In this enlightening episode, Dr. Stella Micheong Cheong and her co-hosts welcome Dr. Karina Korostelina, Director of the Sustainable Peace Lab at George Mason University, to discuss the profound impact of collective memory on conflict and reconciliation. Korostelina argues that physical locations such as monuments and museums, are not merely static records of the past but active political tools that shape national identity and future conflict dynamics. She introduces concepts from her new book, Memory Sites and Conflict Dynamics, explaining how these sites often 'ascribe' negative traits to perceived enemies or 'enhance' a group's own narrative at the expense of others. Furthermore, the conversation challenges the traditional liberal peace model, advocating instead for a local turn that prioritizes community resilience and agonistic history—acknowledging multiple, coexisting interpretations of the same events. Ultimately, Dr. Korostelina emphasizes that education is key to disrupting monolithic narratives and fostering lasting peace.

This episode is hosted by Dr. Stella Micheong Cheong. Please subscribe to the podcast through Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music or Audible. You may also follow @c4cpodcast.bsky.social on Bluesky. We look forward to hearing your feedback. If you would like to explore participating in our podcast and submit your blog post to the C4C, do not hesitate to reach out through the online participation form or email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.com

If you are curious about Memory Sites and Conflict Dynamics, check out her new book, 'Memory Sites and Conflict DynamicsCollective Memory, Identity, and Power' and visit the Sustainable Peace Lab's website linked below.

• Korostelina, K. V. (2025). Memory Sites and Conflict Dynamics: Collective Memory, Identity, and Power. Routledge.
• Korostelina, K. V., Gopin, M., Helsing, J. W., & Özerdem, A. (Eds.). (2024). Identity and religion in peace processes: Mechanisms, strategies and tactics. Taylor & Francis.
• The Sustainable Peace Lab

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In this episode, Drs. Adam Peter Lang, Kamille Beye, and Stella Micheong Cheong engage in a comprehensive three-way discussion regarding the geopolitical and structural challenges facing higher education globally. Dr. Beye begins by highlighting the "tumultuous" landscape in the US, where the Trump administration’s policies against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have led to the revocation of research grants and created visa uncertainties for international students. Transitioning to South Korea, Dr. Cheong explains the intense societal pressure surrounding the "SKY" universities, describing a rigid "caste system" where academic credentials determine life success while vocational paths remain deeply stigmatized. Meanwhile, Dr. Lang details the UK’s deepening financial crisis, noting that nearly 40% of universities face deficits, resulting in mergers and significant staff redundancies. Despite these struggles, the hosts conclude with optimism, viewing these crises as potential catalysts for educational reform.

Contact Conversations4citizenship

• Tweet us @c4c_ed and @stellarcheong
• Bluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.social.
• Email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.com
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• You can now follow the Conversations4Citizenship on Bluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.social

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In this episode, Dr. Adam Peter Lang and Dr. Kamille Beye interview Professor Graeme Atherton about the pressing global challenges of inequality and access in higher education. Professor Atherton, who leads the World Access to Higher Education Network (WAHEN) and the Ruskin Institute for Social Equity, shares his personal journey from a council estate in Blackpool to Oxford University, highlighting how this experience shaped his lifelong dedication to widening participation. He discusses the growing 'ideological pushback' against the value of inclusive education by populist movements and the structural difficulties of adapting elite university systems to serve the majority. The conversation also explores the historic role of Ruskin College in educating working-class adults and the complexities of ensuring international partnerships in the Global South remain genuinely equitable. Finally, Atherton emphasizes the need for curricula to adapt to AI while ensuring marginalized voices remain central to educational policy.

This episode is hosted by Dr. Adam Lang. Please subscribe to the podcast through Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music or Audible. You may also follow @c4cpodcast.bsky.social on Bluesky. We look forward to hearing your feedback. If you would like to explore participating in our podcast and submit your blog post to the C4C, do not hesitate to reach out through the online participation form or email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.com

If you are curious about the World Access to Higher Education Network (WAHEN), check out his new book, 'Making Equal' and visit the WAHEN's website linked below.

• Atherton, G., & John, P. (Eds.). (2025). Making Equal: New Visions for Opportunity and Growth. Emerald Publishing Limited.
• World Access to Higher Education Network (WAHEN)
• Ruskin Institute for Social Equity (RISE)

Contact Conversations4citizenship

• Tweet us @c4c_ed and @stellarcheong
• Bluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.social.
• Email us at conversations4citizenship@gmail.com
• Submit your work us at http://www.conversations4citizenship.com
• You can now follow the Conversations4Citizenship on Bluesky @c4cpodcast.bsky.social

Thanks for listening and keeping Conversations4Citizenship podcasting!