Following the Red Thread: Today and Tomorrow
One of the most important insights which this class has provided to me is the importance of individuals and the communities which they build. In the course of history, change occurs because of dedicated and passionate individuals and their communities of like-minded individuals. The sharing of ideas between themselves and the challenge they provide to do better creates new ideas and concepts be it in philosophy, art, or the growth of law. It is the actions and interactions between these group of dedicated individuals which spins the red thread of history. Human rights and International law is a movement which yields to this principle without exception.
Two perfect examples of this red thread being carried aloft by the interactions between individuals is Henry Dunant and Bertha von Suttner. Dunant, who would go on to found the Red Cross (1), and Suttner, who would go on to win the Nobel Peace Prize (2), wrote many series of letters and correspondence between each other (3). They discussed each other’s opinions and philosophy regarding the rights of man and the law involving war. This discussion helped refine their ideals for themselves and helps others, such as ourselves, better understand the philosophies of international law- both idealism and realism. Going further, the interactions between these two individuals was fueled by the work of others and continues to fuel others to this day. Dunant was inspired, in many ways, by the work of Florence Nightingale (4), another passionate and dedicated individual who, through sheer will transformed how health care and hospitals operate (5).
Looking forward Bertha still inspires people to this day through her work towards a more peaceful world. In 2013 Ingrid Rollema, an artist and peace activist (6), created a bust of Suttner to be displayed in the Peace Palace Library (7). It was one of only two women to be hosted on the grounds of the peace place (8). Because of Bertha’s incredible work, an artist and activist in the 21st century studied her life and accomplishments, thus shaping her own understandings. During this trip my fellow classmates and myself had the opportunity to visit Rollema’s studio and discuss her work. Between herself and the team she works with, they create works on peace and violence which reach thousands around the world. In Rollema’s passion and her community we can see the red thread of history continue to spin.
An instance of pure passion which we had the opportunity to observe while here in the Netherlands was the fruition of Don Ferencz’s work to build the “Law. Not War.” Bench outside the grounds of the Peace Palace. Don, the son of Ben Ferencz, is an impassioned continually working to educate people on the work of his father, one of the last American prosecutors from the trials at Nuremberg after WWII (9). The bench started as an idea and grew into reality as Don persisted through red tape and unexpected challenges to finally create the bench (10). It’s a spot in the world for people to take a moment and rest, to ask questions, and be engaged with the peace through law movement.
For me, this class here in the Netherlands has been my opportunity to engage with the broader community and history of those working for peace in the world. Sharing in the passion and dedication of others has been an energizing experience and has better illustrated to me how the effort of individuals contributes to the development of the future. Our actions come to fruition when we work together and forge those bonds and communities. In the movie “Watchers of the sky” a reference is made to Tycho Brahe and his work in astronomy. He made the work easier so the next generation could achieve more and that is the same work which we ourselves must perform.
1. "Henri Dunant- Biographical." Accessed July 20, 2018. https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1901/dunant-bio.html.
2. "Bertha Von Suttner- Biographical." Accessed July 20, 2018. https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1905/suttner-bio.html.
3. "Photocopies - Letters from Bertha Von Suttner to Henri Dunant, 1895-1902 (File)." United Nations Archive Geneva. Accessed July 20, 2018. https://biblio-archive.unog.ch/detail.aspx?ID=33622.
4. "Henri Dunant." Spartacus Educational. Accessed July 20, 2018. http://spartacus-educational.com/EUdunant.htm.
5. "Florence Nightingale." Biography. Accessed July 20, 2018. https://www.biography.com/people/florence-nightingale-9423539.
6. "Ingrid Rollema." Ingrid Rollema. Accessed July 20, 2018. http://www.ingridrollema.nl/ingrid/home.htm.
7. Alihusain, C. "Ingrid Rollema and the Creation of a Bertha Von Suttner Bust with the Help of an ICJ Judge." Peace Palace Library. October 3, 2013. Accessed July 20, 2018. https://www.peacepalacelibrary.nl/2013/10/ingrid-rollema-and-the-creation-of-a-bertha-von-suttner-bust-with-the-help-of-an-icj-judge/.
8. Alihusain, C. "Dr. Aletta Jacobs: Working for World Peace." Peace Palace Library. April 24, 2015. Accessed July 20, 2018. https://www.peacepalacelibrary.nl/2015/04/dr-aletta-jacobs-working-for-world-peace/.
9. Benferencz.org. Accessed July 20, 2018. http://www.benferencz.org/tablet/index.html.
10. Benferencz.org. Accessed July 20, 2018. http://www.benferencz.org/tablet/index.html.