The special 2024 review episode of the Conversations4Citizenship podcast takes a deep dive into a year marked by turbulence and inspiration, showcasing the resilience of global citizenship in the face of immense challenges. Hosted by Dr. Adam Peter Lang and Dr. Stella Micheong Cheong, the episode reflects on pivotal events such as elections in over half the world, revolutions in Bangladesh and Syria, ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine, democratic protests in South Korea, and the evolving role of AI governance in peacebuilding. The hosts reaffirm the podcast’s mission to foster understanding and dialogue amidst an ever-changing geopolitical landscape.

The episode revisits highlights from Season 3, which tackled pressing issues like misinformation, inequality, civic engagement, youth activism, and creative research methods. Notable discussions included "critical harmony" in education, technology’s potential for peacebuilding, and strategies for navigating democratic resistance. These conversations featured distinguished experts who brought fresh insights into the challenges of our time.

Looking ahead to 2025, Season 4 promises an exciting shift in focus. The podcast will spotlight activists and practitioners working on the frontlines of social change, amplifying voices from diverse contexts. To enhance global dialogue, a new interactive website will also be launched, encouraging deeper engagement with listeners worldwide.

As they close the episode, the hosts share a hopeful message for justice and harmony in the coming year. Now reaching listeners in 71 countries, Conversations4Citizenship Podcast has solidified its place as a leading platform for citizenship and human rights education—an essential resource for navigating today’s complex world.

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In the last episode of season 3, Dr. Tatsushi Arai, an associate professor in peace and conflict studies at Kent State University, joins the Conversations4Citizenship podcast to discuss his extensive work in conflict resolution, focusing on the Asia Pacific region. He recounts his experiences, including a pivotal visit to Hiroshima and his time in Rwanda post-genocide, which shaped his career in peacebuilding. Dr. Arai explores the complexities of resolving conflicts in Asia Pacific due to its religious diversity and modern identity constructs. He advocates for peacebuilding education that fosters equity, harmony, and conflict resolution skills through dialog and experiential learning. Particularly, he presented innovative methodologies like "Walk-Through History," which fosters empathy by exploring diverse historical narratives, as seen in his work on Taiwan-China relations.

Highlighting projects like the Ubuntu Center for Peace in Rwanda, he underscores the role of local cultural practices in healing and reconciliation. Dr. Arai also examines how digital technology, particularly AI, influences global peace efforts by enhancing data analysis and connectivity but also warns of its potential dangers.

Additionally, he emphasized dialogue and experiential learning as core principles of peace education. Dr. Arai's ongoing research includes theories of functional coexistence for sustained negative peace and mediated practices to address conflicts lacking traditional mediation structures.

This episode is hosted by Dr. Stella Cheong. Please subscribe to the podcast through Apple, Google, Spotify, or Amazon Music. You may also follow @c4c_ed on Twitter. We look forward to hearing your feedback. If you would like to explore participating in our podcast and submit your blog post to the C4C, do not hesitate to reach out through the online participation form or email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.com

• Further Reading List

1. Arai, T. and M. Tadevosyan, eds. forthcoming 2025. Functional Coexistence in Socio-political Conflict: Enabling Social Change Across Decades. London: Routledge. (Video abstract)
2. Arai, T. 2023. Engaging Conflict History and Memory Across the Taiwan Strait: A Longitudinal Analysis of the Conflict Timelines from Interactive Conflict Resolution (ICR) Dialogues. Negotiation Journal.
3. Arai, T. 2022. Functional Coexistence in Intractable Conflict: A Decades-Long View of Conflict Intervention. Peace and Change 47: 1-34.
4. Arai, T and J.B. Niyonzima. 2019. Learning Together to Heal: Toward an Integrated Practice of Transpersonal Psychology, Experiential Learning, and Neuroscience for Collective Healing. Peace and Conflict Studies 26 (2).

Contact Conversations4citizenship

• Tweet us @c4c_ed and @stellarcheong
• Email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.com
• Text us on WhatsApp : +44 7783 680128
• Submit your work us at http://www.conversations4citizenship.com

Thanks for listening and keeping Conversations4Citizenship podcasting!

In this compelling episode of the Conversations4Citizenship podcast, host Kamille Beye speaks with Professor Sarah Stitzlein, an education and philosophy expert from the University of Cincinnati, about her groundbreaking work on honesty in citizenship education. Dr. Stitzlein explores the critical role of truth-telling in democratic societies, particularly in our current post-truth and populist era.

Drawing from her pragmatist philosophical perspective, Stitzlein argues that honesty is more than a personal virtue—it's a social practice essential for democratic problem-solving. She emphasizes the importance of teaching honesty not through mere fact transmission, but by developing habits of truth-seeking and truth-telling among students.

The discussion delves into complex challenges facing modern democracy, including political polarization, misinformation, and the impact of digital technologies like generative AI. Sarah provides nuanced insights into how educators can help students critically examine information, understand emotional responses to news, and develop an informed approach to trust in democratic institutions.

By highlighting real-world examples, such as the recent controversy in Springfield, Ohio, Dr. Stitzlein demonstrates how dishonesty can have profound civic consequences, underscoring the urgent need for honest civic engagement.

This episode is hosted by Dr. Kamille Beye. Please subscribe to the podcast through Apple, Google, Spotify, or Amazon Music. You may also follow @c4c_ed on Twitter. We look forward to hearing your feedback. If you would like to explore participating in our podcast and submit your blog post to the C4C, do not hesitate to reach out through the online participation form or email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.com

• Further Reading List

1. Stitzlein, S. M. (2024). Teaching Honesty in a Populist Era: Emphasizing Truth in the Education of Citizens. Oxford University Press. *Note. Use code ASFLYQ6 to save 30% on Dr. Stitzlein's new book purchase!
2. Stitzlein, S. M. (2019). Learning how to hope: Reviving democracy through our schools and civil society. Oxford University Press.
3. Stitzlein, S. M. (2017). American public education and the responsibility of its citizens: Supporting democracy in the age of accountability. Oxford University Press.

Contact Conversations4citizenship

• Tweet us @c4c_ed and @stellarcheong
• Email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.com
• Text us on WhatsApp : +44 7783 680128
• Submit your work us at http://www.conversations4citizenship.com

Thanks for listening and keeping Conversations4Citizenship podcasting!