Balkans Practicum
Although many of my reflections were captured in the above deliverable, I mainly learned a lot about the similarities and differences between the Balkans and the former Soviet states of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. There are many similarities in architecture, ideology, and memory that exist in both spheres. There were many times during the trip that I recalled times in post-Soviet states due to the monumental architecture common in every city. I also found socialist ideology of the former Yugoslavia to be quite similar to that of the former Soviet Union, and the way that people related to that ideology (and past) was also quite similar. However, there were unique differences in the way that the experience of interethnic war caused trauma among those living in the region. This sharp difference still plays an important role in how the past is remembered, and how the ideology of the past is utilized to bring to the fore the lost ideal of unity among cultures.
“Picture of the Peace and Conflict Resolution in the Balkans group with Adnan Hasanbegovic, member of the Center for Nonviolent Action, after he finished his lecture on conflict resolution workshops for ex-combatants in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “
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