GV906-7-SP-CO:
Conflict Resolution and Peace

The details
2020/21
Government
Colchester Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Sunday 17 January 2021
Friday 26 March 2021
15
11 February 2021

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

(none)

Module description

The module exposes students to different political theories and approaches within the field of conflict resolution. It provides an overview and a basic framework for studying the evolving field of conflict resolution. The focus is on conflict resolution in inter- and intra-state issues.

The students have the opportunity to explore conflict resolution methods such as mediation, negotiation, arbitration, collaborative problem solving, peacekeeping operations, and other applications.

The module especially focuses on the practical as well as on the theoretical aspects of conflict analysis, negotiation and mediation. The students have the opportunity to explore the applicability of various tools and techniques in problem-solving real cases of international conflict

Module aims

Aims
The main aim of this module is to teach students to think and write critically about conflict analysis and resolution using theories and methods of political science. Students will develop the ability to think and make reasoned arguments using positive theories and supported by the best available empirical evidence. These aims and objectives are achieved through a variety of teaching and learning strategies such as lectures, in-depth seminar sessions, and independently produced assignments.

Objectives

The objectives of the module are:

1. Introduce students to key concept and models in conflict research
2. Introduce students to different theories about the causes of interstate and civil conflict.
3. Introduce students to bargaining models and negotiation theory
4. Introduce students to different theories about conflict resolution, such as mediation, peacekeeping and peacebuilding
5. Introduce students to critical and gender-based perspectives on conflict resolution.

Module learning outcomes

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

1. Understand key concepts in conflict studies
2. Explore the systemic reasons that determine the choice of individuals and/or groups with respect to violence and non-violence.
3. Critically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of different conflict resolution approaches.
4. Evaluate the different methods of conflict resolution using case studies.
5. Relate the theory and the practice of the problems involved in the attempted resolution and/or management of international conflicts and intrastate conflicts

Key Skills
The module also enables students to acquire the following generic and transferable skills:

1. Library and Internet research
2. Data collection, presentation and analysis
3. Exposition and argumentation in a structured fashion
4. Working independently and as part of a group
5. Production of short well-researched essays and reports
6. Working to deadlines
7. Conducting oneself in a scholarly and professional manner

Module information

Module Description

The module exposes students to different political theories and approaches within the field of conflict resolution. It provides an overview and a basic framework for studying the evolving field of conflict resolution. The focus is on conflict resolution in inter- and intra-state issues. The students have the opportunity to explore conflict resolution methods such as mediation, negotiation, arbitration, collaborative problem solving, peacekeeping operations, and other applications. The module especially focuses on the practical as well as on the theoretical aspects of conflict analysis, negotiation and mediation. The students have the opportunity to explore the applicability of various tools and techniques in problem-solving real cases of international conflict.

Aims

The main aim of this module is to teach students to think and write critically about conflict analysis and resolution using theories and methods of political science. Students will develop the ability to think and make reasoned arguments using positive theories and supported by the best available empirical evidence. These aims and objectives are achieved through a variety of teaching and learning strategies such as lectures, in-depth seminar sessions, and independently produced assignments.

Objectives

The objectives of the module are:

1. Introduce students to key concept and models in conflict research
2. Introduce students to different theories about the causes of interstate and civil conflict.
3. Introduce students to bargaining models and negotiation theory
4. Introduce students to different theories about conflict resolution, such as mediation, peacekeeping and peacebuilding
5. Introduce students to critical and gender-based perspectives on conflict resolution.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

1. Understand key concepts in conflict studies
2. Explore the systemic reasons that determine the choice of individuals and/or groups with respect to violence and non-violence.
3. Critically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of different conflict resolution approaches.
4. Evaluate the different methods of conflict resolution using case studies.
5. Relate the theory and the practice of the problems involved in the attempted resolution and/or management of international conflicts and intrastate conflicts

Key Skills

The module also enables students to acquire the following generic and transferable skills:

1. Library and Internet research
2. Data collection, presentation and analysis
3. Exposition and argumentation in a structured fashion
4. Working independently and as part of a group
5. Production of short well-researched essays and reports
6. Working to deadlines
7. Conducting oneself in a scholarly and professional manner

Eligibility

GV906 is a full-year module and serves PGT students. It is preferred that students have some background knowledge in the social sciences; in particular, international relations and comparative politics. PGT students need to have as co-requisite either GV900 - Political Explanations or GV903 - Advanced Research Methods.

MODULE STRUCTURE AND TEACHING

This is a 10-week module. This module will be delivered with (i) a weekly pre-recorded lecture and (ii) a weekly interactive seminar. The pre-recorded lecture will consist of one or more items of prepared content that students can access electronically and must study before the interactive seminar. The interactive lecture will consist of one 50-minute seminar in which students can ask questions about, and discuss various aspects of, the prepared content with the module supervisor. Students will be encouraged (and expected) to submit question electronically before the interactive lecture. The simulation in Week 21 will be delivered on-line (using two 3-hour sessions one in the morning and another in the afternoon to accommodate different time zones).

Learning and teaching methods

This is a 10-week module. This module will be delivered with (i) a weekly pre-recorded lecture and (ii) a weekly interactive seminar. The pre-recorded lecture will consist of one or more items of prepared content that students can access electronically and must study before the interactive seminar. The interactive lecture will consist of one 50-minute seminar in which students can ask questions about, and discuss various aspects of, the prepared content with the module supervisor. Students will be encouraged (and expected) to submit question electronically before the interactive lecture. The simulation in Week 21 will be delivered on-line (using two 3-hour sessions one in the morning and another in the afternoon to accommodate different time zones).

Bibliography

  • Bakaki, Zorzeta. (2016-01) 'Deconstructing Mediation: A Case Study of the Cod Wars', in Negotiation Journal. vol. 32 (1) , pp.63-78
  • Fearon, James D. (1995) 'Rationalist Explanations for War', in International Organization. vol. 49 (3) , pp.379-414
  • Ashenfelter, Orley; Layard, Richard; Card, David E. (1986-2011) Handbook of labor economics, Amsterdam: North-Holland. vol. 5
  • Beardsley, Kyle; Schmidt, Holger. (2012) 'Following the Flag or Following the Charter? Examining the Determinants of UN Involvement in International Crises, 1945-20021', in International Studies Quarterly. vol. 56 (1) , pp.33-49
  • (no date) Murdie, A. and C. Purser. (2017) How protest affects opinions of peaceful demonstration and expression rights. Journal of Human Rights, 16(3): 351-369..
  • Gartzke, Erik. (2007) 'The Capitalist Peace', in American Journal of Political Science. vol. 51 (1) , pp.166-191
  • Stedman, S. (2001) Implementing Peace Agreements in Civil Wars: Lessons and Recommendations for Policymakers.
  • Wetlaufer, Gerald B. (1996) 'Limits of Integrative Bargaining, The', in Georgetown Law Journal. vol. 85, pp.369-
  • Lake, David A.; Rothchild, Donald. (1996) 'Containing Fear: The Origins and Management of Ethnic Conflict', in International Security. vol. 21 (2) , pp.41-75
  • (no date) • Nilsson, D. (2012) Anchoring the peace: Civil society actors in peace accords and durable peace. International Interactions, 38(2), 243-266..
  • Doyle, Michael W.; Sambanis, Nicholas. (2000) 'International Peacebuilding: A Theoretical and Quantitative Analysis', in The American Political Science Review. vol. 94 (4) , pp.779-801
  • Melander, E. (2010) Amnesty, Peace and Human Development in the Aftermath of Civil War.
  • Mearns, Robin; Norton, Andrew. (c2010) Social dimensions of climate change: equity and vulnerability in a warming world, Washington, DC: World Bank.
  • Hartzell, Caroline; Hoddie, Matthew. (2003-04) 'Institutionalizing Peace: Power Sharing and Post-Civil War Conflict Management', in American Journal of Political Science. vol. 47 (2) , pp.318-332
  • Paris, Roland. (1997) 'Peacebuilding and the Limits of Liberal Internationalism', in International Security. vol. 22 (2) , pp.54-89
  • Greig, J. Michael. (2001) 'Moments of Opportunity: Recognizing Conditions of Ripeness for International Mediation between Enduring Rivals', in The Journal of Conflict Resolution. vol. 45 (6) , pp.691-718
  • Bakaki, Zorzeta; Böhmelt, Tobias; Bove, Vincenzo. (2016-10) 'Barriers to Coordination? Examining the Impact of Culture on International Mediation Occurrence and Effectiveness', in Political Studies. vol. 64 (3) , pp.492-512
  • Princen, Thomas. (2014) Intermediaries in international conflict, Princeton: Princeton University Press.
  • James D. Fearon and David D. Laitin. (no date) 'Ethnicity, Insurgency, and Civil War', in The American Political Science Review: American Political Science Association.
  • Fisher, Simon; Matovic, Vesna; Ann Walker, Bridget; Mathews, Dylan. (2020-09-17) Working with Conflict, London: Zed Books Ltd.
  • Cunningham, Kathleen Gallagher. (2013-07) 'Actor Fragmentation and Civil War Bargaining: How Internal Divisions Generate Civil Conflict', in American Journal of Political Science. vol. 57 (3) , pp.659-672
  • Gizelis, T-I; Dorussen, H; Dorussen, M. (2016) RESEARCH FINDINGS ON THE EVOLUTION OF PEACEKEEPING.
  • Bercovitch, Jacob; Jackson, Richard. (c2009) Conflict resolution in the twenty-first century: principles, methods, and approaches, Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.
  • Wall Jr, James A.; Druckman, Daniel. (2003) 'Mediation in Peacekeeping Missions', in The Journal of Conflict Resolution. vol. 47 (5) , pp.693-705
  • Bakaki, Z. (2017) Mediation via International Organizations (Oxford Bibliographies - International Relations).
  • Böhmelt, Tobias. (2011-10) 'Disaggregating Mediations: The Impact of Multiparty Mediation', in British Journal of Political Science. vol. 41 (04) , pp.859-881
  • Stein, J. (2013) 'Psychological explanations of international conflict', in Handbook of international relations, London: SAGE., pp.195-219
  • Ramsbotham, Oliver; Woodhouse, Tom; Miall, Hugh. (2016) Contemporary conflict resolution: the prevention, management and transformation of deadly conflicts, Cambridge: Polity Press.
  • Buhaug, H.; Gates, S.; Hegre, H.; Strand, H. (2007) Global trends in armed conflict: Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Fearon, James D.; Laitin, David D. (2003) 'Ethnicity, Insurgency, and Civil War', in The American Political Science Review. vol. 97 (1) , pp.75-90
  • Melin, Molly M. (2011-09) 'The Impact of State Relationships on If, When, and How Conflict Management Occurs1', in International Studies Quarterly. vol. 55 (3) , pp.691-715
  • Dorussen, H.; Gizelis, T.-I. (2013) 'Into the lion's den: Local responses to UN peacekeeping', in Journal of Peace Research. vol. 50 (6) , pp.691-706
  • Bara, Corinne. (2014-11) 'Incentives and opportunities', in Journal of Peace Research. vol. 51 (6) , pp.696-710
  • Autesserre, Séverine. (2008) 'The Trouble with Congo: How Local Disputes Fuel Regional Conflict', in Foreign Affairs. vol. 87 (3) , pp.94-110
  • (no date) Why Many Cooks If They Can Spoil the Broth? The Determinants of Multiparty Mediation..
  • Hensel, Paul R.; McLaughlin Mitchell, Sara; Sowers, Thomas E.; Thyne, Clayton L. (2008-02) 'Bones of Contention', in Journal of Conflict Resolution. vol. 52 (1) , pp.117-143
  • Curran, Daniel; Sebenius, James K.; Watkins, Michael. (2004-10) 'Two Paths to Peace: Contrasting George Mitchell in Northern Ireland with Richard Holbrooke in Bosnia-Herzegovina', in Negotiation Journal. vol. 20 (4) , pp.513-537
  • Powell, Robert. (2006) 'War as a Commitment Problem', in International Organization. vol. 60 (1) , pp.169-203
  • (no date) • Celestino, M.R. and K.S. Gleditsch (2013) Fresh carnations or all thorn, no rose? Nonviolent campaigns and transitions in autocracies. Journal of Peace Research, 50(3): 385-400..
  • Mitchell, C. R. (2014) The nature of intractable conflict: resolution in the twenty-first century, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Walter, Barbara F. (1997) 'The Critical Barrier to Civil War Settlement', in International Organization. vol. 51 (3) , pp.335-364
  • Stephan, Maria J.; Chenoweth, Erica. (Summer 2008) 'Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict', in International Security. vol. 33 (1) , pp.7-44
  • Dorussen, Han; Ward, Hugh. (2010) 'Trade networks and the Kantian peace', in Journal of Peace Research. vol. 47 (1) , pp.29-42
  • Howard, L.M. (2002) 'UN Peace Implementation in Namibia: The Causes of Success', in International Peacekeeping. vol. 9 (1) , pp.99-132
  • Salacuse, Jeswald W. (1998-07) 'Ten Ways that Culture Affects Negotiating Style: Some Survey Results', in Negotiation Journal. vol. 14 (3) , pp.221-240
  • Karim, Sabrina; Beardsley, Kyle. (2016-01) 'Explaining sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping missions', in Journal of Peace Research. vol. 53 (1) , pp.100-115
  • Beber, B. (2012) 'International Mediation, Selection Effects, and the Question of Bias', in Conflict Management and Peace Science. vol. 29 (4) , pp.397-424
  • Beardsley, Kyle C.; David, Q.; Bidisha, B.; Wilkenfield, J. (2006) 'Mediation Style and Crisis Outcomes', in The Journal of Conflict Resolution. vol. 50 (1) , pp.58-86
  • Harbom, Lotta; Wallensteen, Peter. (2005-09) 'Armed Conflict and Its International Dimensions, 1946-2004', in Journal of Peace Research. vol. 42 (5) , pp.623-635
  • Collier, Paul; Hoeffler, Anke. (2004) 'Greed and Grievance in Civil War', in Oxford Economic Papers. vol. 56 (4) , pp.563-595
  • Fearon, James D. , David D. Laitin. (2000) 'Review: Violence and the Social Construction of Ethnic Identity', in International Organization. vol. 54 (4) , pp.845-877
  • Pinker, Steven. (2011) The better angels of our nature: the decline of violence in history and its causes, London: Allen Lane.
  • Mearsheimer, John J. (1995) 'The False Promise of International Institutions', in International Security. vol. 19 (3) , pp.5-49
  • Gizelis, Theodora-Ismene. (2009) 'Gender Empowerment and United Nations Peacebuilding', in Journal of Peace Research. vol. 46 (4) , pp.505-523
  • Maoz, Zeev; Russett, Bruce. (1993) 'Normative and Structural Causes of Democratic Peace, 1946-1986', in The American Political Science Review. vol. 87 (3) , pp.624-638
  • Watson, Carol. (1994-04) 'Gender versus Power as a Predictor of Negotiation Behavior and Outcomes', in Negotiation Journal. vol. 10 (2) , pp.117-127
  • (no date) Hendrix, C. S. (2010) Measuring state capacity: Theoretical and empirical implications for the study of civil conflict. Journal of peace research, 47(3), 273-285..

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course. The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students. Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Quizzes    20% 
Coursework   Assignment    30% 
Coursework   Essay    50% 

Additional coursework information

Assessment: This module is assessed by 100% coursework Instant Deadline Checker Must be submitted by 09:45am on the day of the lecture Assignment Title Due Date Coursework Weighting Feedback Due Assignment (Week 25) 30% (Week 30) Essay (Week 30) 50% (Week 33) Quizzes Weeks 18, 20, 5% each Immediately 23 and 30. * A note about weightings: Weightings of coursework add up to 100%. The university system automatically calculates the aggregate mark based on whether there is an exam or not and adjusts accordingly. Assessment The module is assessed with one short and one longer written assignment, and four quizzes. Students are required to submit 600 double-spaced word-processed assignments in week 25. Students are required to submit 3,500 word double-spaced word-processed essays in week 30. • The assignment is worth 30% of the final mark • The essay is worth 50% of the final mark • The four quizzes are worth 20% in total Essay topics and Assignments: • Assignment 2 (Due on Week 25): 600 words (1 page) report on a peaceful intervention in an intrastate conflict of your choice (ongoing for at least some years post 2000, but NOT Syria). • Essay 2: (Due on Week 30) A research paper that examines a particular example of conflict resolution, for example (international) negotiations, mediation or peacekeeping, with special attention to the processes at work. The task is to identify an appropriate instance of international or civil conflict, and – using the materials of the module – to analyse the reasons why it was or was not settled. The conflict should be post 1945. If a "successful" method of conflict resolution is chosen, the paper might reasonably focus on the reasons for this success and the critical turning points, as well as missed opportunities that might have led to an even more successful outcome. If the paper's focus is on a "failed" attempt to conflict resolution, then the analysis should consider the reasons for this failure, and possible missed opportunities. Also, comment on what kind of lessons can be learned from the failure or success of the conflict resolution process. It is acceptable to focus on the same conflict as studied in Essay #1. • Four Quizzes: As part of new teaching innovation you are expected to watch a number of 30-45 minute videos before the scheduled lecture. You will also take an online quiz based on the video presentation. The selected weeks are indicated with an asterisk. STUDY ABROAD ASSESSMENT Study abroad students who leave at the end of December will be assessed on the basis of the first essay, the first reflective essay, the first four quizzes, and on the participation in the Autumn term. Spring study abroad students who leave earlier will be assessed on the basis of the reflective essay, the first four quizzes, and on the participation.

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Zorzeta Bakaki, email: zbakak@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Zorzeta Bakaki (Spring Term)
Module Supervisor Dr Zeta Bakaki zbakak@essex.ac.uk Module Administrator: Jamie Seakens govpgquery@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
Yes
No
No

External examiner

Dr Nicholas Walter Vivyan
University of Durham
Senior Lecturer
Dr Damien Bol
King's College London
Senior Lecturer
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 392 hours, 0 (0%) hours available to students:
392 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).

 

Further information
Government

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