Prof. Mohammad Gulrez: Shaping the Future of Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies

Dr. Suhaib Ahmad Khan*

Conflict resolution and peace studies are interdisciplinary fields dedicated to understanding, managing, and resolving conflicts to promote lasting peace. Conflict resolution focuses on strategies and processes designed to effectively address disagreements, utilizing techniques such as negotiation, mediation, and dialogue. These approaches highlight the importance of communication and the need to understand diverse perspectives, aiming not just to end conflicts but to transform relationships and foster future cooperation.

In contrast, peace studies investigate the root causes of conflict by examining social, political, and economic factors. This field explores essential concepts such as justice, equality, and human rights, emphasizing proactive measures to establish and sustain peace. Peace studies advocate for nonviolent solutions and the cultivation of a culture of peace, aiming to address grievances before they escalate into violence. Notably, Professor Mohammad Gulrez is a distinguished scholar who has made significant contributions to this area of study, leaving an indelible mark on the field. He is recognized as one of the leading figures in International Relations and Global Governance.

He currently holds a professorship in the Department of West Asian and North African Studies at AMU, where he specializes in international relations, concentrating on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. His research examines the contemporary political dynamics of the Middle East, India's foreign policy in the area, and significant topics within peace and conflict studies. Through his scholarly work, he enhances the understanding of global geopolitical trends and highlights India’s role in international diplomacy, particularly in relation to West Asia and North Africa.

Indeed, Prof. Gulrez is renowned for his expertise in international relations, peace studies, and Middle Eastern affairs, demonstrating a strong commitment to an interdisciplinary approach. He particularly focuses on the complexities of conflict resolution in regions such as West Asia and South Asia. His advocacy for dialogue, diplomacy, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts has been a consistent theme throughout his academic and professional endeavors.

With over 35 years of teaching experience, he has developed numerous courses addressing various aspects of peace-building and conflict resolution and regularly publishes on the subject. His research spans a broad range of topics within peace-building and conflict resolution, with recent focuses including faith-based peace-building, interfaith dialogue, social cohesion, and pedagogical approaches to integrating peace and forgiveness education in the Arab and Muslim worlds. He initiated and established the Centre for South African and Brazilian Studies, as well as the postgraduate diploma program in Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies.

Prof. Gulrez has had a significant and influential career at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), holding various esteemed academic and administrative roles. His key positions include officiating Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dean of the Faculty of International Studies, Director of the Centre for South African and Brazilian Studies, and Coordinator of the Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies Programme. His leadership in these areas reflects his dedication to fostering academic excellence and advancing research.

An internationally recognized scholar, Prof. Gulrez has also served on deputation from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, from July to December 2017. His global contributions further extend to his time as visiting faculty at the National University of Rwanda, Central Africa, from January 1999 to January 2004, where he played a crucial role in the Department of Political and Administrative Sciences.

Prof. Gulrez further contributed to Rwanda's development as a Consultant and Researcher on Good Governance for the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) Project, under the Government of Rwanda in 2002. His academic influence extends across Asia, as he serves on the International Advisory Board of the Asian Review Institute of Asian Studies at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, and as a Member of the Academic Forum at the Asia Pacific Observatory in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Additionally, Prof. Gulrez has been associated with several prestigious international programs, including the Foreign Policy Analysis Program at the Mershon Center, Ohio State University, and the Muslim Politics Project at the Council on Foreign Relations, New York, USA. His wide-ranging expertise and global contributions reflect his deep commitment to international relations, governance, and education.

Prof. Gulrez’s scholarly work in international relations has been highly respected, particularly his studies on the geopolitics of West Asia. He has written extensively on the political and economic developments in the Middle East and their implications for India and the global community. His insights into the region's conflicts, peace-building efforts, and diplomatic strategies have made him an important voice in academic discussions about the MENA region.

His work is marked by a deep understanding of the cultural, historical, and political contexts of West Asian countries, making him a significant contributor to the field of area studies in India. His research has been published in various national and international journals.

Prof. Gulrez is also involved in fostering international collaborations between AMU and other global academic institutions. He has represented AMU at several international forums and has participated in numerous academic conferences and symposia, particularly in areas related to international diplomacy, peace efforts, and foreign policy.

Prof. Gulrez is currently working on confidence-building measures that focus on both bilateral and multilateral tracks of the peace process. He has participated in seminars and workshops in various countries, including the USA, Iran, Pakistan, Libya, South Africa, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Ghana, Senegal, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Kyrgyzstan, and Kuwait. His global engagements reflect his commitment to contributing to international academic discourse and diplomacy.

Prof. Gulrez has authored or edited seven books and monographs, and has published papers in both national and international peer-reviewed journals. He has also presented approximately 100 research papers and projects at national and international seminars in India and abroad.

Through his engagements, Prof. Gulrez emerges as a prominent figure and icon in conflict resolution and peace studies, both in India and internationally. In addition to his expertise in these fields, he is a dedicated academic and administrator who has made significant contributions to the study of international relations and the geopolitics of West Asia. His scholarly work, coupled with his leadership roles at AMU, has greatly enriched the university and elevated its profile on national and international stages.

______________

*The writer is currently associated with a multinational company and serves on the editorial board as the Associate Editor of the multi-lingual journal “Naqeebul Hind.”