Bridget Conley-Zilkic is research director of the World Peace Foundation, where she is currently working on the “How Mass Atrocities End” project. Before participating in a discussion of why we can’t stop genocide, she explained in the Zócalo green room why eating oatmeal is a sign of age, and why it’s not a good idea to call her “honey.”
How did you get into trouble as a kid?
My parents were very young, and I had a sister who was less than two years older than me. Mostly I got into trouble when she and I roamed around the neighborhood through people’s backyards, climbing trees. She scooted across telephone wires once. Comrades in arms!
What do you eat for breakfast?
Oatmeal. This is a sign of my age. I didn’t used to. Oatmeal—and like four espressos.
When did you last break a sweat?
This afternoon. I went running in the neighborhoods behind the Hotel Wilshire, which are beautiful.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
People who call me “honey.”
Who or what would your mascot be?
It would not be a squirrel because I hate squirrels. Some sort of flying creature. A hummingbird—so maybe I hover, not fly.
What’s your favorite plant or flower?
Lavender.
How do you decompress?
Usually exercise.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever given someone else?
The best most recent gift was that we gave my son, who does archery, a bow for his 10th birthday.
If you could play any musical instrument, which would you choose?
Guitar.
Where did you get that beautiful necklace?
A small town on the coast in Croatia. We were there after visiting my husband’s family in the mountains.