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Editorial
The current challenges to peace and security and the
multiple answers we seek to these show the complexity of
the world we live in. The nature of the actors, the
multidimensionality of processes, the interdependence of
issues, the dynamics of contexts, the fluidity of time,
all these factors contribute to defining the international
system as simultaneously facing many obstacles, and
offering many opportunities. New and old challenges point
to this continuous need for research and creativity, for
the search for avenues, ways ahead, detours. It is with
this complex setting in mind that this issue of Cabo
dos Trabalhos was thought of. Looking at
multi-level analyses, from the international to the local;
involving different types of actors, from state to
non-state; and implying differing readings about peace and
security, and the many issue areas related to these
concepts. The issue gathers contributions from the PhD
students of the Programme in International Politics
and Conflict Resolution, a CES|FEUC joint doctoral
programme (FCT Funded). These students started their PhDs
in the academic year 2015/2016 and are fully integrated
into the research creative path. Their contributions
illustrate the diversity of research within this field of
study and how relevant it is that we keep critically
thinking and analyzing theories, concepts and empirical
cases, in order to better grasp the many readings and
interpretations that bring significance to events out
there. Being aware of the multiplicity of understandings
is a first step to developing a critical look at the
(inter)national realm. Paraphrasing Malala Yousafzai,
Nobel Peace Prize, ‘a book and a pen might change the
world’. Even if our research work might not change the
world, it might certainly change, or at least influence,
perceptions and understandings. Though seemingly just a
simple change, this simplicity might lead to more
inclusive and diversified orders. And it is then when we
know it is worth it.
University of Coimbra, April 6, 2017
Maria Raquel Freire
Director, PhD Programme in International
Politics and Conflict Resolution (FCT Funded programme)
Carla Luís
Post-Doctoral Researcher at CES
For more information about this PhD
programme see: link
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