. The Department of Peace and Conflict Studies is officially a member of the Social Sciences Division at Juniata College; we believe it is one of the finest intellectual hubs on campus.

Throughout 2022-2023, The Institute pursued opportunities for international connection. We hosted our inaugural Baker Institute International Symposium, which focused on the War in Ukraine (pp. 14-15). The event brought experts to Juniata College in

I am grateful to the Senior Leadership at Juniata College, particularly Provost Bowen, and the Juniata College Trustees. We appreciate the Baker Institute Advisory Board members, students, and campus stakeholders for their trust in the work of the Institute.

As we look forward to the coming year, we remain committed to advancing our mission through research, programs, and partnerships. We firmly believe that peace is everybody’s business, and by working together, we can create a just world for all.

Sincerely,

ZIA HAQUE, PH.D. Director, The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies Assistant Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies

Deliverhigh-qualityundergraduate education—The Peace and Conflict Studies Department at Juniata College provides exceptional undergraduate education. By offering interdisciplinary curricula and various programs of study, the department cultivates an active and engaged community of learners.

Engageincommunityoutreach andeducation—The institute actively promotes community outreach and education by organizing workshops, providing practical-skill training, and hosting public lectures. These events are open to all and aim to offer

Mission and Institute Goals

Our mission is to apply the resources of the academic community to the study of warfare and deep-rooted conflict as human problems and to the study of peace as a human potential.

continuous learning opportunities for adults, both locally and globally.

Demonstrateleadershipinthe academicfield—The Baker Institute is committed to advancing the Peace and Conflict Studies field. This is achieved through creating impactful programming, developing innovative curricula, and encouraging research that contributes to the growth and development of its academic discipline. Promotecooperationamongprograms andinstitutions— The institute actively engages in collaborations that facilitate the development of

the Peace and Conflict Studies field. These partnerships extend beyond the academic realm and include national and international actors, fostering a sense of shared purpose.

“We acknowledge that we live and work on the homelands of the People of the Standing Stone and the Susquehannock. We honor and celebrate their tribal communities; elders, both past and present; and future generations who carry their memory.”

—Staff of The Baker Institute

3 | THE BAKER INSTITUTE peace is everybody’s business
The Baker Institute is housed at the Oller Center for Peace and International Programs on the Juniata College Campus. PHOTOS: (LEFT) HALDAN KIRSCH, (RIGHT) MARIAH DORSEY ’20

Advisory Board 2022–2023

Anne C. Baker, J.D. (She/Her) Trustee Emerita, Juniata College

Jim Borgardt, Ph.D. (He/Him) Chair, The Baker Institute Advisory Board William W. Woolford Professor of Physics Department Chair, Physics

Randall Deike, Ph.D. (He/Him) Trustee, Juniata College

Henry Escuadro, Ph.D. (He/Him) Professor of Mathematics Department Chair, Mathematics

Alison Fletcher, Ph.D. (She/They) W. Newton & Hazel A. Long Professor of History

Sinead Gallagher, Ph.D. (She/Her) Assistant Professor of Accounting

El Kruglak, M.A. (They/Them) Alumni, Juniata College

Henry Thurston-Griswold, Ph.D. (He/Him) Professor of Spanish

Donna Weimer, Ph.D. (She/Her) Thornbury Professor of Communication Department Chair, Communication and Theatre Arts

Distinctive Features of the Baker Institute

INTERDISCIPLINARY EDUCATION

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

PRACTICAL SKILL-BUILDING

Student Representatives

Cruzilious Contreras-Amezcua ’23 (They/He)

Melanie Thorn ’23 (She/Her)

Sophia Parlati ’24 (She/Her)

Shannon Para ’25 (She/Her)

What is Peace and Conflict Studies?

Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) is an interdisciplinary field that begins with the perspective that war and violence are not inevitable aspects of the human condition and that there are more productive and lasting means for addressing human conflicts. PACS draws from political science, sociology, history, anthropology, psychology, and philosophy, among other disciplines.

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International students hike to the Elizabeth Evans Baker Peace Chapel.

Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies

Individualized Programs of Emphasis

Cross-Discipline Department Members

Peace Fellows 2022–2023

At the Baker Institute, fellows are required to actively contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of Peace and Conflict Studies. This contribution includes engaging in public lectures, facilitating workshops, participating in guest-teaching opportunities, collaborating with other institutions, mentoring students, and networking.

Baker Institute Peace Fellow Positions were extended through 2024.

Daniel Bryan is an artist, activist, educator, and executive director of the Pachaysana Institute in Quito, Ecuador.

Tailored Short and Long-Term Study Abroad

International Speakers and Educators

Jerry McCann is a licensed civil and structural engineer in the State of California and senior advisor to Build Up, which works with civic activists to find and apply innovative peacebuilding practices.

Workshops and Trainings

Paid-Internships and Conference Experiences

Caecilia van Peski is a Dutch diplomat, a licensed psychologist, and a practitioner in the field of peace and security, democratization, elections, and human rights, whose achievements have received national and international recognition.

Want to become a Baker Institute Peace Fellow? Please get in touch with The Baker Institute Director at haque@juniata.edu to receive more information.

Want to learn more about Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS)? Scan the QR code to watch a two-minute informative video about PACS and our department at Juniata College!

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PHOTOS:
COURTESY OF JUNIATA
(RIGHT) JD CAVRICH
(BACKGROUND)
COLLEGE;
Top senior PACS student, Melanie Thorn, at the 145th Commencement Ceremony.

Sponsorships

The Baker Institute partnered with the following institutions through memberships and sponsorships:

ALLIANCE FOR PEACEBUILDING

The Alliance for Peacebuilding acts as a central hub for the peacebuilding community, connecting over 100 organizations actively involved in conflict resolution and establishing lasting peace in 153 countries. By leveraging the collective expertise of its members, the alliance amplifies the voices of peacebuilders on a global scale, addressing challenges that are too vast for any organization to tackle alone.

PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF MEDIATORS

The Pennsylvania Council of Mediators is dedicated to advancing the practice of mediation through various means. Its primary focus is educating the public about the benefits of mediation, fostering an increased demand for qualified practitioners, and offering a platform for professional development within the field. It seeks to enhance the mediation landscape in Pennsylvania, making it more conducive to resolving disputes amicably through mediation.

PEACE AND JUSTICE STUDIES ASSOCIATION

The Peace and Justice Studies Association is a professional association that caters to scholars specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies. Its primary mission is to facilitate the collaboration of academics, educators, and activists to explore nonviolent alternatives and exchange ideas and approaches for promoting peacebuilding, social justice, and social change.

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION

The International Studies Association is a long-standing interdisciplinary association committed to the study of international, transnational, and global affairs. It boasts a diverse membership of over 7,000 individuals worldwide. The association organizes an annual convention and publishes respected academic journals. These platforms facilitate rigorous discussions within the broad field of International Studies.

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

For over a century, The Rotary Foundation has initiated impactful service projects that make a difference in the lives of individuals, locally and globally. The Rotary Foundation promotes world understanding, goodwill, and peace. Rotary strives to improve healthcare, enhance education, protect the environment, and alleviate poverty - aiming to create a better world for all.

WAGING NON-VIOLENCE

Waging Nonviolence is an independent, nonprofit media platform committed to delivering original reporting and expert analysis on social movements around the world.

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Global Cooperation and Exchange

COSTA RICA

The Baker Institute at Juniata College has entered into an agreement of academic cooperation with University for Peace (UPeace) in San Jose, Costa Rica. Created by a United Nations General Assembly Resolution, the University for Peace has trained leaders for peace since 1980. The vision of the University for Peace is to be a transformative and inspirational educational institution dedicated to the goals of quality teaching, research, and service to build a better world.

This partnership marks Juniata’s first agreement with an institution in Costa Rica, which was made possible by a connection through Baker Institute Scholar in Residence Amr Abdalla, Ph.D. From 2004 to 2013, Abdalla served as a Professor, Dean, and Vice Rector of University for Peace. “UPeace is an incredible organization dedicated to engaging and training a global network of future leaders,” Abdalla states. The Baker Institute’s partnership with UPeace will increase international opportunities for Juniata students, especially for those pursuing Peace and Conflict Studies.

In November of 2022, PACS department members Jim Borgardt, Ph.D., and Uma Ramakrishnan, Ph.D., traveled to Costa Rica to finalize the initial agreements. “During our visit to UPeace, we were struck by the natural beauty of the campus. The highlight of our visit was our time with the students—they shared stories of their experiences and discussed the challenges of conflict resolution,” says Ramakrishnan. “I was amazed by the rich and vibrant international representation within UPeace,” added Borgardt, “It is exciting to think about the future interaction that Juniata students and faculty could have here.”

KENYA

PACS Department Members Uma Ramakrishnan and Alison Fletcher established a new short-term study abroad program in Kenya with the support of The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies. Due to a last-minute need, Jim Borgardt filled in for Fletcher as a chaperone in Kenya. The short-term trip ran in May 2023. The course, ‘Kenya Culture, Challenges, and Natural Resources,’ provided an interdisciplinary and intercultural introduction to Kenya through many exciting experiences. The opportunity focused on History, Environmental Studies and Sciences, and Peace and Conflict Studies. The experience included trips to historic sites, grassroots NGOs, Amboseli and Nairobi National Parks, Lake Naivasha, and homestays in Nyeri. The students were tasked with learning Swahili, learning about Kenyan history, and examining wildlife management as a tool for economic resilience.

“Over the two weeks I learned so much more than I expected and gained perspective and understanding of the Kenyan Culture.”

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PACS Department members with students from the UPeace international cohort. PHOTOS: (TOP RIGHT) COURTESY OF JIM BORGARDT; (RIGHT) COURTESY OF UMA RAMAKRISHNAN Juniata College cohort in Kenya (minus Uma Ramakrishnan and Amelia Kiepke). —Amelia Kiepke ’25

Research and Professional Development

spring 2023 semester. The course utilized story circle exercises and roleplays and brought in practitioners from sectors like indigenous studies, environmental studies, and social work.

Publications:

Haque, Z., Bock, J. G., & Tarkhani, H. (2022). The Impact of Information and Communication Technologies on Conflict. In The Palgrave Handbook of Global Social Change (p. 1-18). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

AMR ABDALLA, PH.D.

ZIA HAQUE, PH.D.

Director, The Baker Institute

Assistant Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, Juniata College

Zia Haque’s work supports the Baker Institute’s goal of providing leadership in Peace and Conflict Studies as an academic program through research, curriculum development, consultation, and education. His current work has focused on the war in Ukraine and changing geopolitical dynamics. Zia Haque teaches core courses in the PACS department; he taught four courses during the 2022-2023 academic year. His largest project within the 20222023 academic year includes hosting the first Baker Institute International Symposium focused on the war in Ukraine.

Additional Courses:

Restorative Justice

Winter 2023, Juniata College

Haque worked on developing a new curriculum for a course on Restorative Justice. Using readings, videos, and conversations with practitioners, the curriculum explored the notion of justice in a system that heals, not harms. This course ran during the

Scholar in Residence, The Baker Institute Peace and Conflict Studies Professor Emeritus, UPeace

Amr Abdalla is the Scholar in Residence at The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies. Abdalla has been instrumental in helping the PACS department achieve impeccable programming this year. Dr. Abdalla taught four classes in his second year in this position, co-organized the Baker Institute International Symposium, and led two workshops.

Additional Courses: Skills for Effective Negotiations

November–December 2022 and May–June 2023 Center for Executive Education of the University for Peace

A virtual four-session course offered twice a year focused on concepts related to negotiation. This course attracts professionals worldwide and concentrates on providing practical applications and skill-building. This course relies on simulations to build upon participants’ experience and knowledge and illustrate cultural factors that influence negotiation.

Interviews:

Vilela, M. (Host). (2023). Creating Lasting Peace Through Education with Amr Abdalla (Season 4, Episode 6). [Audio podcast episode]. Earth Charter Podcast: Turning Conscience into Action. Earth Charter International. https://earthcharter.org/podcast-list/ amr-abdalla/.

Publications:

Abdalla, A. (2022). Arab region contribution to the revision of the UNESCO 1974 Recommendation concerning education for international understanding, cooperation, and peace. UNESCO Report (p. 1–7). UNESCO.

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The Baker Institute Scholar in Residency, Amr Abdalla, lecturing during the workshop.

Workshops and Trainings: Training of Iraqi University Professors on Peace and Conflict Studies

July 2022 (In-Person), January–March 2023 (Via Zoom) Erbil, Iraq

Through a collaboration with the Iraqi National Security Chancellery and the Iraqi Al-Amal Association, Iraq professors from various universities received training on teaching foundations and introduction to peace and conflict studies. Eight of the professors continued to an advanced level via zoom sessions and currently teach peace and conflict studies courses in Iraqi universities.

Violent Extremism, Radicalization, and Boko Haram Workshop October 19, 2022

Huntingdon, PA, USA

Abdalla led a workshop with Stone Church of the Brethren to explore the social, cultural, political, and religious processes that result in the

radicalization of the Islamic faith and consider how best to confront those processes from an inter-religious perspective. The workshop offered an opportunity to gain insight into the historical and modern drivers of violent extremism. The workshop paid particular attention to the Boko Haram movement in Nigeria and the violence suffered by Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (Nigerian Church of the Brethren Group). The workshop was attended by close to 30 pastors and religious officials in the central Pennsylvanian region.

Conflict Resolution Workshop— International Perspectives

February 23–24, 2023

Putrajaya, Malaysia

Abdalla traveled to Malaysia to lead a conflict resolution workshop. During the two-day event, Conflict Resolution: International Perspective, organized by the Islamic Science University of Malaysia, University Sains Islam Malaysia, and The Baker Institute, participants were presented with training on conflict resolutions and models of peaceful intervention as they can be applied to the Malaysian context. The workshop included academics, lawyers, mediators, diplomats, and undergraduate students. The workshop ended with The Baker Institute presenting certificates to the workshop participants.

KAITLYN GRANGER Program Coordinator, The Baker Institute

At the beginning of the 2022–2023 academic year, the Baker Institute welcomed Kaitlyn Granger, a Juniata College Class of 2021 Alumna, to serve as Program Coordinator. Kaitlyn has an undergraduate degree in Conflict Intervention and Analysis and Museum Studies. Her professional background centers on communication and community engagement. Kaitlyn is pursuing a Master of Arts and Cultural Management at Leuphana University in Lüneburg, Germany, through a hybrid academic program. In her role at The Baker Institute, Kaitlyn handles various responsibilities, including event coordination, communication and marketing, and institutional administration. She actively contributes to the Peace and Conflict Studies Department and The Baker Institute Advisory Board. Her dedication and contributions have been instrumental in furthering The Baker Institute’s programming.

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PHOTOS: (LEFT TOP) MEGAN BRENNEMAN, (RIGHT TOP) MICHAEL PARAS, (ALL OTHERS) COURTESY OF AMR ABDALLA Participant Cohort from the workshop in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Participant of Conflict Resolution Workshop.

Special Events and Notices

THE RETIREMENT OF DR. DONNA WEIMER

We are pleased to announce the retirement of Dr. Donna Weimer, Thornbury Professor of Communication and Department Chair of Communication and Theatre Arts. Dr. Weimer is recognized for her excellence in the classroom and her service to the community in which it resides. Dr. Weimer arrived at Juniata in the fall of 1990 and has significantly contributed to the foundation and development of the communication department at Juniata College. Weimer and Dr. Ceila Cook-Hoffman, former Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies and Assistant Provost to Juniata College, created the Communication and Conflict Resolution POE and assisted with the creation of a Secondary Emphasis in Women and Gender Studies. Students have expressed that Dr. Weimer provides support to help students re-evaluate their values, positions, and worldviews. Though Dr. Weimer is leaving her faculty role at Juniata College, she will continue to serve on The Baker Institute Advisory as a community advisor.

FELLOWSHIP AWARD FOR REVEREND DR. ANDREW MURRAY

The Huntingdon Rotary Club presented the Paul Harris Fellowship Award to, former Baker Institute Director, Reverend Dr. Andrew Murray. The Huntingdon Rotary Club and The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies are excited to work over the 2022–2023 academic year together. The Baker Institute desires to become involved in the local community and build stronger relationships with its peace-promoting neighbors. The Paul Harris Award follows this mission; it is an honor for a nonrotary club member to receive it. Reverend Dr. Murray is more than deserving and has contributed years of service to The Baker Institute, to Juniata College, and to the surrounding Huntingdon community. We congratulate Andy on his achievement of this honor.

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Donna Weimer addressing the crowd at her final Bailey Oratorical. Andy Murray accepting his award.

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY HONORS ANNE BAKER AND REVEREND DR. ANDREW MURRAY

The members of the Juniata College Class of 2023, in a celebration of their passion and enthusiasm for learning, gathered in Kennedy Sports and Recreation Center for the final time as students for the 145th commencement ceremony on May 13. During the ceremony, an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree was bestowed upon Anne C. Baker, Trustee Emerita; and Andrew Murray, Elizabeth Evans Baker Professor of Peace Studies, Emeritus. Baker and Murray were honored to deliver the commencement address to the 2023 graduating class. The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies would like to congratulate Anne Baker and Andy Murray for their achievements and thank them for their continuous commitment to the work of peace.

—Anne Baker to the 2023 graduating class.

Baker’s family connection to Juniata College traces back to her grandmother, Jennie Calhoun, who was a member of the Class of 1881. Four of her grandmother’s five children, including Baker’s father, graduated from Juniata College. “My connections to Juniata run very deep. From my earliest days, I have heard about and been taught the importance of the values supported, communicated, and taught at Juniata College and how essential they are in creating a civil society,” she said. “I know civil society can be defined in different ways, but one personal definition is a society where truth, decency, knowledge, and understanding prevail.”

Her parents, John C. Baker ’17 and Elizabeth Evans Baker established the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies at Juniata College. Baker has continued their legacy through her service on the Baker Institute Advisory Board and the Board of Trustees. Baker honored the vision of her parents and Dr. Andrew Murray, the first Director of the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, for their vision.

“These three individuals believed in and articulated the founding purpose of the Peace and Conflict Studies program,” said Baker. “We all realize what a dangerous and complicated world we are experiencing, and these conflict resolution skills are essential. Going forward, we must remember that, indeed, peace is a human potential, and working and educating for peace is an allimportant goal.”

11 | THE BAKER INSTITUTE peace is everybody’s business PHOTOS: (RIGHT BOTTOM) COURTESY OF ANDY MURRAY; (RIGHT TOP) NATE THOMPSON ’05; (LEFT) JD CAVARICH
Anne Baker addressing the Juniata College graduates. From Left: Andy Murray, Anne Baker, Randy Deike. Andy Murray receiving his honorary degree.
“You are now equipped to make meaningful contributions to our country and our democracy—and our country and democracy need you.”

Guest Speakers

Fall Semester

PERRY WILLIG

September 20, 2022

Artist; Class of ’21 Alum of Juniata College

Alumni Perry Willig returned to The Baker Institute to conduct an enlightening “Art and Activism Comic Workshop.” Willig spent six months researching water rights and working with the art collective Amaruna Machankara in San Ramón de Mulalo, Ecuador. The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies supported Willig’s work. He collaborated to create a comic on water rights titled, Sariri, Mensajero del Agua. Willig shared his experience abroad and his comic with the workshop participants. The workshop enabled participants to explore their own social justice concerns and craft their own comic strips. The

DAUDA GAVA, PH.D.

September 22, 2022

Professor; Activist; Brethren Pastor

Dr. Dauda Gava delivered a captivating lecture titled “Boko Haram, peace work, and the Brethren Faith.” The lecture centered on the responses of followers of the Brethren faith to the presence of Boko Haram, a terrorist group in Nigeria. Notably, the Brethren faith emphasizes pacifism and forgiveness, which formed a significant part of Dr. Gava’s discourse. Drawing from personal experiences, he shared compelling stories of forgiveness towards individuals associated with Boko Haram. Attendees, including students, faculty, and the public, actively engaged with thought-provoking questions, delving into the commitment to the Brethren faith and the impact of Boko Haram on Dr. Gava’s community. The institute hosted Gava for a week in collaboration with the Bethany Seminary and Stone Church.

DANIEL BRYAN, PH.D.

October 6, 2022

Executive Director and Professor, Pachaysana Institute; Peace Fellow, The Baker Institute

Daniel Bryan, a Baker Institute Peace Fellow and the Executive Director of the Pachaysana Institute in Ecuador, visited Juniata College to deliver a thoughtprovoking talk on the intersectionality of poetry and activism. Focusing on indigenous rights in Ecuador, Bryan showcased the inspiring work of his students in Ecuador, who utilize poetry to shed light on social justice issues. He also highlighted the significant role of rap music in driving activism. Bryan’s presentation resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring many students to explore the power of advocacy through various art forms.

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PHOTO: COURTESY OF PERRY WILLIG PHOTO: COURTESY OF DAUDA GAVA PHOTO: COURTESY OF DANIEL BRYAN A full PDF of the comic is available upon request—feel free to email perrywillig5@gmail.com. Please note that this work is only available in Spanish.

Spring Semester

VICTORIA FONTAN, PH.D.

March 2, 2023

Provost; American University of Afghanistan

Provost Fontan visited Juniata College as part of the Provost’s Office for the Diversity and Democracy series in partnership with The Baker Institute. Her lecture, titled “Maintaining Hope: Higher Education Responses to Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan,” shed light on the challenges faced by women pursuing education in Afghanistan today. Despite the Taliban’s ban on women attending private and public universities since 2022, institutions like the American University of Afghanistan strive to provide educational opportunities. Dr. Fontan’s lecture offered valuable insights into the pursuit of education in conflict regions. The Baker Institute was honored to host Fontan.

SHELDON HIMELFARB, PH.D.

April 12, 2023

President and CEO; PeaceTech Lab

Dr. Himelfarb visited Juniata College for a lecture titled “Misinformation: The Greatest Threat to Peacebuilding Today.” This lecture, held in collaboration with the Provost’s Office as part of the Diversity and Democracy series and The Baker Institute, addressed the detrimental impact of misinformation on peacebuilding efforts. Dr. Himelfarb proposed the establishment of an International Panel on the Information Environment (IPIE) based on the model of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The lecture emphasized how the global information environment undermines democratic initiatives, erodes trust in institutions, and heightens the likelihood and severity of armed conflicts.

13 | THE BAKER INSTITUTE peace is everybody’s business Visit our website at www.juniata.edu/bakerinstituteevents for info about future events sponsored by The Baker Institute.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF VICTORIA FONTAN PHOTO: COURTESY OF SHELDON HIMELFARB From Left: Zia Haque, Victoria Fontan, and Amr Abdalla in front of Oller.
PHOTOS:
(RIGHT) COURTESY OF PERRY WILLIG; (FAR LEFT) OLIVIA MARIE ’23; (LEFT) COURTESY OF JUNIATA COLLEGE Elijah Weaver ‘25 asking a question at the PACS lecture.

The Baker Institute International Symposium

THE WAR IN UKRAINE: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

October 22, 2022

Huntingdon, PA,USA

The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies at Juniata College hosted an International Symposium, “The War in Ukraine: Global Perspectives,” on Saturday, October 22, 2023. The symposium focused on the war in Ukraine, its implications for world peace and stability, and practical and realistic efforts for peaceful transformation.

“With the recent barrage of a Russian missile strike in Kyiv and the dangerous escalation of the war on many fronts, including the potential threats to use tactical nuclear weapons, I cannot think of a better time to host this international symposium and invite distinguished scholars to come to Juniata and share their perspectives regarding the local and global consequences of the war,” said Zia Haque, Director of the Baker Institute.

Distinguished Panelists

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF DISTINGUISHED PANELISTS

Mehari Taddele Maru, Ph.D.

Academic Coordinator of the Young African Leaders Programme at the School of Transnational Governance at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy.

Anna Ohanyan, Ph.D.

Richard B. Finnegan Distinguished Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Stonehill College, Easton, Ma.

Caecilia van Peski, Ph.D.

Commander in the Royal Netherlands Navy, a military veteran (NATO Resolute Support Mission Afghanistan, 2020–2021).

Juan Carlos Sainz-Borgo, Ph.D.

Professor and Vice Rector at University for Peace (UPEACE) in San José, Costa Rica

Swaran Singh, Ph.D.

Visiting professor at the University of British Columbia and Professor of Diplomacy and Disarmament at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, India.

Atila Uras, Ph.D.

Senior Programme Officer at UN Environment Programme (UNEP), temporarily deployed to support the UN RC Office in Ukraine.

Six distinguished scholars from around the world were invited to Juniata College to provide a perspective on the global implications of the war. The panelist presented a breadth of topics: the history of Russian conquest; the masculine nature of the war; environmental degradation; and an exploration of war effects in the global south –Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Panelist Juan Carlos Sainz-Borgo congratulated the Baker Institute on its intentionality, “to have a panel with a global South perspective, you know, is incredibly rare and unique.” Noting that this is the largest European land war since World War II, Dr. Haque says its consequences can be felt past the European border. “Many countries worldwide are on the brink of collapsing because they cannot buy strategic resources,” states Haque. Thus, the symposium needed to reflect the global scale of the conflict.

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From Left: Kaitlyn Granger, Dave Hsiung, Swaran Singh, Anna Ohanyan, Amr Abdalla, Zia Haque, Juan Carlos Sainz-Borgo, and Donna Weimer.

The Russian war against Ukraine continues its hugely devastating impact on the Ukrainian people, their infrastructure, culture, and essential services. Millions of Ukrainians have fled, straining humanitarian resources and services in neighboring countries. This highly destructive land war has undermined the fragile security architecture of Europe and brought unimaginable suffering—not only within Ukraine but across the globe—with runaway inflation, high energy costs, and an imperiled food supply. The Ukraine war significantly threatens world peace and stability, with an increased risk of nuclear confrontation.

The Baker Institute International Symposium was organized by Zia Haque, Ph.D., and Baker Institute Scholar in Residence, Amr Abdalla, Ph.D., and moderated by Dave Hsiung, Ph.D., Professor of History, and Donna Weimer, Ph.D., Thornbury Professor of Communications. The event attracted over seventy spectators. Audience members included Juniata students, faculty, staff, Huntingdon community members, and international stakeholders who attended virtually. The six panelists had an opportunity to explore the campus and institute, attend classroom lectures, and socialize with community members.

Want to learn more about the Baker Institute International Symposium? Follow the QR code to watch videos in our symposium playlist.

15 | THE BAKER INSTITUTE peace is everybody’s business PHOTOS: (RIGHT) COURTESY OF KAITLYN GRANGER; (LEFT) COURTESY OF KAITLYN GRANGER; (FAR LEFT TOP) HAI NGUYEN ’22; (FAR LEFT BOTTOM) WILLIAM WANG ’24
Amr Abdalla served as The Symposium Master of Ceremonies. An opening dinner allowed symposium panelists to meet Juniata College staff, faculty, and students. Sainz-Borgo presenting on the global south.

The International Studies Association Conference

Student Participants

Seniors

Cruzilious Contreras-Amezcua Social Work and Social Transformation Mediation Capacity

Olivia Marie Media Advocacy; Secondary in Gender Studies

Rylee Shafer

Environmental Studies; Secondary in Politics/Fine Arts; Focus in Peace and Conflict Studies

Melanie Thorn

Environmental Policy and Peacebuilding; Secondary in Politics

Juniors

Lucy Corthell

Engineering Physics; Secondary in Peace and Conflict Studies

Sarene Goetz

International Studies; Secondary in Race, Ethnicity, and Identity

Jesse Knox

Communication and Conflict Resolution

March 14 - March 19, 2023

Montreal, Canada

Over Spring Break, The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies took seven students to an international conference. The students journeyed to Montreal, Canada, for the International Studies Association Conference (ISA). During their experience, the students explored their unique and interdisciplinary interests. Students pursued their passions in environmental advocacy, art and activism, gender, diversity and identity, communication and media, and peace engineering. International student experiences were halted due to three years of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Therefore, The Baker Institute desired to support and facilitate a conference opportunity abroad.

The 2023 ISA conference theme was ‘Real Struggles, High Stakes: Cooperation, Contention, and Creativity.’ The four-day conference brought approximately 4,000 individuals together with The Baker Institute bringing one of the few undergraduate student cohorts. The cohort was escorted by The Baker Institute Scholar in Residence, Amr Abdalla; The Baker Institute Program Coordinator, Kaitlyn Granger; and Jared LaGroue, PACS Department affiliated Professor of Communications.

Students presented their experiences, research, and projects at the Juniata College Liberal Arts Symposium on April 27, 2023.

Want to learn more about the student experience at the Montreal ISA conference? Follow the QR code and watch a nineminute video about their journey.

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From left: Chaperones Amr Abdalla, Jared LaGroue, and Kaitlyn Granger.

Conference Reflections

Lucy Corthell

As an Engineering Physics student passionate about the environment and peace, I was honored to attend an interdisciplinary conference like the International Studies Association (ISA). I believe I will become a better engineer by learning about the complexity of conflict and how solutions can be agreed upon. So, the ISA conference provided an excellent opportunity to grow in my interests and to connect with other likeminded scholars.

Despite being one of the few undergraduate students in attendance, I immersed myself in discussions and workshops with international Ph.D. candidates and established professionals. The conference broadened my understanding of the humanistic aspect of environmental engineering. Witnessing and participating in the conference session and round tables broadened my awareness of the nuance of sustainable environmental engineering. The ISA conference was a reminder that the transformation to a greener world is rooted in people and communities, not just through advances in technology.

Attending the global ISA Conference was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was an incredible chance to engage with experts and gain insight into the current research and possible career opportunities. The conference allowed me to engage in real-world discussions that concern my future after college. This opportunity was the perfect way of concluding my education within the Peace and Conflict program at Juniata College and setting the foundation for continued learning as I pursue my 3:2 academic program.*

* The 3-2 program is a dual-degree program that’s completed in five years. The first three years are spent at a liberal arts college. The last two are spent at a university with an engineering school.

“These last few years have been hard for me socially and academically. So, attending an international conference, where I could meet and hear about other people’s experiences in the same field as me, was extremely beneficial. By attending the conference, I was able to explore a possible and exciting future ahead of me.”

17 | THE BAKER INSTITUTE peace is everybody’s business
PHOTOS: (RIGHT) OLIVIA MARIE ’23; (LEFT) COURTESY OF SARENE GOETZ; (FAR LEFT TOP) COURTESY OF JARED LAGROUE
From left: Sarene Goetz and Cruzilious Contreras-Amezcua. While traveling, students wore shirts with the phrase ‘Peace is Everybody’s Business.’ From left: Rylee Shafer, Melanie Thorn, Cruzilious Contreras-Amezcua, Lucy Corthell, Kaitlyn Granger, and Sarene Goetz

Student Involvement Class of 2023

Cruzilious Contreras-Amezcua (They/He)

Social Transformation and Mediation Capacity

Wilmington, DE

Stephanie Hyland (She/Her)

Communication and Conflict Resolution

Chemung, NY

Madeleine Kalsson (She/Her)

Peace and Development Studies

Växjö, Sweden

Olivia Marie (She/They)

Media Advocacy

Secondary Emphasis in Gender Studies

Rome, PA

Joshua Martinek (He/Him)

Biology

Secondary Emphasis in PACS

Duncansville, PA

Nhi Nguyen

Human Resources and Conflict Resolution

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Rylee Shafer (She/Her)

Environmental Studies with focus in PACS

Secondary Emphasis in Politics and Studio Art

Oxford, PA

Melanie Thorn (She/Her)

Environmental Policy and Peacebuilding

Secondary Emphasis in Politics

Manahawkin, NJ

Baker Institute Advisory Board Student Members

Cruzilious Contreras-Amezcua ’23, Melanie Thorn ’23, Sophia Parlati ’24, Shannon Para ’25

Baker Institute Student Employees

Juniata Associate: Melanie Thorn ’23 Student Assistants: Amelia Kasdorf

Student Employees: Library Collection

The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies maintains a library of over 1,000 volumes. The collection supports student research and enhances students’ understanding of the Peace Studies field. During the 2022–2023 academic year, Baker Program Coordinator and our PACS student workers, Amelia Kasdorf ’25, Amelia Kiepke ’25, and Karma Floyd ’26, collaborated on digitally cataloging the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies Library Collection. The team accomplished this through the utilization of an app called Libib. They categorized the department’s books into approximately forty topical sections, making them more apparent and valuable for stakeholders. In addition, the group invested in developing special collections on critical subjects, such as Indigenous Studies, Gender Studies, and Race and Civil Rights. The project took several weeks over February of the spring semester. The project coordinator took special care in evaluating the collection and the requirements for the future improvement of this resource.

18 | Juniata College peace is everybody’s business
’25, Amelia Kiepke ’25, Karma Floyd ’26 First exchange student from Linnaeus University in Sweden, Madeleine Karlsson (Madde). Karlsson spent her final semester at Juniata College after earning her first degree in Global Studies from Linnaeus. The Baker Institute collection is accessible to everyone on campus. Follow the QR code to find a complete listing. Recognized PACS student Cruzilious Contreras Amezcua at Commencement.

PAX-O

PAX-Organization (PAX-O) supports student social justice efforts. PAX-O’s name comes from the Latin pax, which means peace, treaty, and harmony. While intentionally nurturing the community within The Baker Institute and Juniata College, PAX-O endeavors to promote awareness of Peace and Conflict Studies and its ideals through activism, education, and collaboration within the local, national, and global spheres of influence. PAX-O’s work is rooted in dealing with social justice issues of the present and their impact on the future.

In the 2022-2023 academic year, PAX-O fulfilled its mission with the events listed below:

International Day of Peace, Peaceful Painting Night (September 21, 2022)

Indigenous People’s Day, Lawn Signs on the Quad (October 10, 2022)

Upcycling Baker Historic Photo Slides Event (December 1, 2022)

Land Mine Awareness Day Activity (April 4, 2023)

Peaceful Tie-Dye Event (April 4, 2023)

Murdered and Missing Indigenous People Awareness Day Display (May 5, 2023)

Featured Events:

Field Trip to the Pennsylvania Military Museum

February 11, 2023

Boalsburg, PA, USA

The PAX-O Club hosted a trip to the Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg. Nine students attended, with Program Coordinator Kaitlyn Granger as the advisor. “It is essential for students studying Peace and Conflict Studies to understand the differing experiences of individuals and communities experiencing violent conflicts, including military service members,” states Granger. The museum displays a collection that helps visitors explore the story of the Commonwealth’s men and women serving in the Armed Forces, civilian activities on the home front, and Pennsylvania’s contributions to military innovation. While visiting the museum and its grounds, students were asked about biases, underrepresentation, and storytelling. The PMM Museum Educator asked the students to imagine new and innovative ways that the museum could tell these stories.

Night of 1,000 Dinners

April 15, 2023

Huntingdon, PA, USA

The PAX-O Club revived a beloved Baker Institute and Juniata College Tradition, Night of 1,000 Diners. Juniata faculty and staff were tasked to prepare food and invite students to join them in their homes for a meal. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, this event could not run for the last three years. PAX-O 2022–2023 President Melanie Thorn felt compelled to revive this once thriving community engagement initiative. “It is part of Juniata’s culture to be close with professors and staff and get to know them personally,” states Thorn. Night of 1,000 Dinners helps students feel more connected to one another and the college while raising money for charity. This year the proceeds from the event benefited Huntingdon House, a local agency that supports survivors of domestic violence. Twenty staff and faculty members and over 70 students participated in the fundraiser. Together, PAX-O raised $600 for the Huntingdon community organization.

19 | THE BAKER INSTITUTE peace is everybody’s business PHOTOS: (LEFT
KARLSSON;
JD
(FAR RIGHT); CALLAN BEIDEMAN ’25 (RIGHT) CANDICE HERSH
TOP) COURTESY OF MADELEINE
(LEFT BOTTOM)
CAVRICH;
PACS Department members Alison Fletcher and Uma Ramakrishnan hosted a dinner for students. Start the Semester Off Right event on the Juniata College Quad.
Moore Street Huntingdon, PA 16652
1700
www.juniata.edu/pacs 814-641-3464

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