The University of Bradford's Peace Studies Department is marking 50 years since its establishment, an achievement born out of pioneering vision and perseverance. Born from Quaker initiatives, this pioneering department has navigated significant scrutiny and misconception to become a globally respected centre for conflict resolution and international development.
Founded in the early 1970s, the department faced intense political criticism during its formative years. In the 1980s, it was frequently questioned in Parliament by Conservative politicians who often viewed it with suspicion. Then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher labelled it a 'problem', prompting an investigation by Sir Peter Swinnerton-Dyer, chair of the University Grants Committee (UGC), to assess its academic credentials.
Former lecturer Sarah Perrigo recalls those challenging times, when widespread misconceptions led people to believe the department focused on religion or nuclear disarmament. Many thought academics and students were 'communists', but despite these accusations, the department remained committed to fostering a safe space for critical thinking and dialogue on global issues. This drew in students eager to explore conflict resolution.
According to Paul Rogers, who joined the department in 1979 and later became its head, this intense scrutiny ultimately proved beneficial. It compelled academics to produce high-quality research that could withstand criticism from opposing viewpoints. The UGC eventually cleared the department of any wrongdoing, solidifying its academic standing.
The department is now celebrating its golden anniversary with a series of events, including a reception at Parliament next month – a significant return to the very place where its legitimacy was once debated. Notably, it also revived an annual 'Peace v War' football match against King's College London's war studies department for the anniversary.
Its enduring legacy is its unwavering commitment to understanding and preventing conflict by adopting a peace-building approach similar to that of war studies departments but with a focus on resolution rather than conflict. The journey from being seen as a 'problem' in some politicians' eyes to becoming a leading global institution underlines the department's resilience and academic integrity.