“The theory of peacebuilding I learned in the classroom becomes extremely helpful when thinking about the local situation while listening to them. But most importantly, one of the biggest lessons learned from the APS program, is that you should never give up in the field of peacebuilding.”
Lessons learned from the real scene of peacebuilding to “never give up”
Yusuke Miyake, 11th batch of the APS just graduated in December of 2018. Unlike studying in the UK when he was an undergrad, he learned theory and practice in a balanced way, which has become extremely useful in his workplace today.
Building a “refugee camp” in class
You mentioned that your reason to apply for the APS comes from actually meeting a graduate. What exactly enticed you to do so?
During my undergrad, I studied the history of religious conflict, and I always wanted to work in an international organization in the field of peacebuilding. For that reason, I studied abroad in the UK and volunteered at an NGO in Vietnam. After graduating, I worked for a trading company in developing countries and gained working experience, then changed jobs and worked as a Coordinator for intergovernmental work at the Manila office of an independent administrative agency. At that time, I had an opportunity to meet a graduate from the 8th batch, and I became interested in APS.
I then heard from that graduate that "APS has a lot of professors and students with rich field experiences," and I thought to myself if I can learn not only the theory of peacebuilding but also the reality and practices, I will have a different experience from studying in the UK. It was also attractive that I can finish the program with a graduation project with my classmates, rather than a thesis.
Were you actually able to experience “being in the field” through the APS program?
I majored in International Peace Studies at APS, and I think I was able to balance theory and practice as I expected. In the class of a Professor, who was engaged in peacekeeping operations in South Sudan as a UN employee, we set up a refugee camp in the courtyard of the campus. It was very meaningful to gain knowledge that could be used immediately in the field, such as how to quickly build houses and temporary toilets while taking into account the gender perspective.
In addition, classes on the theme of the nonviolent movement overturned my preconception about peacebuilding. Until then, I thought that the main method of peacebuilding was how to make policy recommendations to the government so that violence would not recur in the process of post-conflict reconstruction and how to promote reconciliation at the grassroots level. However, I realized that there were a lot of non-violent movements in the world, and I remember how I was astounded that the starting point of peacebuilding was not just the cessation of armed forces. It was also a valuable experience to hear from my classmates from Myanmar, who led a non-violent movement for democratization.
At the University for Peace, sometimes former activists, former UN volunteers, and former North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) officials sat in the same classroom together. Due to differences in backgrounds, everyone had their own perspective on peacebuilding, and discussions were always heated. I was greatly stimulated by the heat that was created between people who actually saw conflict and discrimination in real life.
I want to spread the concept of grassroots level peacebuilding
You went to Indonesia for your graduation project. What kind of project did you do?
Yusuke asking questions from AMAN staff (second from right)
After completing the graduate school classes, the desire to take a closer look at the site of peacebuilding became stronger. In cooperation with an NGO in Jakarta, Indonesia, Poso (a city in Central Sulawesi, where frequent religious conflicts between Islam and Christians occur) called the “Asian Muslim Action Network (AMAN),” we were able to collect the experiences of the participants in the Network. AMAN sees women in each community as “peace-building actors” and further develops their abilities. We manage to collect stories of experiences such as how the beneficiaries and staff were affected by the organization's activities, what they learned at AMAN when they faced a clash between pagans, and convey those content as a “story” in the form of an online book.
I cannot exactly put in words the impressions I got at the actual site of peacebuilding, but all I know is that it was fun. The atmosphere was much brighter and positive than I expected. I had a misconception of Muslim women that they are “people who are bound by religious restrictions in a paternal society,” but in fact, everyone was very active and spoke positively.
Some women said, “After joining the program, I can say what I want to say to my husband, and I can contribute to the community.” Although it was a short period of time, I became excited by seeing the results of grassroots peace-building. I do not think I would have been able to experience any of this, has I not actually visited the site. I would like as many stakeholders as possible to read this online book through AMAN's network that operates at an international and grassroots level.
If you don't give up, "change" will occur
Currently you are working as an Expert at the Japanese Embassy in Israel. What is your experience with APS in areas where conflicts are becoming permanent?
In my current job, I am given opportunities to speak with a wide range of people from government agencies to think tanks and NGOs. There are many grassroots organizations that are trying to engage in dialogue and reconciliation to resolve the Palestinian problem amid the stalemate between governments. The theory of peacebuilding I learned in the classroom becomes extremely helpful when thinking about the local situation while listening to them. But most importantly, one of the biggest lessons learned from the APS program, is that you should never give up in the field of peacebuilding.
People working on peacebuilding are not just imitating past successes; they are tackling the problem at hand through repetition of trial and error. If you continue to persevere even if you do not get immediate results, you will surely have the changes that I saw with the AMAN women. I think that my classmates from Myanmar have continued non-violent movements because there was a moment when they felt a change through their efforts over many years. I am reaffirming the importance of connecting everything I have seen and heard in Israel and Palestine with my experience at APS and continuing without giving up.
The APS program is different from what one may think of as a graduate school – the environment and class contents may be a little different from a typical school, but I believe it will be a very fulfilling life for an international student. Some may be at a loss with Western graduate schools, but the learning gained through APS, the network of professors and classmates is very unique. I had plenty of time outside of my studies, and I think this is an experience that I can only get through APS. I was able to make the best memories, such as studying Spanish with my host family, all that while planning and experiencing different events at UPEACE. Besides, the APS Alumni events sponsored by the Nippon Foundation will be held regularly after graduation so that connections will extend beyond your year of graduation. Through the studies and also outside of the classrooms, the experience you have gained from APS will surely be a great asset in your life.
Yusuke Miyake | Born in Okayama Prefecture, Japan in 1989. After graduating from Osaka University, worked at a private trading company and an independent administrative corporation before joining APS (11th batch) in 2017. In 2018, he received a master's degree from the University for Peace (International Peace Studies) and a master's degree from Ateneo de Manila University (Global Politics). Upon graduating, he has been working as an Expert at the Embassy of Japan in Israel since March 2019.
APS Programme is supported by The Nippon Foundation. Interview by Chihiro Masuho (Class of 2012, APS Batch 5). English Translation by Mario Takahashi (Class of 2012, APS Batch 5).