Conflict Management: Preventing and Ending Civil Wars
Recent deadly conflicts have raged in Gaza, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine, and many other countries, killing tens of thousands of civilians. What causes such horrible violence? What can be done to stop it – or, even better, prevent it – short of military intervention?
This course examines the theory and practice of peaceful means of conflict management. During the first half of the semester, we assess the scholarly literature. Then each student writes a research paper on an instance of conflict management that succeeded or failed. Several past papers from the course have been published in scholarly journals.
No auditors are permitted except for military fellows and visiting scholars. Grading is based on class participation, a mid-term exam, an in-class presentation, and the research paper. All readings are available on Canvas.