‘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.
106. Jason Pack – Aspirations of Peace in the Middle East: A Deep Dive into Regional Dynamics and the Global Enduring Disorder
The Voices of War
1 hour 8 minutes 51 seconds
8 months ago
106. Jason Pack – Aspirations of Peace in the Middle East: A Deep Dive into Regional Dynamics and the Global Enduring Disorder
Today, I spoke with Jason Pack, author of the acclaimed book ‘Libya and the Global Enduring Disorder’, and a recognised expert on the Middle East. Jason also hosts the excellent Disorder podcast and serves as a senior analyst for emerging challenges at the NATO college in Rome. With over two decades of research in the Middle East, Jason brings a unique perspective to understanding the complexities of the region’s geopolitics.
This is Jason’s second appearance on the show. We first spoke back in May of 22, in Episode 55. That time, we explored Jason’s excellent book and his concept of the Global Enduring Disorder. You can listen to that episode here. Today, Jason joins me to discuss the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East, how it relates to the idea of the Global Enduring Disorder and what we might need to consider when looking for an enduring and just peace in the region.
00:00 Introduction to Jason Pack
Jason discusses his background and the relevance of his work in current global affairs.
Jason shares his transition from studying to focusing on Middle East geopolitics post-9/11, including his experiences in Beirut, Egypt, Syria, and Libya.
06:20 The Concept of Global Enduring Disorder and Orderers vs Disorderers
Jason explains his concept of 'Global Enduring Disorder', contrasting the current global landscape with the past, focusing on the shift from order to disorder.
Jason proposes a perspective to view global politics as a struggle between forces of order and disorder, expanding beyond traditional ideological divides.
13:15 The Impact of American Foreign Policy in the Middle East
An Analysis of the influence and consequences of American hegemony in the Middle East, particularly regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
15:15 Interconnected Global Conflicts
Jason discusses how various global conflicts, including the Israel-Palestine issue, are interconnected and influence each other.
Exploring the involvement of Russia and Iran in fostering global disorder, including their potential roles in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
23:05 The Three Blocks of Middle East Geopolitics
Jason categorises the Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape into three distinct groups, focusing on their respective roles and alliances.
25:56 The Pivotal Role of Qatar in Middle Eastern Peace
Jason discusses Qatar's unique position in the Middle East and its potential role in bringing peace and stability to the region.
33:15 The Middle East Peace Process: A New Approach
Exploring a novel approach to the Middle East peace process, involving regional players and addressing underlying causes.
39:10 Addressing Root Causes of the Israel-Palestine Conflict
Discussion about the necessity of addressing the underlying causes of the Israel-Palestine conflict, including the creation of a Palestinian state and the role of external influences.
42:15 The Complexity of the Israel-Gaza Conflict in Global Perception
Jason delves into the reasons behind the global attention on the Israel-Gaza conflict, highlighting the unique position of Jews and Israel in global dynamics and the disproportionate global response to the conflict.
52:38 The Potential of Qatar in Resolving Middle East Conflicts
Jason reiterates the strategic importance of Qatar in bringing peace to the region, emphasising its unique position as a mediator among various conflicting parties.
55:09 The Influence of Gulf States in Global and Regional Politics
Jason discusses the growing influence of Gulf states like the UAE and Qatar in global and regional politics, highlighting their roles in funding, cultural influence, and diplomacy.
01:02:14 Closing Thoughts: Challenges and Hope for Middle East Peace
Jason concludes with his thoughts on the ongoing challenges in achieving peace in the Middle East and the potential for a new approach involving Gulf states to bring stability to the region.
Resources:
The Road to Middle East Peace Runs Through Doha, Foreign Policy: https://foreignpolicy.
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.
