IMPORTANCE OF HUMAN CONNECTION | WHAT WAR TEACHES US

While conflict brings out the worst of humanity, it also brings out the very best. Survivors of such manmade atrocities teach us what it is to be brave, when there is little choice for the ordinary to become extraordinary. I have often been struck by how ordinary people are forced to become extraordinary at the drop of a hat – or a bomb. I am both perplexed and inspired by the resilience of these people to withstand pain (physical and psychological), to find hope in the bundling of misery, and to push through the darkness. The key? Faith, hope, and the power of love and holding each other up.

THE ART OF STORYTELLING IN HOSTILE ENVIRONMENTS

Getting to the truth, and shining a light in some of the darkest corners of the globe, is far from a straight-forward task, especially when faced with hostile governments, insurgents and powerful players who will stop at nothing from squashing the truth. But it can and must be done, both now and in the future.

ON INVESTIGATING WAR CRIMES AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Over and over again, we hear and often even see unfathomable crimes being committed by governments, gangsters, warlords and terrorists against those simply caught in the crossfire of conflict. Who is holding the perpetrators accountable? Why are so many mass murderers and rapists getting away with their crimes in the context of wartime? More must be done.

HOW TERRORISTS THINK AND OPERATE: INTERVIEWING ISIS

Having spent years interviewing terrorists from various factions, all over the world and with different ranks and responsibilities, Hollie can offer an unprecedented insight into what makes them tick, what they really want, and why they do what they do.

WOMEN IN WAR: VIGNETTES FROM ALL SIDES

Women are playing an increasingly prominent role in today’s wars, and on all sides of the spectrum. We are seeing more female jihadists, more female fighters, more foreign terrorist wives and more females fighting for what’s right and playing visible roles in conflict resolution. Women, like never before, are crucial to preventing future conflict.

SEXUAL VIOLENCE DURING WARTIME

Violence against women and men, especially rape, has added its own brand of shame to recent wars. From conflicts in Bosnia and Herzegovina to Peru to Rwanda, girls and women have been singled out for rape, imprisonment, torture and execution, as documented by the United Nations. Systematic rape is often used as a weapon of war in ‘ethnic cleansing’.

This somewhat silent epidemic has gone on for too long, and for too long the victims are made to wear the burden of shame while the perpetrators walk free. Ending this epidemic is vital, and there are steps that can and should be put in place.