My name Anne-Claire.
My interest for the world and it´s international relations probably started with the Fall of the Berlin Wall at the age of 14: I suddenly realized that the situation in the world is not a status quo, it cán change! I was glued to the television, seeing the world change so fast: Germany, Romania… Five years later I started my studies in History, specializing in the history of international relations. I was able to study my fascination for the world, to understand what happened, what made these countries react in these ways.
It was only at the end of my studies that I discovered the field of Intercultural Communications. I had never heard of this concept, that fitted me so much. With my Dutch, protestant father and French catholic mother I had been used living in different cultures. Maybe not always understanding everything, but at least not feeling (too) uncomfortable about it.
After the attacks by some fanatics in New York and two political murders in the Netherlands within 2,5 years, I realised how fear could rule the world. I got interested in ways how to resolve this fear, first of all by trying to understand the other, his culture and history, and to listen to his stories.
I want to find (new) ways to understand and respect “the other”, while going beyond the fear for the unknown. Which role can intercultural communication play in the field of international relations and conflict resolution?
