‘The Voices Of War’ is guided by a simple vision—to scratch below the simple narratives of war.
To do this, I speak with refugees, soldiers, negotiators, academics, development workers, and anyone else whose life has been shaped by war, be they a survivor, a perpetrator, a mediator, a student, or a healer of it.
Ultimately, I want to make it lucid that neither war nor peace is a foregone conclusion. Both are a product of upstream causes that make one or the other more likely. Understanding and embracing this fact is critical when trying to find moral and ethical solutions to our many local, regional, and global challenges.
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The project, ’The Voices of War’, aims to challenge the traditional narratives of war by giving a voice to those who have experienced its complexities firsthand. These voices come from a diverse group of individuals, including refugees, soldiers, negotiators, academics, development workers, and anyone else whose life has been impacted by war. Through these interviews, I hope to shed light on the complex causes of conflict and the multifaceted experiences of those caught in the crossfire.
War and peace are not predetermined outcomes. Rather, they are the result of a range of political, economic, social, and cultural factors. By exploring the root causes of conflict, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities of war and the factors that contribute to it.
One of the key themes that emerges from the interviews is the human toll of war. From the trauma experienced by refugees to the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers, the voices of war offer a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of conflict on individuals and communities.
At the same time, however, the voices of war also offer hope and resilience. Despite the devastating effects of conflict, many of those I spoke with have found ways to heal, rebuild, and move forward. Whether through professional engagement, volunteering, community building, or simply persevering in the face of adversity, these individuals serve as a source of inspiration for us all.
Ultimately, ’The Voices of War’ seeks to challenge the dominant narratives of conflict and offer a more nuanced understanding of its complexities. By amplifying the voices of those who have explored its complexities in one way or another, I hope to contribute to a more informed and empathetic conversation about the causes and consequences of conflict.
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‘The Voices Of War’ is guided by a simple vision—to scratch below the simple narratives of war.
To do this, I speak with refugees, soldiers, negotiators, academics, development workers, and anyone else whose life has been shaped by war, be they a survivor, a perpetrator, a mediator, a student, or a healer of it.
Ultimately, I want to make it lucid that neither war nor peace is a foregone conclusion. Both are a product of upstream causes that make one or the other more likely. Understanding and embracing this fact is critical when trying to find moral and ethical solutions to our many local, regional, and global challenges.
-----
The project, ’The Voices of War’, aims to challenge the traditional narratives of war by giving a voice to those who have experienced its complexities firsthand. These voices come from a diverse group of individuals, including refugees, soldiers, negotiators, academics, development workers, and anyone else whose life has been impacted by war. Through these interviews, I hope to shed light on the complex causes of conflict and the multifaceted experiences of those caught in the crossfire.
War and peace are not predetermined outcomes. Rather, they are the result of a range of political, economic, social, and cultural factors. By exploring the root causes of conflict, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities of war and the factors that contribute to it.
One of the key themes that emerges from the interviews is the human toll of war. From the trauma experienced by refugees to the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers, the voices of war offer a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of conflict on individuals and communities.
At the same time, however, the voices of war also offer hope and resilience. Despite the devastating effects of conflict, many of those I spoke with have found ways to heal, rebuild, and move forward. Whether through professional engagement, volunteering, community building, or simply persevering in the face of adversity, these individuals serve as a source of inspiration for us all.
Ultimately, ’The Voices of War’ seeks to challenge the dominant narratives of conflict and offer a more nuanced understanding of its complexities. By amplifying the voices of those who have explored its complexities in one way or another, I hope to contribute to a more informed and empathetic conversation about the causes and consequences of conflict.
102. Special Release: Chris Gunness - Scratching Beneath the Complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
The Voices of War
56 minutes 52 seconds
8 months ago
102. Special Release: Chris Gunness - Scratching Beneath the Complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
My guest today is Chris Gunness who is a seasoned journalist and diplomat with decades of experience reporting on and working in the Middle East. Chris began his career at the BBC in 1982, and for 23 years, he served in numerous capacities including reporter and foreign correspondent. In 2005, he transitioned to diplomacy, joining the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, and later became the Spokesman for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNWRA). Post-UN, Chris founded the Myanmar Accountability Project in 2021, which brings criminal prosecutions against members of the Myanmar Junta and he is currently the Director of this initiative.
Chris joined me for his reflections on the tragic escalation of violence in Israel and across Gaza and the West Bank.
Some of the topics we covered include:
Underlying Causes of Conflict: Chris delved into the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the blockade of Gaza, the ongoing Israeli occupation and unfettered settlement expansion.
The Blockade of Gaza: Chris discussed Israel's control over Gaza's land, sea, and air borders, emphasising the humanitarian crisis this has caused.
Dehumanisation: Chris talks about the ‘Red Lines’ policy and how it reflects the dehumanisation of Palestinians.
Role of the International Community: Critical reflection on the international community's role in perpetuating the conflict, particularly the U.S.'s unwavering support for Israel.
Need for a Mandela Figure: Chris suggested that the conflict needs a leader with a vision of peace and the courage to see it through.
Israeli Cabinet's Rhetoric: He points out the dehumanising language used by some Israeli cabinet ministers, such as ‘Gaza needs to be put on a diet’
Resources:
Professor Rashid Khalidi - Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: An Exploration of Root Causes and Geopolitical Dynamics
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The Voices of War
‘The Voices Of War’ is guided by a simple vision—to scratch below the simple narratives of war.
To do this, I speak with refugees, soldiers, negotiators, academics, development workers, and anyone else whose life has been shaped by war, be they a survivor, a perpetrator, a mediator, a student, or a healer of it.
Ultimately, I want to make it lucid that neither war nor peace is a foregone conclusion. Both are a product of upstream causes that make one or the other more likely. Understanding and embracing this fact is critical when trying to find moral and ethical solutions to our many local, regional, and global challenges.
-----
The project, ’The Voices of War’, aims to challenge the traditional narratives of war by giving a voice to those who have experienced its complexities firsthand. These voices come from a diverse group of individuals, including refugees, soldiers, negotiators, academics, development workers, and anyone else whose life has been impacted by war. Through these interviews, I hope to shed light on the complex causes of conflict and the multifaceted experiences of those caught in the crossfire.
War and peace are not predetermined outcomes. Rather, they are the result of a range of political, economic, social, and cultural factors. By exploring the root causes of conflict, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities of war and the factors that contribute to it.
One of the key themes that emerges from the interviews is the human toll of war. From the trauma experienced by refugees to the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers, the voices of war offer a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of conflict on individuals and communities.
At the same time, however, the voices of war also offer hope and resilience. Despite the devastating effects of conflict, many of those I spoke with have found ways to heal, rebuild, and move forward. Whether through professional engagement, volunteering, community building, or simply persevering in the face of adversity, these individuals serve as a source of inspiration for us all.
Ultimately, ’The Voices of War’ seeks to challenge the dominant narratives of conflict and offer a more nuanced understanding of its complexities. By amplifying the voices of those who have explored its complexities in one way or another, I hope to contribute to a more informed and empathetic conversation about the causes and consequences of conflict.
