Asoka Bandarage is available to present Policy-Oriented Workshops/Seminars/Lectures in the U.S. and abroad.
Contact her with inquiries about workshops.
Workshop offerings include:

Conflict Analysis and Resolution

The dominant dualistic framework which focuses on primordial ethno-religious antagonisms is inadequate either to understand contemporary social conflicts or formulate sustainable strategies for conflict resolution. This workshop will present an alternative multi-polar framework which delineates the complex interplay of terrorism, ethno-religious fundamentalism, economic and cultural globalization and other forces at the local, regional and international levels. Within this framework, democratization, international intervention, human rights, partition, INGOs, Diasporas as well as regionally and locally based approaches to conflict resolution will be considered. The broader patterns will be illustrated with case studies from Sri Lanka, South Asia and other regions. An interactive pedagogical approach will be used.

Women in International Security

The dominant frameworks overlook the gender dimensions of social conflicts and conflict resolution. This workshop will present an alternative framework which helps understand the gendered nature of terrorism, ethno-religious fundamentalism and economic and cultural globalization. Why are the numbers of women in combat – soldiers and suicide bombers – increasing? Is there a special role for women in peacemaking and human rights protection in both state and non-state sectors? What international policies and instruments address women’s security concerns? These questions will be examined in relation to case studies from Sri Lanka, South Asia and other regions. An interactive pedagogical approach will be used.

Democracy in South Asia

Dominant frameworks present South Asian history and cultures as inherently authoritarian and conflict ridden. This workshop will consider South Asian traditions of democracy, pluralism and mutual co-existence. How were they transformed by colonialism? What are the prospects for and threats to democracy in the current period of globalization? How do poverty, gender norms, ethno-religious fundamentalism, terrorism, environmental destruction and nuclear proliferation impinge on human rights and democracy in the diverse regions and nation states of South Asia? What roles do social movements, the ‘international community’ and regional and local organizations play in building peace and democracy? Emphasis will be given to roles of South Asian Diasporas and civil society in this regard. An interactive pedagogical approach will be used.

Global Social Movements

Is the ‘global civil society’ including INGOs, advocacy groups and Diaspora networks challenging established structures of power and helping advance global democracy and citizen participation? Or, do they constitute new forms of global political-economic and cultural domination? How do they utilize new technology, funding, marketing and other mechanisms of global integration? This workshop will explore these questions focusing on the globalization-governance-civil society nexus drawing on case materials from a range of countries and regions. How can the non-state, non-profit ‘third sector’ contribute to broad based social movements and participatory democracy? An interactive pedagogical approach will be used.

Participatory Democracy

Dominant political philosophies, whether it be religious fundamentalism or liberal democracy, are founded upon dualistic concepts, such as self vs. other, separateness and competition. This workshop will explore alternative political and social philosophies founded upon monistic concepts, such as, unity amidst diversity, interdependence and partnership. Buddhist, feminist, ecological and new scientific thinking will be considered. Their potential to contribute to a universal ethical framework and participatory democratic processes in global governance will be emphasized. An interactive pedagogical approach will be used.