Dynamics of Peace and Conflict
3
2019-2020
01008810
Political Science – International Relations
Portuguese
Face-to-face
SEMESTRIAL
4.0
Compulsory
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)
NoSyllabus
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