Spring 2017 - 61340 - PA388K - Advanced Topics in Public Policy

Conflict Management

This course examines the theory and practice of conflict management by international actors in internal conflicts.  It focuses on the prospect for mainly peaceful international intervention at three moments in the life-cycle of such conflicts: (1) to prevent the conflict from becoming violent; (2) to mitigate violence after it breaks out; (3) to resolve the conflict so as to terminate violence.  During the second half of the semester, each student will write an in-depth research paper on a case of attempted conflict management (25 pages).  The topic and research design of each paper must be approved in advance by the professor, typically requiring students to revise their proposals several times. 

Grading is based on the following: Research Paper (50%); Mid-Term Exam (20%); Class Participation (20%); In-Class Presentation (10%).

The reading load averages 150 pages per week.  No books required for purchase.