Conflict Termination

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

Conflict termination can change the global balance of power, determine the fate of nations, and have military, political, societal, and humanitarian effects that last for generations. The course applies theoretical and practical perspectives on when, how, and why conflicts end, and how actors can manage the process of conflict termination. This includes the question of whether we can identify “best practices” of conflict termination. The course looks in depth at American conflict termination, but also analyzes the motivations and conflict termination behavior of America’s allies and enemies. It covers historical case studies, beginning with WWII; contemporary case studies, including Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine; and looks at possible future scenarios, such as war between the US and China, North Korea, Russia, or Iran. The course is relevant to students with an interest in US national security, regional security in many parts of the world, interstate and intrastate war, warfare and military operations, insurgency and counterinsurgency, stability operations, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, and/or conflict management and resolution.