GSUM Winter School
2015
July 13th – 24th, 2015
Institute of International Relations – IRI/PUC-Rio
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
1.
Introduction
1.1 The Global South Unit for Mediation - GSUM
The Global South Unit for Mediation (GSUM) promotes learning, research and training on
international mediation among scholars, diplomats, governmental officials and civil society.
Our researches, workshops, publications and teaching materials share a focus on the
Global South. We also run a Fellowship Program for academics and practitioners whose
expertise is international mediation and, annually, organize a Winter School. GSUM is the
result of a partnership between the Institute of International Relations of the Pontifical
Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, the BRICS Policy Center and the Royal Embassy of
Norway in Brazil.
The practice of international mediation is widely recognized as essential for international
peace and security and its comparative advantages have been extensively acknowledged. It
is also an integral component of international negotiations and peaceful settlement of
disputes. Nevertheless, most of the governmental and non-governmental actors involved
in international mediation processes are still from Northern countries. Very few states and
civil-society institutions from the Global South are engaged in international mediation
initiatives or have invested in improving their national mediation capacities.
For more information, visit the website: http://www.bricspolicycenter.org/gsum
1.2 The GSUM Winter School
The GSUM Winter School is a two-week intensive academic and training program on
international mediation organized by the Global South Unit for Mediation (GSUM) in the city
of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The GSUM Winter School is open to a maximum of 24 students per
week who want to have a substantial learning and training experience in the theory and
practice of international mediation, with a particular focus on issues, questions and
experiences concerning the Global South.
Global South Unit for Mediation
Rua Dona Mariana, 63 – Botafogo,
Rio de Janeiro/RJ. 22280-020/Brasil
Phone: +55 21 2535.0447
In its first edition, in 2014, the GSUM Winter School had the honor of receiving Ambassador
Antonio Patriota, Brazilian Permanent Representative to the United Nations and former
Brazilian Minister of External Relations, to give its Inaugural Lecture. The main courses were
taught by Profs. Laurie Nathan, Director of the Centre for Mediation at the University of
Pretoria, and Joyce Neu, Founder and Senior Associate of Facilitating Peace. Aiming to
contribute to the local, national and international public debate, the school also organized
several public events with the participation of diplomats, international mediation specialists
and eminent scholars and practitioners, such as: Prof. Pinar Bilgin (Bilkent University); Prof.
Cécile Mouly (FLACSO Ecuador); Prof. Claudia Fuentes (IRI/PUC-Rio); and Mr. Marcelo Viegas
(Ministry of Foreign Relations, United Nations Division).
We encourage candidates to visit our webpage and know more about the 2014 edition, as
well as to watch our institutional video.
Available at: http://bricspolicycenter.org/homolog/Projetos/Interna/148
2. General Information
2.1 Aims and Objectives
The GSUM Winter School aims at offering an intensive and substantial learning and training
experience in the theory and practice of international mediation, with a particular focus on
issues, questions and experiences concerning or related to the Global South.
The GSUM Winter School aims to give the students a rigorous introduction to international
mediation’s fundamental concepts, theories and perspectives, as well as to international
mediation’s actors and processes. Moreover, it aims to give the students the opportunity of
focusing on and studying with more details some of the specialized topics that are part of the
Winter School Program.
In what regards the practice of international mediation, the GSUM Winter School aims to give
the students the opportunity of learning about and critically studying past experiences
Global South Unit for Mediation
Rua Dona Mariana, 63 – Botafogo,
Rio de Janeiro/RJ. 22280-020/Brasil
Phone: +55 21 2535.0447
through a case-study approach that will be led and conducted by the learned and experienced
members of the teaching Faculty. Hence, the students will have the opportunity of learning
about and carefully analyzing the details, actors and processes involved, as well as the
successes and failures, of different practical experiences of international mediation.
Thematically, the GSUM Winter School aims to offer the students the opportunity of
approaching international mediation through an overall perspective that gives emphasis to
conceptual and practical issues, problems, questions and experiences particularly related to
the Global South.
2.2 Target Public
The GSUM Winter School is open to postgraduate students and/or professionals (scholars,
civil society’s representatives, diplomats, NGO staffers, government officials, lawyers, and
international organizations' employees, among others) interested in international mediation,
with a particular focus on issues, questions and experiences related to the Global South.
In exceptional cases, undergraduate students with outstanding academic performance, and
who intend to pursue a postgraduate degree in international mediation or related areas,
might be accepted.
2.3 Duration and Dates
The GSUM Winter School will have the duration of two weeks, taking place between 13th
and 24th of July, 2015.
The two weeks are independent, but interrelated. Hence, students may choose to apply:
i.
ii.
iii.
Only to the first week (July 13th to 17th);
Only to the second week (July 20th to 24th); or
To both weeks.
Global South Unit for Mediation
Rua Dona Mariana, 63 – Botafogo,
Rio de Janeiro/RJ. 22280-020/Brasil
Phone: +55 21 2535.0447
2.4 Deadline for applications
The deadline for applications is May 04, 2015.
However, applications will be considered as they arrive, so we highly suggest candidates to
apply as soon as possible. Applications will be (a) immediately selected, (b) immediately
rejected, or (c) put in a waiting list.
For more information, please read the item How to Apply (see below).
2.5 Location
The GSUM Winter School will take place at the Institute of International Relations of the
Pontifical University Catholic of Rio de Janeiro:
Instituto de Relações Internacionais - IRI/PUC-Rio
Rua Marquês de São Vicente, 225 - Vila dos diretórios, casa 20 - Gávea
Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. 22451-900.
Website: http://www.iri.puc-rio.br/
Phone: (+55 21) 3527-1557
Global South Unit for Mediation
Rua Dona Mariana, 63 – Botafogo,
Rio de Janeiro/RJ. 22280-020/Brasil
Phone: +55 21 2535.0447
3. The GSUM Winter School Program
3.1 General Structure
The GSUM Winter School Program is conceived and structured as two independent, but
interrelated weeks of intensive learning and training activities on international mediation,
with a particular focus on issues, problems, questions, and experiences concerning or related
to the Global South.
Each week of the GSUM Winter School is structured around different kinds of activities and
events:
 Morning Courses (09-12hs);
 Afternoon Courses (14-17hs); and
 Public Events (18-20hs) ― in (some of) the evenings.
 In the beginning of each week, an Orientation Session will be held in order for students to
have a chance to familiarize themselves with the staff and each other, as well as to get any
needed support regarding logistics and the Winter School.
3.2 Morning and Afternoon Courses
The core of the GSUM Winter School Program is comprised of the Courses offered each week:
the Morning Course, every day from 09 to 12h; and the Afternoon Course, every day from 14
to 17h.
Both Courses (Morning and Afternoon) are 9-hour courses, taught by eminent scholars
and/or practitioners whose expertise is international mediation. On the last days of each
week, students will also have the opportunity to have classes (3-hour courses) with the GSUM
Visiting Fellows – once a year GSUM selects a few notable and multinational Fellows for a
Global South Unit for Mediation
Rua Dona Mariana, 63 – Botafogo,
Rio de Janeiro/RJ. 22280-020/Brasil
Phone: +55 21 2535.0447
two-month teaching and research experience in Rio de Janeiro. To know more about the
Fellowship Program, see http://bricspolicycenter.org/homolog/projetos/Index/12?c=23.
The courses held by GSUM Fellows are inspired and conceived around at least one of the
following specialized subjects, issues and themes that are privileged by the GSUM Winter
School Program:
 Conflict Resolution and mediation as a field of study and practice
 Actors and Processes of Mediation
 Gender, Culture, Religion and Environment in Mediation
 Mediation and the United Nations System
 Elements and Reflections on Successes, Failures, and Lessons Learned
 Mediation and the Global South
*All courses (morning and afternoon) are compulsory for all students
3.3 Open Events
Each week, GSUM will share some of the Winter School experience with the public. The
evening schedule, which will be made up by two inaugural lectures and two thematic
roundtables, will be open and free. Distinguished specialists and public officials will discuss
issues pertaining to mediation.
3.4 Participant Certification & Farewell Lunch
The GSUM Winter School invites the students and Faculty for a Farewell Lunch at the last day
of each week (17th and 24th), in which the certification of participants will be given.
Global South Unit for Mediation
Rua Dona Mariana, 63 – Botafogo,
Rio de Janeiro/RJ. 22280-020/Brasil
Phone: +55 21 2535.0447
4. The GSUM Winter School Program 2015
First Week: July 13th – July 17th, 2015
(time)
13/07(Mon)
08 - 09
Orientation
Session
09 - 12
Dr. Iver Neumann
12 -14
Lunch Break
14-17
18 - 20
14/07(Tue)
Dr. Iver Neumann
Lunch Break
15/07(Wed)
Dr. Iver Neumann
Lunch Break
Dr. Sara Hellmuller
Dr. Sara Hellmuller
Dr. Sara Hellmuller
“International
Mediation: actors and
processes”
“International
Mediation: actors and
processes”
“International
Mediation: actors and
processes”
Inaugural
Lecture
Free Time
16/07(Thu)
Round Table
(Middle East)
17/08 (Fri)
Fellow 01
Fellow 02
Course a
Course b
Lunch Break
Lunch Break
Fellow 03
Farewell
Lunch
Course c
Free Time
Second Week: July 20th – July 24th, 2015
(time)
20/07(Mon)
08 - 09
Orientation
Session
Prof. Laurie Nathan
09 - 12
12 -14
“International
Mediation and the UN
System”
Lunch Break
Prof. Esra Cuhadar
14-17
“International Mediation
and the Global South:
Theories, Practices
and Dilemmas”
18 - 20
Inaugural
Lecture
21/07(Tue)
22/07(Wed)
Prof. Laurie Nathan Prof. Laurie Nathan
23/07(Thu)
24/07(Fri)
“International
Mediation and the UN
System”
“International
Mediation and the UN
System”
Fellow 01
Fellow 02
Course a
Course b
Lunch Break
Prof. Esra Cuhadar
Lunch Break
Prof. Esra Cuhadar
Lunch Break
Lunch Break
“International
Mediation and the
Global South: Theories,
Practices and
Dilemmas”
“International
Mediation and the
Global South: Theories,
Practices and
Dilemmas”
Fellow 03
Farewell
Lunch
Free Time
Free Time
Course c
Round Table
(Latin America)
Global South Unit for Mediation
Rua Dona Mariana, 63 – Botafogo,
Rio de Janeiro/RJ. 22280-020/Brasil
Phone: +55 21 2535.0447
5. The GSUM Winter School Faculty 2015 (already confirmed)
Prof. Laurie Nathan
Centre for Mediation at the University of Pretoria
Professor Laurie Nathan taught at the first edition of the GSUM Winter School of Mediation
and is confirmed for the second edition. Director of the Centre for Mediation at the University
of Pretoria, he is also a member of the United Nations Mediation Roster and a member of the
United Nations Roster of Security Sector Reform Experts. His research focus is on Southern
African and South African conflicts. More specifically, Professor Nathan is interested in
exploring the causes, prevention and resolution of civil wars in Africa. This entails studying the
structural causes of state crisis; regional security regimes and dynamics; and mediation and
other forms of peacemaking. In addition to that, he has an extensive experience as a policy
adviser to the South African government and other governments in this region.
Prof. Esra Cuhadar
Bilkent University
Professor Esra Cuhadar is an assistant professor at the Department of Political Science in
Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey. She has been granted docent title by the Higher Education
Council of Turkey in 2011. She was a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Fletcher School of Law and
Diplomacy at Tufts University during the 2011-2012 academic year. Before joining Bilkent
University, she worked as an assistant professor in the Conflict Analysis and Resolution
Program of Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey. Dr. Cuhadar received her M.A. and Ph.D. in
Global South Unit for Mediation
Rua Dona Mariana, 63 – Botafogo,
Rio de Janeiro/RJ. 22280-020/Brasil
Phone: +55 21 2535.0447
International Relations and an advanced graduate certificate in Applied Conflict Resolution
from Maxwell School, Syracuse University. She completed a Syracuse University awardwinningdissertation in 2005. Dr. Cuhadar’s research interests include international mediation,
interactive conflict resolution workshops, evaluation of peacebuilding and conflict resolution
programs, negotiation and mediation pedagogy and teaching, and foreign policy decisionmaking with a focus on decision groups and political leaders. Besides her research on third
party roles and techniques, Dr. Cuhadar conducts trainings and consultations on conflict
resolution, negotiation and mediation for various groups and organizations in Turkey and
elsewhere.
Dr. Iver Neumann
London School of Economics (LSE), researcher at Norwegian Institute of International
Affairs (NUPI)
Iver B. Neumann holds a Dr. Philos. in Social Anthropology from the University of Oslo (2009)
and a D. Phil. In Politics from Oxford University (1992). Neumann is Montague Burton
Professor at London School of Economics (LSE) since 2012 and also does research at the
Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI). He is also an adjunct professor at the
Norwegian University of Life Sciences since 2005 and a visiting professor at Belgrade
University. His current research projects include cooperation with Serbian colleagues, a joint
book project on the historical sociology of the Eurasian steppe with Einar Wigen and work on
a diplomacy book for Hearst. He was the editor of the Norwegian IR journal Internasjonal
politikk from 1993 to 1995, Cooperation and Conflict; Nordic Journal of International Relations
from 1999 to 2003 and co-editor of the Routledge book series The New International
Relations from 2005 to the present. His main areas of concentration are Diplomacy, scenario
planning, and Russian foreign Policy.
Global South Unit for Mediation
Rua Dona Mariana, 63 – Botafogo,
Rio de Janeiro/RJ. 22280-020/Brasil
Phone: +55 21 2535.0447
Dr. Sara Hellmuller
Swisspeace Research Coordinator
Sara Hellmüller holds a first MA in International Relations from the Graduate Institute of
International Studies in Geneva and a second MA in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher
School at Tufts University in Boston. She has a PhD in Political Science from the University of
Basel. Her doctoral research focused on how the interaction between local and international
peacebuilding actors in DR Congo influences the effectiveness of their programs. In 2013, she
was a visiting scholar at the Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies at Columbia
University in New York and an affiliate doctoral student at the University of Bunia, in Ituri (DR
Congo). She has interned with United Nations Development Program in eastern DR Congo, the
Swiss Embassy in Abuja and with local NGOs in Mongolia and South Africa. Sara joined
Swisspeace in December 2009. She works as a program officer in the Mediation Program and
is the Swisspeace research coordinator.
Public Events
Prof. Monica Herz, GSUM-IRI/PUC-Rio
Prof. Paulo Esteves, GSUM-IRI/PUC-Rio
Prof. Laurie Nathan, University of Pretoria
Prof. Esra Cuhadar, Bilkent University
Dr. Maíra Siman, GSUM-IRI/PUC-Rio
Dr. Claudia Fuentes, GSUM-IRI/PUC-Rio
Dr. Jana Tabak, GSUM-IRI/PUC-Rio
Global South Unit for Mediation
Rua Dona Mariana, 63 – Botafogo,
Rio de Janeiro/RJ. 22280-020/Brasil
Phone: +55 21 2535.0447
6. How to Apply
The students may choose to apply:
i.
ii.
iii.
Only to the first week (July 13th to 17th);
Only to the second week (July 20th to 24th); or
To both weeks.
Those interested should send the following materials to the GSUM’s electronic address
([email protected]):
 The completed Application Form (signed)
 Curriculum Vitae (in English).
In case of selection, copy of diplomas and/or degree certificates may be asked, as well as proof of
English proficiency (such as, for instance, Diplomas, TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge)
 Copy of Identity (for Brazilians) or Passport (for other nationalities).
 Motivation Letter (maximum 1000 words). Your motivation letter should be one to two
pages long. It is expected that candidates elaborate on the importance of this school and
its relevance to help you fulfill your goals, and how it relates to your current studies and/or
employment.
 01 (one) Letter of Recommendation. You should submit one letter of recommendation, in
which the referee should give information regarding your character, intellectual ability, and
seriousness of purpose. The letter should come from your professor, lecturer and/or
employer (if applicable), and it must include contact information.
 Personal Statement for candidates who wish to apply for financial support (please refer to
item 8).
 School Record Transcript ― applicable only for undergraduate candidates.
Global South Unit for Mediation
Rua Dona Mariana, 63 – Botafogo,
Rio de Janeiro/RJ. 22280-020/Brasil
Phone: +55 21 2535.0447
Deadline for Applications
The deadline for applications is May 04, 2015.
However, applications will be considered as they arrive, so we highly suggest candidates to
apply as soon as possible. Applications will be (a) immediately selected, (b) immediately
rejected, or (c) put in a waiting list.
If a candidate who did not apply for fee waivers or scholarships is immediately selected, the
deadline for registration, including for the full payment of the fees, will be indicated in the
acceptance letter. Registration will be confirmed only upon the full payment of the fees. If an
accepted candidate does not register and pay full fees before this specific deadline, his/her
application will be rejected.
In case of immediate selection, together with a possible invitation to apply to one of our fee
waivers or scholarships, specific instructions will be provided for the applicant in the
acceptance letter.
In case of being put in our waiting list, the GSUM staff will provide candidates with more
information and instructions when appropriate.
Global South Unit for Mediation
Rua Dona Mariana, 63 – Botafogo,
Rio de Janeiro/RJ. 22280-020/Brasil
Phone: +55 21 2535.0447
7. Fees
 One Week: R$ 1.300,00 (Brazilian Reais)
 Two Weeks: R$ 1.900,00 (Brazilian Reais)
8. Scholarships and Fee Waivers
The GSUM Winter School is committed to bringing together a plural and diversified group of
individuals who are interested in international mediation, with a particular emphasis on
issues, problems, questions and experiences related to the Global South. In this regard, then,
the GSUM Winter School is particularly sensitive o those cases of individuals, coming from the
Global South and/or in a particularly difficult socio-economic situation, that would not be able
to attend our program for financial reasons.
Hence, the GSUM Winter School offers, upon a case by case analysis, different scholarships
and fee waivers for some of the selected students that otherwise would not have the financial
means to come to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and be part of our courses and activities.
Candidates for scholarships and fee waivers are decided, each year, case by case, during the
selection process. Scholarships and fee waivers may vary, each year, from full scholarships to
partial fee waivers. Most importantly, GSUM has a limited number of scholarships to be given
every year. Hence, we encourage students to apply for financial support having in mind that
only 15% of students will be granted scholarships.
So, in case you need financial support, and want to be considered either for a scholarship or
for a fee waiver in order to attend the GSUM Winter School 2015 please indicate it in your
Application Form.
Only the selected students will be eligible for scholarships and fee waivers.
Global South Unit for Mediation
Rua Dona Mariana, 63 – Botafogo,
Rio de Janeiro/RJ. 22280-020/Brasil
Phone: +55 21 2535.0447
9. Contacts
Global South Unit for Mediation / BRICS Policy Center
Rua Dona Mariana, 63 | Botafogo | Postcode: 22280-020
Rio de Janeiro | RJ | Brasil | Phone/Fax: (55) 21-2535.0447
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bricspolicycenter.org/gsum
Global South Unit for Mediation
Rua Dona Mariana, 63 – Botafogo,
Rio de Janeiro/RJ. 22280-020/Brasil
Phone: +55 21 2535.0447