Business Conflict Resolution

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

Over the past decade, local and international businesses have become important actors in supporting conflict resolution work. International NGOs, the UN, the World Bank, and the private sector are increasingly involved in the intersection of business and conflict. While international donor aid can make a positive contribution to peacebuilding, private business activity can also have a significant impact in conflict areas. Current efforts in the area include the UN Global Compact, the emergence of corporate social responsibility, and fostering peacebuilding through economic development in conflicted regions. This course will provide an overview of the intersection of business and conflict resolution by focusing on emerging theory and practice. We will explore the myriad of business activities across diverse sectors (including extractive industries, finance, etc.) and levels of activity (local, national and international actors). The potential roles of business in conflict will be explored such as a generator of conflict, advocate for peace, financer of peace, promoter of joint economic activity, etc. A core component of the course will be discussing the concept and practice of conflict sensitive business. Through taking this course students will be better prepared to undertake research, practice and policy careers within conflict resolution and related fields. The course will cover a combination of theory and real-world cases, helping to contextualize many of key concepts covered in the course.