People Count? Identity Recognition in Prevention of Political Conflicts

Abstract

This Panel encourages an exploration of varieties of empirical cases where peaceful and uncontested recognition of political identities served positively as a factor of crises prevention and\or significantly influenced existing conflicts and corresponding conflict resolution strategies. The Panel also welcomes a debate on why people “still count” or “don’t count any more” in particular cases of recognition or lack of official and explicit recognition of their political identities and contestations, whichever the basis - ethnic, religious, gender - or political, etc. It further examines how these lead to political apathy, violent resistance or peaceful integration and resolution of conflicts.