MS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Essay Example

The global economic progress over the last few decades has been impressive by any measure and some of the emerging countries have even become poster boys for globalization. Despite tremendous economic prosperity, unfortunately our world has not become any safer. Anyone who follows news has become accustomed to a great number of conflicts going around the world and the public awareness has only grown due to internet technologies that have put information at our fingertips. I am also particularly concerned about the economic and social costs of these conflicts because I come from geographically-sensitive Middle East region. In addition to political and religious conflicts, it is also important to note that while globalization has indeed improved average standards of living, the economic benefits have not spread to everyone evenly. Moreover, calls for improved democratic rights have been rising throughout the world. Thus, I also expect more internal conflicts to erupt over time as we have already seen in countries like Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. These observations and realizations have played a major role in my decision to pursue my Masters in Conflict Analysis and Resolution.

I have also been inspired by my pacifist ideas to pursue Masters in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. I am someone who follows news religiously and in addition, also read on a wide range of subject matters including economics, history, politics, law, and social issues. I am inspired by pacifists like Gandhi, Mandela, and King and believe that the ultimate key to peace is always nonviolence because violence only leads to never-ending cycle of revenge. Even the lessons of the last few decades teach us that use of power is no longer the solution to resolving conflicts because our world has changed in dramatic ways. Use of power is especially ineffective when we are dealing with non-state actors or ideologies and use of violence only results in loss of goodwill among the masses who hold the real power. Thus, there is greater need for experts in the field of conflict analysis and resolution who do not only act as mediators but also train political entities at national and international levels.

Even though it is said that the world is truly becoming a smaller place, I believe it won’t truly happen unless cultural ties between nations get stronger. One of my interests has been travelling and each international travel experience has increased my appreciation for other cultures. I actually see more similarities between cultures than differences and this insight will be helpful to me as a professional conflict mediator. I also believe my graduate degree in Law with a focus on Intercultural Human Rights will be an asset because it means I do not only possess strong cross-cultural knowledge but am knowledgeable in international laws and regulations.

I do not only plan to help governments and public sector organizations resolve conflicts but will also be working with businesses doing international operations. In fact, I believe most of my work will be with for-profit corporations and there will be two major factors behind the trend. First of all, more and more multinational companies are doing business overseas and Middle East region has been emerging as one of the major destinations for foreign direct investment. Second, political events also impact businesses and American companies that do business overseas are already familiar with it.

I have no doubt I will be successful in the program and efficiently handle my responsibilities as a graduate student. Fortunately, I already have the academic and professional experiences to prepare me for the huge workload and tremendous responsibilities that come with pursuing a graduate degree. First of all, I already have a graduate degree in Law from St. Thomas University in the U.S. so I will be starting the program with prior experience and realistic expectations. Secondly, I have nearly five years work experience in the education sector that often required grueling hours and frequent travel, thus, I have acquired the skills to efficiently manage high workload and stress. Since I already have significant savings, I will not need a job to support myself and will be able to fully concentrate on academic responsibilities as well as professional networking.

I believe my addition to the program will also benefit my fellow students because I will be able to contribute unique insights due to my national, academic, and professional background. My extensive international travel has also helped me develop strong cross-cultural skills which should benefit my fellow colleagues. I am also excited because I will also have the opportunity to learn from other students who come from a wide range of ethnic, academic, and professional backgrounds.

I look forward to have a productive and rewarding experience in the program and hope the overall experience will help me build a strong foundation towards future career as a conflict analysis and resolution expert. Our world is become smaller and interdependence among countries has been growing. Thus, the new realities on the ground require us to devote more resources to diplomatic resolutions.