Content

During this course students will be introduced to the main conflict theories and become familiarized with the most important concepts, trends and issues in the field of peace research and conflict management.

Important theories that will be discussed at length include:

• Ted Gurr’s theory of relative deprivation
• Frances Stewart’s theory of horizontal inequalities
• Paul Collier’s theory of greed and grievances
• Michael Ross’ theory of natural resources and conflict
• Mansoob Murshed’s theory of the breakdown of social contracts
• Lars-Erik Cederman’s theory on ethno-political exclusion and violent conflict

Other concepts and issues that will discussed and applied to a range of case studies, include:

• Conflict recurrence
• Resource curse
• Spoilers in peace processes
• Post-conflict reconstruction
• DDR processes
• Transitional justice and reconciliation

Course material

The course will use the following course materials:

• Academic literature which will be made available via Toledo;
• Slides which will be made available via Toledo;
• Personal notes.

Format: more information

This course is organized on campus.

In order to achieve the aims of the course the student is expected to:

• Structure, analyze and define key concepts, trends and theories about the origins and persistence of violent conflicts as well as the challenges and complexities of restoring lasting peace;
• Obtain a critical perspective of the literature on conflict and peace as well as about the actions of the main international players in practice (e.g. UN, EU, African Union);
• Apply their theoretical insights on conflict and conflict management to the analysis of specific case studies;
• Analyse critically the reading materials that will be discussed during the online lectures;
• Participate actively in the online and on campus Q&A-sessions.

This course is organized through block teaching.