While Alliances of Understanding (AoU) was set up in the aftermath of Israel’s response to the events of October 7th, the focus of this initiative is broader and will, over time, grow and focus on other global intersections which are equally intractable and/or in need of nuanced understanding.
AoU draws inspiration from Leela Gandhi’s work in Affective Communities: Anticolonial Thought, Fin-de-Siecle Radicalism, and the Politics of Friendship (2006). In her book, Gandhi develops the concept of radical relationality proposing the idea that groups can form bonds based on shared emotions, experiences, and affinities rather than solely on shared identities.
Emerging from within the Higher Education sector means that much of our work draws on the best of academia: Drawing on the sober consideration of facts, contexts and theoretical insight to inform our understanding of difficult subjects; marshalling argumentation and persuasion to think through challenging topics rather than polemic and hyperbole; and championing thorough and detailed exposition of a topic rather than relying on rhetorical and popular sentiment to form partisan opinions. We believe firmly that the outcome of all action is best when that action is underpinned by careful and detailed reflections. We also believe that when we reflect together and broadly, we have the best chance of ensuring our action makes positive change.
At its core, AoU seeks to embody Gandhi’s vision of affective communities, where solidarity and compassion transcend geographical and ideological boundaries. Through educational initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and community engagement, AoU endeavors to ignite meaningful conversations, challenge entrenched narratives, and replace simplistic binaries of ‘us’ and ‘them’ with the rich complexity of ‘all of us together’.
While the Middle East remains a focal point, AoU is committed to expanding its scope to address other global intersections of conflict and complexity. By embracing Gandhi’s call to recognize the humanity in others and engage in radical acts of empathy, AoU aspires to catalyze positive change and contribute to a more harmonious and just world. Join us as we embark on this journey of connection, understanding, and collective transformation.
Alliances of Understanding 