Peace and & Conflict Studies event to focus on violent extremism, democracy, building peace

LAWRENCE — There is no shortage of places experiencing violent conflict across the world, including Syria, Libya, Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia.

In a conversation at the University of Kansas, two researchers who examine causes of extremism and violence will discuss approaches to addressing these issues. The event, "Violent Extremism, Democracy and Peacebuilding: A Conversation Between Colette Rausch and Mariya Omelicheva," will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at the Sabatini Multicultural Resource Center, Room 116. It is open to the public.

The KU Humanities' Peace and Conflict Studies Program, as well as the KU Center for Global & International Studies and KU Department of Political Science, are sponsoring the program.

Rausch is an associate vice president of Global Practice and Innovation at the United States Institute of Peace. She leads the development of new approaches, research, learning and tools to be used to address violent extremism, help strengthen inclusive societies and promote justice, security and the rule of law.

She is also editor of the new book "Fighting Serious Crimes: Strategies and Tactics for Conflict-Affected Societies."

"It is our pleasure and privilege to host Colette Rausch, who acquired first-hand experience in addressing the serious issues of crimes, human rights violations and challenges to the rule of law in Libya, Peru, Myanmar, Afghanistan and other conflict-affected societies," said Omelicheva, associate professor of political science.

Omelicheva's broad research portfolio includes focusing on a variety of transnational phenomena, such as democracy and autocracy promotion, counterterrorism and security assistance, Islamic radicalization and the nexus of trafficking and terrorism. She is also co-author of the forthcoming book “The Trafficking/Terrorism Nexus in Central Asia."