Peace Science Society holds annual meeting in Columbus

COLUMBUS -- Peace Science Society (International), an academic group that encourages the scientific study of peace and conflict, will hold its 2006 North American Meeting this weekend in Columbus.

About 200 scholars in a variety of disciplines from around the world will discuss their latest research on such topics as:

• The Puzzle of Abu Ghraib: Are Democratic Institutions a Palliative or Panacea?
• Proselytism Games in Humanitarian Aid: Effects of Faith-Based Organizations on International Conflict
• Deadly Pictures: An Analysis of Images of Death and the Casualty-Opinion Nexus
• Cycles of Violence against Civilians? Rebel Responses to Government Atrocities
• Pushing Terrorism Sideways: The Tactical Substitution of Domestic Terrorist Groups
• Changing Horses Midstream: Domestic Politics and War Termination
• Watchdog or Lapdog? The Relationship Between Media Freedom from Government Censorship and Government Violation of Human Rights

PSS(I) works to improve social science theory in international relations by providing a forum for discussion among members and publication of research, especially quantitative research. It avoids social, religious or national bias and does not promote political action.

The group publishes the academic journal Conflict Management and Peace Science.

PSS(I)'s incoming president is Brian Pollins, and its conference coordinator is Irfan Nooruddin, both professors of political science at Ohio State. The Ohio State University Department of Political Science is hosting the conference.

More information about PSS(I)'s 2006 meeting, including a full schedule, is available on the group's website at http://pss.la.psu.edu/

About the Mershon Center for International Security Studies
The Mershon Center for International Security Studies advances the understanding of national security in a global context by fostering interdisciplinary faculty and student research in three areas of focus: the use of force and diplomacy; the ideas, identities, and decisional processes that affect security; and the institutions that manage violent conflict. The Mershon Center is a unit of the Office of International Affairs at The Ohio State University.

Brian Pollins
President-Elect
Peace Science Society (International)

Irfan Nooruddin
PSS(I) 2006 North American Meeting coordinator