Retiring this July, Prof. Bollens will reflect on an academic career that has used a grassroots, urban focus to investigate nationalistic conflict. He will discuss key personal turning points in the development of his research agenda and also will explore the problematic “clenched teeth compromise” nature of what we call “peace” in today’s world. This colloquium will provide insights into how to engage an academic career successfully and also will highlight the complicated nature of “peace” and “post-peace.” Bollens will derive findings from politically contested cities in Israel, Palestine, South Africa, Northern Ireland, Lebanon, Spain, former Yugoslavia, and Cyprus.

Light lunch will be provided.