Conflict

Course Structure

1. [\'Conflicting Theories: Applying Theoretical Approaches of Conflicts, Territories & IdentitiesIn this course we try to understand how theories differ and why the theoretical perspective matters for the study of conflicts. Students will learn to position themselves in the theoretical debates and will practice using theoretical perspectives to analyse a particular conflict. The academic literature offers a variety of theoretical perspectives on the causes and dynamics of contemporary conflicts.\', \'Contested (non)Democracies: Fragmentation, Conflict and Consensus in Contemporary PoliticsPolitical regimes are the product of conflict and conflict resolution. How do states manage social, economic and political conflicts, in interaction with political movements, political elites and institutional structures, shape political regimes? This course will examine the sources of contemporary conflicts, while looking at attempts to accommodate these tensions.\', "Advanced Research MethodsThe goal of the course is to equip students with the tools necessary to construct methodologically sound research designs in political science and understand how to critically judge the soundness of the methods/ analyses in papers and policy briefs. In addition, it is meant to guide students towards the most suitable research method for their research design in preparation for their Master\'s thesis.", \'Political and Geographical Conflict Resolution Theory and PracticeCentral to this course is the spatial dimension of the various strategies for the prevention, management and solution of violent conflicts. Using cases such as the former Yugoslavia, Cyprus, Israel-Palestine and Iraq, an overview is given of the various discourses on and strategies for conflict prevention, management and resolution. The whole spectrum of options, ranging from drawing borders to reforming electoral systems, is treated extensively.\', \'Cooperation and Conflict in the 21st CenturyWhat are the characteristic patterns, mechanisms and normative assessments of post-Cold War conflicts? You will become acquainted with tools to describe and explain the nature of war in the 21st century. You will learn how to negotiate and understand the ins and outs of lobbying in an international setting. You learn to defend different stakeholders\’ perspectives and to formulate policy advice.\', "Just War TheoryThis course examines the relationship between Political Theory and International Relations by addressing the debate surrounding \'just wars\'. Traditionally, this debate focused on the right to initiate a war and on the proper conduct of actors during a war. Recently, a third element has been added: the extent to which post-conflict resolution should be subject to certain norms. All three debates reflect a fourth debate, which some have labeled a \'non-debate\': the extent to which the domain of international relations can be the subject of moral judgment in the first place.", "Conflict, Aid and DevelopmentThis course considers the role of development processes and actors in conflict - both in the mitigation of conflict and as a source of conflict themselves. Particular attention will be paid to the various ways economic development may exacerbate, or indeed cause, conflict. The course will examine both the historical legacy of development initiatives and foreign direct investment, as well as contemporary phenomenon such as \'land grabs\' and conflict minerals.", \'The Politics of ReformThis seminar focuses on the reform processes surrounding state initiated policies addressing inequalities in the affluent, democratic countries of the OECD and in the broader European context.\', \'Changes in World Politics: The Rise of the BRIC CountriesThis course addresses the BRIC phenomenon from several perspectives. We will try to find potential reasons for the rise of BRICs during the last decade, we will compare the policies of various BRIC countries, and we will discuss what their ascent means for the future of global politics. To gain insight into the potentials and challenges of BRICs, the course focuses on four broadly defined issue areas: security & defence, human rights & democracy, economy & development, and welfare & environment.\']