The predominance of the state is overstated. In Burma and other countries, pockets of territory remain under the control of non-state actors. The processes through which these counter state orders emerge are varied and often not well understood. This paper examines the conditions under which the presence of resources presents opportunities for the emergence of counter state orders led by powerful strongmen. To do so, it looks at the role of opium in Mainland Southeast Asia in the period from 1948 to 1996.

In the context of her latest book ‘The Ideology of Failed States: Why Intervention Fails’
In association with the Centre for International Studies (CIS), Oxford
Seminar Room, European Studies Centre, 70 Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6HR
For more information, please contact julie.adams@sant.ox.ac.uk Tel. 01865 274537

Adis Merdzanovic (Discussant)
St Antony’s College, Oxford

Kalypso Nicolaidis (Chair)
St Antony’s College, Oxford

h1. Lecture by Professor, the Lord Alderdice FRCPsych

h2. Conflict, Complexity and Cooperation

It would be difficult to argue that our world is not characterised by the spread of conflict and complexity. But can a better understanding of complexity theories point to the possibilities for cooperation in our diversity, rather than political violence? John Alderdice will explore this challenge and its practical implications.

Time: 6pm – 7.15pm

Date: Wednesday, 27 September 2017

Venue: Harris Manchester College, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TD

h1. Lecture by Professor Peter Neumann MA PhD

h2. Online Radicalisation - Myths and Reality

Two of the most frightening aspects of the wave of terrorism that has swept across the globe are what appear to be the viral spread of extreme thinking through the internet, and the seemingly rapid appearance of radical attitudes in
young people as a prelude to their terrorist involvement. Peter Neumann will bring his acute mind and unrivalled experience of engagement in this field to help us tease out the myths from the realities of ‘on-line radicalization’.

Where next for conflict research? What issues should scholars of conflict and peace be focusing on, and how should they go about researching them? Two Oxford scholars will discuss the state of the field of peace and conflict studies and new research currently taking place at Oxford. John Gledhill will discuss his forthcoming research that maps the field of peace and conflict studies and identifies ways in which it can be reformed and taken forward.

How can academic research influence the policy-making process? Should academics be concerned about making their research relevant to contemporary problems of terrorism, political violence and war? The purpose of this round-table discussion is to engage in these ongoing debates about the appropriate relationship between the academic and policy-making worlds. Discussants will speak about their own experiences at the intersections of academia and policy and to identify the main opportunities and obstacles for productive dialogue between scholars and practitioners.

In the past two decades, there has been much talk in political theory about the role of religion in the public sphere. The resulting discussions of public reason and its limits, secularism and disestablishment, the nature of toleration, and the scope of religious exemptions have been invaluable. For many theorists, however, the fundamental worry remains: can the tensions between the demands of liberalism and the obligations of faith be negotiated?

This is a joint event between the Changing Character of War Programme and the Society for Army Historical Research.
Speakers include: Dr John Peaty, Dr Neil Faulkner, Gp Capt John Alexander, Maj Dr Paul Knight and CCW Director, Dr Rob Johnson.