Transrational Resonances

Table of Contents

1. Frontmatter

2. Chapter 1. On Resonances: An Introduction to the Transrational Peace Philosophy and Elicitive Conflict Transformation

   Josefina Echavarría Alvarez, Norbert Koppensteiner

   Abstract

   The editors establish articulations between the transrational peace philosophy, elicitive methods of conflict transformation and the chapters contained in the book. This chapter introduces Wolfgang Dietrich’s work – particularly around the key terms of elicitive conflict transformation, transrational peaces and elicitive conflict mapping. The introduction further highlights the red thread weaving together the different contributions and underlines the novelties, distinguishing new elaborations and arguments that show new lines of thought. Moreover, the concept of resonance that is drawn from the work of John Paul Lederach is discussed, providing a conceptual frame for the book.

3. Resonances to Wolfgang Dietrich and His Work

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Chapter 2. Could You Do What You Are Writing About?

      Armin Staffler

      Abstract

      The chapter focuses on the theatrical, transrational, transpersonal and elicitive approach to Conflict Transformation and its interwovenness with Wolfgang Dietrich’s and the author’s (Armin Staffler’s) stories. It tells about obvious and hidden resonances of interaction on a stage that is called a chair – UNESCO Chair for Peaces Studies – and beyond (backstage, as the author might say). The text reflects on the history of theatrical moments since the first semester of the MA Program in Peace, Development, Security and International Conflict Transformation when a few games and exercises of Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed were facultative during a hike into the Tyrolean mountains and the time when David Diamond’s Theatre for Living became an integrative part of the program until Wolfgang Dietrich came to re-write William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in the last volume of the Many Peaces Trilogy.

   3. Chapter 3. Cooperative Resonances: An Interview with Major General Herbert Bauer and Franz Jenewein

      Daniela Ingruber

      Abstract

      Franz Jenewein, the Director of the Tyrolean Bildungshaus Grillhof, the centre where the MA Program for Peace Studies resides, and Major General Herbert Bauer, Commander of the Austrian Army in Tyrol, have both been crucial partners, important supporters and friends of Wolfgang Dietrich for many years. Dietrich uses to say that without them the MA Program would neither have been possible nor sustainable. Though in quite different roles, Franz Jenewein as the host at the Grillhof and Major General Bauer as the host and organizer of the Military Training Native Challenge in the MA Program, they have quite diverse interpretations of the transrational perspective, which fit together perfectly well. They have integrated them into their lives and work a long time ago. A talk with them adds to the ideas of Wolfgang Dietrich in a very special and practical way, which will make the readers understand new details and perspectives.

4. Scholarly Resonances

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Chapter 4. Transrational Methods of Peace Research: The Researcher as (Re)source

      Norbert Koppensteiner

      Abstract

      This chapter takes one step towards conceptualizing a transrational peace research methodology through the lens of the researcher. It commences from the assumption that positivist, modern research tries to negate the influence of the researcher on the research topic and is guided by ideals of objectivity and neutrality, postmodern research seeks to problematize the researcher by contextualizing her position in order to make visible unexamined biases and assumptions. In postmodern manner, it is assumed that any research conducted in the field of Peace Studies cannot be separated from the researcher’s particular perspective that frames and shapes the research process. This chapter then complements the postmodern critical stance by assuming in humanistic fashion hat the researcher is both source for and resource during the research process. The text so (1) gives a very brief overview on modern and postmodern research methodologies as they are relevant for Peace Studies. It (2) renders the ontological and anthropological basis for a transrational peace research that takes the researcher as starting point, (3) elaborates the epistemological consequences of such a view and (4) briefly addresses the ethical aspects that are implicit in this transrational shift. Turning to the researcher as (re)source (5) five systemically interrelated forms of knowing are identified. The question of (6) how to possibly structure research findings is addressed. The chapter concludes with (7) a general remark about the transdisciplinary nature of such (transrational) peace research.

   3. Chapter 5. Why a Feminist Standpoint Epistemology Is Necessary in Times of Hegemonic Masculinity: Thoughts on Intersectionality and Transrationality

      Annette Weber

      Abstract

      The chapter argues for a feminist political positioning and the need for space for marginal voices in times of hegemonic masculinity. The understanding of liberal feminist on equality by bringing women in does not suffice for a structural change in International Relations (IR) and conflict management. However, the expectations of essentialist feminists hoping for an inherent peacefulness of women as a dividing and shaping marker is equally proven simplistic. More is necessary, inclusion as well as a recognition of standpoints resulting from experience of those who are not the dominant subject in the respective context. Gender therefore is both, a social construct as well as an embodied reality in a masculinist world. This calls for a political standpoint epistemology, the recognition of power structures based on – as well as an ideal of overcoming – gender, race and class based categories of hegemonic dominance. Taking the approach of intersectionality as relational praxis, is not based on a model of access to experience in the formation of knowledge by any given individual. It much more calls for the acceptance of the non-accessibility of experience based on gender, race, class or sexual orientation by the respective dominant subject and the necessity of voice and existence in public and private, political and social spaces. Being an ally then becomes a political activity of support without taking the power of definition or the lead in articulation of experience. Only then can intersectional politics grow and the multitude of experience, voices and perspectives enrich the discourse – be it academic, political, spiritual or relational.

   4. Chapter 6. Sexuality, Security and Migration: Seeking Elicitive Clues in the Analysis of the 2015 Cologne’s Sylvesternacht

      Josefina Echavarría Alvarez

      Abstract

      This chapter takes the events of 2015 New Year’s Eve in the city of Cologne, Germany as point of departure to illustrate distinct possible interpretations of migration and integration conflicts in the European Union. It first surveys the predominantly conflict resolution reading and solutions widely adopted by politicians and the public in order to contrast it to an elicitive conflict transformation analysis. This second perspective is operationalized through the method of elicitive conflict mapping, which aims at providing practical applications of the transrational peace philosophy. The insights derived point towards possibilities for dealing with these conflicts resulting in more functional and equal relationships, which necessarily imply openness to change and transformation for both Us and Them.

   5. Chapter 7. Inter-Actions that Matter: An Arendtian Approach to Elicitive Conflict Transformation

      Andreas Oberprantacher

      Abstract

      While the term ‘transrational’ has been discussed in detail by Wolfgang Dietrich in a number of his publications that received considerable attention over the past decade, the term ‘elicitive’ retains a strange vagueness to this day. This chapter presents an investigation to what extent an Arendtian approach could be practical to further refine the paradigm of elicitive conflict transformation in theoretical terms. More than any other book authored by Arendt, it is foremost The Human Condition that offers a variety of relevant arguments of how to make sense of our conflicted situations without recurring to a ‘prescriptive model’ of human interactions. Accordingly, it is argued that Arendt favors, at least between the lines, an elicitive approach that is compatible with that discussion set in motion by Dietrich.

   6. Chapter 8. Transrational Peaces and Pax Technologica: On Artificial Intelligence, Peace Studies and Systemic Constellation Work

      Albrecht Mahr

      Abstract

      The chapter first retakes the findings of Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker on the continuous decrease of violence in the course of human history. Against all feelings of the daily increase of violence, we are thus confronted with the question ‘what is it that we have done well and that could be fostered further, considering that we live in the most peaceful period of human history?’ And furthermore: ‘how can we adequately respond to the hyper-complex global problems that our intelligence seems to be ever less capable to do?’ From this starting point, the chapter presents the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential to contribute to peace—after an extensive discussion of different forms of AI, as well as its positive and potential negative effects. Terms like technological singularity, post- and transhuman development have so far been only little received in Peace Studies. This chapter discusses them, relates them to the concept of transrational peaces and connects to a mysticism understood as radical realism. Systemic constellations are described in their consubstantiality to AI and in their potential to foster peace. The text concludes with a perspective on introducing AI as teaching subject in Peace Studies, because ultimately transrational peaces, elicitive conflict transformation, systemic constellations and AI lead towards the same: to love as the concept-free, transrational and irresistible essence of reality.

   7. Chapter 9. On the Flesh of Violence: The (Phenomenological) Dilemma in Researching Violence and Its Transrational Transformation

      Rebecca Gulowski

      Abstract

      In this chapter, the concept of the paradoxical open gestalt of violence is unfolded by describing an alternative approach to research on violence, which combines the phenomenological ontology of Maurice Merleau-Ponty, particularly his notion of the term flesh with the transrational ontology elaborated by Wolfgang Dietrich. The aim is to overcome a Marxist view of emancipatory politics that focuses on the economic base of society and also a postmodern perspective referring to Wittgenstein and understanding the limits of language as the limits of the world. By shifting the locus of authority into the inner self, this contribution is the attempt to integrate an emancipatory aspect into violence research and empower the individual who is the experiencer of violence.

   8. Chapter 10. Transrational Peaces Extended to Economics

      Shawn Bryant

      Abstract

      The exploration of transrational approaches to economics takes Wolfgang Dietrich’s theories of the families of peaces and of transrational peaces and extends them in new directions. From this initial point of inspiration, the principles of transrational approaches to economics are outlined by explaining how economics generally manifests in each of the four constituent families of peaces. Examples are given to illustrate how some key concepts are inflected through the four quadrants of transrational peaces to create a dynamic synthesis of transrationality.

5. Practitioners’ Resonances

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Chapter 11. Communal Integration: A Perspective of Elicitive Conflict Work

      Birgit Allerstorfer

      Abstract

      Within this chapter, communal integration processes are connected with the art of elicitive conflict transformation and seek enriching interfaces. The author presents her professional experiences with Regional Competence Centers for Integration and Diversity in Upper Austria and sketches current communal integration processes. Thereby, potentialities and limits of institutional settings and elicitive approaches are identified and the benefits of safe spaces, non-violent communication, unconditional attitudes and active listening, among others are explored. Referring to the current humanitarian and refugee crises, the chapter offers a perspective upon concrete local and regional actions, based on grass-root engagement and communal process facilitation. The close collaboration with municipalities and political leaders, combined with events of civilian participation and the accompaniment of volunteer groups, build the corner stones of prevailing communal processes in Upper Austria. The latter hold the potential of facilitating change in a need and context-oriented, elicitive way.

   3. Chapter 12. Self-Exploration Through Holotropic Breathwork

      Sylvester Walch

      Abstract

      Holotropic Breathwork is an important tool for the training of peace workers because it decisively improves their personal competences. In this chapter, this form of intense process-work, drawn out in its practice-relevant basic principles, becomes part of the range of methods from the realm of transpersonal psychology. It allows deeper access to suppressed biographical problems, not yet integrated experiences related to the own birth, as well as to the transpersonal and mystic aspects of being. Potentials for self-healing are mobilized, blockages in the own life reduced and deep insights into the own path become accessible. The concept of ‘inner wisdom’ that is a crucial aspect of holotropic breathwork is explained through the link to personal and transpersonal theories of the self.

   4. Chapter 13. Elephant Watering (W)hole: Transrational Learning Spaces

      Jennifer M. Murphy

      Abstract

      Critical pedagogies, including postmodern, postcolonial and feminist approaches, highlight the importance of critical thinking, situated knowledges, ways of knowing and a politics of location. In this chapter, the author expands this terrain and explores transrational encounters and interpretations of facilitating in the classroom in the United States. A transrational pedagogical orientation both epistemologically and ontologically twists rationality as one mode of perception and offers cutting edge insights into creating multidimensional learning spaces for critical thinking, seeing, relating and being. Transrational approaches to facilitating are relational, experiential and a force of life. This chapter merges critical pedagogy and peace research and expands upon intersectionality and positionality within the classroom, utilizing transrational philosophy and its practical implications. In this context, (differential) power and privilege play out and are facilitated within a systemic approach to conflict, difference and plurality. In this sense, the classroom is a dynamic and living space of deep meaning where students explore their own unfinished processes of transformation, self-actualization and interconnectedness. Flowing in and through the relational and experiential individual, the author moves from intersubjective consciousness in the classroom to relational shapes of spirit of individual and transpersonal consciousness, an embodied and living transrational pedagogical space.

   5. Chapter 14. Transrational Education: Exploring Possibilities for Learning About Peace, Harmony, Justice and Truth in the Twenty First Century

      Hilary Cremin, Tim Archer

      Abstract

      This chapter concerns education’s role in working towards peace, harmony, justice and truth. At a time when these things appear more elusive than ever, education has a key role to play. This role, however, is not straightforward. The chapter argues that there is an urgent need for a shift in teacher identity; from the rational, modern manager of knowledge and resources in neoliberal times, to the transrational postmodern pedagogue in times to come. The chapter is structured around Dietrich’s five families of peace – modern, moral, postmodern, energetic and transrational; and it ends with a rationale for integrating all five families of peace into both peace education and education more generally.

   6. Chapter 15. Iustitia’s Healing. On the Potential of Synergies Between Law and Elicitive Conflict Transformation

      Florencia Benitez-Schaefer

      Abstract

      While law and conflict work are intrinsically connected, the relation between modern law and elicitive conflict transformation is not as easy as it seems. This chapter addresses a variety of aspects of this relation. Firstly, it points at some key tensions between the most widespread understanding of law and elicitive conflict work. Secondly, it portrays current innovative approaches to law that allow for transrational and transformative perspectives. Thirdly, it inquires into the field of law as a field in conflict which can be investigated with the tool of Elicitive Conflict Mapping in order to foster its potential for transformation. As a result of this exploration, the author proposes concrete entry points for the synergic interaction of the fields of conflict transformation and law.

   7. Chapter 16. A Rationale for the Transrational in Peace and Development Cooperation

      Fabian Patrick Mayr

      Abstract

      This chapter is to a limited degree scholarly since it aims at providing the reader with a largely personal account of a former student of the MA Program in Peace Studies and its practice orientation. The text puts the transrational approach of the Innsbruck School into the international work realities of peace and development officers. Additionally, some constructive analysis and reflections on the future curriculum development and lines of research is provided from a labor market perspective.

6. Artistic Resonances

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Chapter 17. Theatre for Living: Searching for (and Sometimes Finding) Many Peaces in the Transrational Darkness

      David Diamond

      Abstract

      In his chapter, the author traces the evolution of his Theatre for Living (TfL) from Brazilian theatre visionary Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed, combined with his own theatre practice and a deep interest in ‘systems thinking.’ The chapter details Theatre for Living’s application in numerous complex real-world situations, drawing on the author’s work with Canadian Indigenous and other communities. He explains how communities are living organisms and what happens when a living community chooses to use the language of the theatre to tell and process issues with which the community is struggling and how this intersects with Dietrich’s concept of Many Peaces.

   3. Chapter 18. Performative Meeting for Peace. The Way of the Energetic Voice and Vocal Action

      Nigar Hasib, Shamal Amin

      Abstract

      The journey of the Lalish Theatre Laboratory leads towards the discovery of a new combination of voice, movement and life as a whole. It leads to sublating the separation between art and life, between aesthetic and everyday value judgments. The most important aspects of this work are: (1) Performative circle; a ritual space of ‘everywhere and nowhere’ and a ritual time of ‘always and never.’ (2) Songs as Source/making songs visible; the intensity, immediacy and depth of vocal-embodied expression in which it is not about what we say, but how we say it. Voice and songs here turn into the source of rhythm, of physical presence, they turn to the source of action. Songs are not sung but done. (3) Intercultural dialogue; based on the concept of ‘self-discovery’ and the ‘meeting’ between individuals of different cultures.

   4. Chapter 19. Shamanic Resonances: An Interview with Peter Kirschner and Hanna Raab

      Daniela Ingruber

      Abstracts

      When Wolfgang Dietrich met Peter Kirschner, the founder and head of Native Spirit, a nature and wilderness school at the river Inn in Tyrol, it pretty soon became clear for him that Native Spirit is one of the elements he had been looking for as a modular unit in the MA Program. For many years now it has been a learning space for generations of students, not an easy one because visiting this space means to be challenged with oneself in a quite direct or even shamanic way. In this interview Peter Kirschner and his former partner Hanna Raab talk about their personal relation with Wolfgang Dietrich, and how one has influenced the other over the years.

7. Backmatter