The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) Europe recently hosted a two-day workshop titled “Ending War: History, Theory, and Lessons” in Bologna, Italy, on May 6th and 7th, 2024. The event explored the complexities of war termination through various historical and theoretical lenses, drawing lessons from past and ongoing conflicts.

The workshop featured a distinguished panel of scholars and policymakers who engaged in in-depth discussions on a broad spectrum of wars. These included World War I, the Cold War (with specific attention to the Korean and Vietnam Wars), the Yugoslav Wars, the Soviet and American experiences in Afghanistan, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War.

Radmila Nakarada, a prominent sociologist and Professor Emeritus at the University of Belgrade and Distinguished Fellow at the NSI, was a key participant in this event. Nakarada’s extensive research on global challenges, the breakup of Yugoslavia, societal transitions, and reconciliation processes provided valuable insights into the Yugoslav wars. Her participation enriched the discourse, especially in the session dedicated to the Yugoslav Wars. This session, held on May 7, was chaired by Sergey Radchenko and included contributions by Mile Bjelajac and Marie-Janine Calic, with Svetozar Rajak serving as discussant.

The workshop’s agenda was structured into six sessions over two days:

Day 1: May 6, 2024

• Session 1 (13:15-14:30): Theoretical frameworks on how wars end, chaired by Eugene Finkel.
• Session 2 (14:45-16:15): Examination of World War I, chaired by Glenda Sluga.
• Session 3 (16:30-18:00): Analysis of the Cold War, including the Korean and Vietnam Wars, chaired by Mark Gilbert.

Day 2: May 7, 2024

• Session 4 (9:00-10:30): Focus on the Yugoslav Wars, chaired by Sergey Radchenko.
• Session 5 (10:45-12:15): Insights into Afghanistan’s Soviet and American experiences, chaired by Vladislav Zubok.
• Session 6 (14:00-15:30): Discussion on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War and prospects for its conclusion, moderated by Shashank Joshi.

This workshop, co-hosted by Johns Hopkins SAIS Europe, the Henry A. Kissinger Center for Global Affairs, and the Cold War Studies Project at the London School of Economics, aimed to merge historical analysis with strategic thinking to address the intricate process of war termination. A public panel was held on Zoom on May 7th, offering wider accessibility to the insights shared during the event.

For more information, please visit the Johns Hopkins SAIS Europe website​​.