Women, Peace, and Security

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

Often treated as “perpetual victims,” women are relegated to the sidelines in formal and informal processes of peace-building, governance and economic recovery. Yet women’s participation, inclusion and leadership are integral components of building sustainable and peaceful societies. These issues are becoming central components of the diplomatic, development and military policies of the United States, as well as many other nations. A familiarity with the field of women, peace and security is critical for negotiations, grant writing, preparation of field manuals or military doctrine, humanitarian relief operations, international crisis management, statebuilding processes, etc. The syllabus will cover a wide range of topics related to women’s experiences in conflict-affected and post-conflict settings and the impact of their participation in conflict prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping, mitigating humanitarian emergencies, political transitions and economic recovery. The course will also examine different approaches and policies to gender mainstreaming in conflict and conflict resolution. Senior practitioner guest speakers from the diplomatic and practitioner communities will be invited occasionally to lead discussions and illustrate the practical implications of the issues covered.