IWA in the 90's

In the 1990s, under a new generation of leaders, the Institute expanded its activities to include a variety of conflict resolution programs targeting a wider audience, including diplomats, business professionals, high school students, journalists, and senior citizens.  Advances in computer and communications technology enabled IWA to reach out to diverse social groups with creative programs that address current challenges in international politics.   The following is a partial list of these programs:

Conflict Resolution and Negotiation for U.N. Diplomats- Each year, IWA conducts a skills-training program for United Nations diplomats in conflict resolution and negotiation.  In addition to dealing with basic theoretical concepts, participants engage in hands-on skills building by taking part in a multilateral negotiation simulation.

Elderhostel- Several times a year, senior citizens from around the country came to IWA's conference center in Connecticut to attend week-long programs in international affairs and interact with others who share their interests.  Programs focused on such topics as Russia Today, International Terrorism, and the Pacific Rim.

International Conflict Initiatives Clearinghouse (ICIC)- Policymakers, academics and conflict resolution practitioners from around the world could find out about the latest projects and developments in applied conflict resolution by simply accessing the ICIC database.  More than an information resource, contact information was also provided to facilitate networking and the exchange of ideas.

Annual Peace and Conflict Seminar- Each fall, the Institute of World Affairs hosted a seminar focusing on a particular topic of international interest.  These seminars were attended by foreign policy professionals, academics, and the general public.  Seminar participants engaged in intellectual discussions and various cultural and outdoor activities throughout the week-end.

Virtual Negotiation Project (V-NeP)- IWA provided an opportunity for high school students to increase their knowledge of global studies, in a hands-on learning environment, through computer communications technology.   Students from different schools were assigned the role of a particular country and then negotiated with one another via the Internet on issues affecting the international community.