Dealing with and Preventing Conflict via "Textbook Work"

This area of research explores 'textbook work' as a way of dealing with and preventing conflict, and investigates the various methods and instruments adopted internationally to this end. These range from the setting up of bilateral textbook commissions to the intervention of third parties (e.g. international organisations) in textbook production, and to mediation between conflicting parties. We are not only interested in whether the goals of textbook work are or can be reached, but in which effects can be achieved by applying which methods in which contexts. Unintended results are also part of this inquiry. It should therefore become apparent which types of 'textbook work' prove to be effective instruments within definable frameworks of conflict. Such critical research on methodology is also of benefit when planning future practical projects.

'Textbook work' is itself conflict-ridden: Negotiations in textbook commissions and the communication of their results to the public often lead to conflicts, for the revision of textbooks casts doubt on habitual thought patterns and political claims.

Projects currently being evaluated are the work of the German-Polish Textbook Commission and the international history textbook revision in the 20th century. A further project focuses on South Eastern Europe, taking up former textbook work carried out within the framework of the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe and Moldova. In addition to further case studies, which undertake critical analysis of methods applied in the context of conflict situations, we will also be carrying out comparative studies in the future.