Dynamics of Peace and Conflict

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of English.

Teaching Methods

Lectures aim at presenting the general framework of each topic of the syllabus, departing from the existente 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. There will also be individual and group presentations in class.

Learning Outcomes

Main learning outcome:

- Develop consolidated and systematic knowledge of the main theoretical and empirical frameworks in Peace and Conflict Studies.

Specific learning outcomes and skills:

- Understand and be able to apply the various concepts, elements and trends in international peace and conflict dynamics to current situations and cases;

- Compare and analyse the different strategies implemented for the prevention and resolution of conflicts;

- Understand and analyse contemporary international dynamics and problematiques in the relations between peace and conflict, resorting to specific case studies.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Concepts and Trends

  1.1 The Westephalian tradition: the ‘old’ wars

  1.2 New conflicts: the 'new wars'

2.Processes

  2.1 Fragile, failed and colapsed States

  2.2 Complex Political Emergencies

  Case studies

3. Elements

  3.1 Etnicity and religion as sources of conflict

  3.2 Cultures of violence

  3.3 Political economies of war

  Case Studies

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

  4.1 Conflict Prevention: operational and structural prevention; early warning mechanisms

  4.2 United Nations’ Mechanisms: Good Offices of the SGNU; Sanctions; Preventive Diplomacy

  Case Studies

5. Military Action: from humanitarian intervention to Responsibility to Protect

   Case-Studies

6. The UN Peacebuilding Model and the promotion of liberal peace: components and critique

- Military-Security dimension

- Poitical-Constitutional dimension

- Economic dimension

- Psychosocial dimension.

Head Lecturer(s)

Teresa Paula Almeida Cravo

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Mini Tests: 50.0%
Frequency: 50.0%

Bibliography

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

Kaldor, Mary (1999), New and old wars: organized violence in a global era. Cambridge: Polity Press [327 KAL]

Gurr, Ted (2001), “Minorities and Nationalists: Managing Ethnopolitical Conflict in the New Century”, in Crocker, Chester et al (eds.), Turbulent Peace. The Challenges of Managing International Conflict. Washington D.C.: United States Institute of Peace Press, pp. 163-188. [BP 327 TUR]

Duffield, Mark (2001) Global Governance and the New Wars: The merging of development and security. London: Zed Books. [BP 327 DUF]

Sriram, Chandra L.; Wermester, Karin (2002), “Preventive Action at the United Nations: From Promise to Practice?”, in Fen Osler Hampson & David Malone (eds), From Reaction to Conflict Prevention: Opportunities for the UN System, London: Lynne Rienner Publishers, pp. 381-398. [327 FRO]