Conflict,SecurityDevelopment

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

Addressing state fragility and violent conflict is one of the central challenges of the modern era. Violent conflicts have risen in number, duration, and intensity since 1990, spurring the spread of violent extremism and one of the largest displacement crises in human history, causing untold human suffering. This seminar will explore new topics in the study and practice of addressing security challenges through development, stabilization and conflict prevention. The course will focus on approaches and policy tools that are applicable to a range of policy challenges that lie at the intersection of security and development, from countering violent extremism, to supporting political settlements and tackling corruption and illicit economies. At the end of the course, students should be acquainted with this evolving sub-field at the intersection of global development and security studies, should have an understanding of specific policy challenges in this area, and should be able to critically assess both relevant theories and practices. The course is designed for anyone with an interest in new approaches to conflict and development and state fragility, including professionals in the fields of development, diplomacy, journalism and conflict resolution who wish to deepen their knowledge of this important area. The first part of the course will examine policy frameworks and strategies for addressing fragility, as well as a series of special topics that international policymakers are currently grappling with. The second part of the course will explore thorny policy dilemmas as well as emerging global challenges, such as the role of information and communications technologies in the developing world. Each of these topics will be explored through the analysis of country case studies.