Dynamics of Peace and Conflict

Year
3
Academic year
2019-2020
Code
01008810
Subject Area
Political Science – International Relations
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
4.0
Type
Compulsory
Level
1st Cycle Studies

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

Lectures aim at presenting the general framework of each topic of the syllabus, departing from the existent literature and debates, whereas the practical courses will consist on a deeper analysis of the topics through the discussion and debate of texts and case studies.

In terms of evaluation, students will make individual and group presentations in class as well as develop individual written essays (such as press analysis, reading notes, among others).

Evaluation: General regime (final exam – 100%) or continuous evaluation (group and individual assignments – 100%).

Learning Outcomes

Overall objectives:

Capacity to develop and demonstrate consolidated and systematic knowledge of the main theoretical and empirical frameworks in Peace and Conflict Studies.

 Specific objectives:

Understand and apply various concepts, elements and trends in international peace and conflict dynamics; compare and analyze the different strategies implemented for the prevention and resolution of conflicts; understand and analyze contemporary international dynamics and problematiques in the relations between peace and conflict.

 Specific competencies:

Provide deeper analytical competencies on international peace and conflict issues in post- Cold War era: explain why conflicts emerge and interpret its dynamics and intervention/resolution strategies resorting to case studies.

 Generic competencies:

Research and critical analysis capacity; oral and written communication skills, capacity to apply knowledge to the various case studies; ability to formulate logical reasoning in a grounded way.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

PART I

1. The Westephalian tradition: ‘old’ wars

2. New conflicts

2.2 Concepts and Trends

a. Processes

i. Fragile, failed and collapsed States

ii. Complex Political Emergencies

Case studies: Balkans; Somalia

b. Elements

i. Ethnicity and religion as sources of conflict

ii. Cultures of violence

iii. Political economies of war

Case Studies: Sudan, Angola

PART II

3. Intervention strategies: the role of external actors in conflict prevention and peacebuilding

a. CONFLICT PREVENTION

- Concepts: operational and structural prevention; early warning mechanisms

- United Nations’ Mechanisms: Good Offices of the SGNU

- Sanctions

Case Studies: Iraq

b. MILITARY ACTION- humanitarian intervention

Case-Studies: Kosovo vs. Darfur vs. Iraq

c. UN PEACEBUILDING MODEL

- Military-Security dimension

- Political-Constitutional dimension

- Economic dimension

- Psychosocial dimension

Case-Studies: Mozambique, East Timor, El Salvador, Guatemala

Head Lecturer(s)

Bernardo da Silva Relva Teles Fazendeiro

Assessment Methods

Continuous assessment
Individual and group work: 100.0%

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Ramsbotham, Oliver et al (2005) Contemporary Conflict Resolution. Cambridge: Polity Press

Hampson, Fen Osler; Malone, David (eds) (2002), From Reaction to Conflict Prevention: Opportunities for the UN System. London: Lynne Rienner Publishers

Kaldor, Mary (1999), New and old wars: organized violence in a global era. Cambridge: Polity Press

Chester Crocker et al (eds) (2006), Leashing the dogs of war: conflict management in a divided world. Washington: United States Institute for Peace.

Darby, John; MacGinty, Roger (eds) (2003), Contemporary Peacemaking. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan

Pugh, Michael (2005) “The political economy of peacebuilding: a critical theory perspective” International Journal of Peace Studies. 10(2), 23-42

Duffield, Mark (2001) Global Governance and the New Wars: The merging of development and security. London: Zed Books

Jeong, Ho-Won (2008) Understanding Conflict and Conflict Analysis. London: SAGE Publications