Introduction

Genocide and war crimes are a tragic reality of our time, persisting despite all claims of humanity's moral progress: despite the mobilisation of civil society for peace, the development of international humanitarian law and the centrality of a public discourse on human rights. The conference "Violence Without Law" will examine this contradiction, which characterises the so-called age of globalisation.

Such a complex issue can be understood only by incorporating different points of view and diverse disciplinary approaches. Therefore eye-witnesses, researchers, journalists, photographers, documentary film-makers and artists will be brought together to address the topic. There will also be an exhibition of photographs about war crimes, a photographic feature looking at the city of Mostar, documentaries on contemporary armed conflicts and other military operations, audiovisual presentations incorporating passages from opera and contemporary music on the same theme, as well as readings and music - all with the aim of encouraging reflection on the use of violence and the possibilities of peace.

In this international, multidisciplinary and multimedia context, the following questions will be addressed: is it enough to reflect on why new forms of mass violence have emerged, in addition to the traditional forms of public and private oppression that persist? What could be the role of the international public sphere, including members of the media and the policy and research community, in confronting this problem of global concern? How could science, higher education and research institutions, the information world and the arts contribute to building and sustaining non-violent societies?