The Sympoisum at The Defence Academy of the United Kingdom will explore "two complementary themes: the practitioner’s experience of culture and its effects on operations, and the potential contribution of those who study culture and cultural heritage to bring further understanding"

Reposted from Organizers Website (link below):

Background

Whoever we are, our culture and cultural heritage dominates how we see and experience the world.  It gives us attitudes, expectations and assumptions that seem natural - so natural that we do not notice. But different groups have different cultures, and that’s where the trouble starts. People’s cultural differences can blind them to the other person’s or group’s point of view, leading to poor communication and misunderstandings (sometimes lethal). Culture therefore has a profound effect on the successful conduct of any kind of operations.

We have all seen this issue playing out over the past 15 years and more.  We discussed the lessons that have emerged in this symposium last year, and this year we are exploring how this wealth of experience can be used to improve the effectiveness of operations – humanitarian and military.  Thus, the symposium subtitle for 2015 is ‘Exploiting the Combined Experience.’

Themes

This symposium explores two complementary themes: the practitioner’s experience of culture and its effects on operations, and the potential contribution of those who study culture and cultural heritage to bring further understanding. These themes are entwined so that each feeds off and informs the other. It is therefore of interest both to those who plan and execute military and humanitarian operations and to those who are interested in the study of culture and cultural heritage and in the practical application of cultural studies. Furthermore, the Symposium provides an ideal opportunity for networking and the exchange of perspectives between delegates from a wide spectrum of specialities and with diverse experience of, and scholarship in, the cultural element in conflict. This annual conference has previously concentrated largely on the then current and recent operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. More recently, we have looked at the wider picture beyond those areas and tried to generalise the cultural experience. This year we are seeking ways in which we can combine our collective knowledge to build a foundation for the enhancement of planning, preparation and carrying out of future operations in military and humanitarian spheres and where they overlap.

Please note that we operate under the Chatham House Rule.

How can you contribute?

Priority will be given to papers that address the Symposium subtitle. However, papers are also invited on all subjects connecting operational and cultural issues, including, for example:

• Taking account of local cultural factors in planning and preparation for operations
• Cultural issues in cooperation between military and humanitarian organisations
• Developing a rapid understanding of local issues where demand for quick deployment is acute
• The treatment of cultural heritage in the absence of effective order
• How to access sources of previous experience
• The place of the Internet and tele-working in accessing cultural resources
• Case studies:  Experiences from the field from both operational and social science perspectives

Proposals for presentations are invited from interested parties. Presentations will be 30 minutes in length, please provide an abstract of a maximum of 250 words to craig [at] symposiaatshrivenham.com (Craig Brett) by 27th March 2015

Who will be there?

This symposium, as one of a series of Symposia at Shrivenham, builds on the well-proven format bringing together practitioners from Government agencies, Non-Government Organisations, aid agencies, military staffs and Academic Institutions in a relaxed atmosphere within the surroundings of the Defence Academy. The presenters at this conference will include decision makers, planning and operational staffs, and experts in culture and cultural heritage. Delegates are invited from any organization where the intricate issues of operations are affected by cultural considerations and have to be integrated with them. Time is planned into the programme to allow formal and informal discussions both in the main lecture theatre and during breaks for coffee, lunch and tea, and during the inclusive delegates’ reception and buffet supper.