Preparing to be President

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

Are democracies less violent than other forms of political organization? It is frequently believed that democracy is positively related to respect for human rights, peaceful management of social conflicts, and limitations on the state’s use of its monopoly on legitimate violence. Yet both classic and contemporary research in political science has shown that the relationship between democracy and political violence is complicated. This course will explore that relationship from multiple angles, considering the circumstances under which democracy may be a solution to violence, as well as those under which democracy creates incentives for violence. It will ask students to grapple with such questions as: when do democratic institutions promote stable politics in divided societies? Is violent rhetoric or action a good campaign strategy? Does democracy promote stability after civil war? Course readings will cover major theoretical works in the field, as well as studies of cases from multiple regions.