Case Studies in Conflict

Course content

This course examines the theoretical frameworks, problems associated with researching conflict and violence. Also, different issue areas that cause or exacerbate conflict, including state interests, territory, sovereignty, development, resources, identity, culture, ethnicity and representation will be discussed. Other foci of the course include the different actors involved, the different strategies used to continue the conflict, the resources required for conflicts, the success or failure of the various approaches that have emerged for addressing the conflict. During the course, students will engage in a detailed case study of their own, such Bosnia, Kosovo, East Timor, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Cyprus, the Congo, Cambodia and Rwanda.