“Beyond Borders: Conflict Responses in a Changing World”

“Nila Bala pioneers philosophical education reform at RSA.”

“Beyond Borders: Conflict Responses in a Changing World”

By Balananthini Balasubramaniam

Venue: The Royal Society of Arts, London

Dates: 24–25 June 2025

Organised by: UK International Development

Opening Address: Sophie Stevens, Conflict Research Lead, Research and Evidence Directorate, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

Duration: 08:30–20:00 (24 June), 08:30–17:30 (25 June)

I had the privilege of attending the “Beyond Borders” programme hosted at the Royal Society of Arts in London. This high-level gathering brought together a wide spectrum of global experts, policymakers, scholars, and independent researchers to critically examine modern responses to conflict and peacebuilding in our rapidly transforming world.

The event was convened by UK International Development, with participation from renowned institutions such as XCEPT, The Asia Foundation, Chatham House, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Queen’s University (Canada), Harvard University (USA), Swisspeace, UK universities, LSE PeaceRep,OECD and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Main Themes and Reflections

Over two days, discussions centred on a wide array of themes, including:

The necessity for structural reform in global political systems

Declining public trust in institutions and governance

Shifts in social and familial values in post-conflict societies

The widening disconnect between younger generations and political identity

The complexity of war, peacebuilding, and transitional justice

Urgent environmental and climate-related challenges

The limitations of current educational models in fostering peace and ethical consciousness

Despite the richness of the discourse, it was evident that significant attention was directed primarily towards the Middle East and Iran, with limited reference to Asian contexts or other culturally distinct geopolitical realities.

My Intervention: A Philosophical Perspective

During an open-floor session, I introduced myself as Balananthini Balasubramaniam and posed the following question:

“When will the universe truly reform the education system?”

This inquiry was not merely rhetorical—it emerged from a deeper concern regarding the epistemological and philosophical void that persists within many modern development and peacebuilding discourses. I believe that true transformation begins with a reimagining of political philosophy, one that acknowledges not only the structures of governance, but the spiritual, ethical, and civilisational dimensions of human existence.

In articulating this view, I made the following observation:

> “Today, many of us enjoyed meals—whether vegetarian, non-vegetarian, or vegan. Regardless of the preference, something was taken—some form of life, some soul. This reality, whether accepted or denied, reflects a deeper philosophical truth about survival and moral complexity.”

I went on to argue that humans are born with natural instruments of survival—our teeth and nails—not for aggression, but for self-defence. In this sense, every entity possesses an innate self-defence mechanism and identity. Political philosophy must therefore go beyond institutional frameworks and explore the ontological and moral essence of existence.

I urged that we educate the younger generation to identify “truth within truth,” enabling them to navigate the world not merely as citizens of a state, but as conscious beings shaped by thousands of years of civilisation, culture, belief, desire, and survival. I proposed that:

> “Real political philosophy enables a human being to become extraordinary—not through dominance or title, but through profound inner awareness and moral understanding.”

Concluding Thoughts

The “Beyond Borders” event was intellectually enriching, and I commend the organisers for facilitating a space for multidisciplinary exchange. However, I left with the conviction that future frameworks for peace and development must embrace civilisational depth, cross-cultural philosophy, and educational reformation.

We must move beyond procedural peacebuilding and confront the philosophical and spiritual underpinnings of conflict, identity, and justice. Only then can we hope to cultivate a truly inclusive and sustainable global society.

© 2025 Balananthini Balasubramaniam (@SmallDrops). All rights reserved.