Conflict Stabilization

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Juris Doctor

Over the last two decades, the United States and its partners have spent billions of dollars on stabilization – an effort that seems to span the gamut of improving governance, countering violent extremism, and promoting democracy. This course will focus on several recent and historical cases in the US’ effort to address conflict and its drivers around the world. Through these case studies, you will gain a deep understanding of the range of conflict dynamics the United States has faced over recent years, and what the United States Government and other donors have done to stabilize these conflict-affected countries. Importantly, you will also learn how to frame the critical questions that fundamentally must be asked as potential stabilization efforts are planned and designed in DC. At the end of this class, you will not only amass operational knowledge of a number of conflicts, but also build and exercise the muscle memory of quickly distilling large documents into tight one-page memos and talking points. The course will be taught by a career stabilization practitioner who has not only had field experience in India, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, but also someone who served as a Director on the National Security Council Staff.