F1IS 4310 - Issues in Contemporary Conflict and Its Resolution

The nature of both conflict and conflict resolution is in constant evolution. Conflict began to change after WWII, and ever more so after the Cold War – from interstate industrial wars to complex events involving states and non-state actors on both sides, fighting amongst the people for aims such as self determination, religious supremacy or ethnic rights. As a result, conflict resolution (CR) has also changed, from agreement between state leaders to complex negotiations with a multitude of parties, mostly non-state, with greatly differing interests and stakes. This two-sided evolution is the subject of this course, starting from the changes to conflict since 1945 to this day, and its expansion to the cyber and digital arenas, and in parallel examining the evolution of the international order, international humanitarian law, and the resulting changes in CR, and its expansion to private and non-governmental actors. Emphasis will be laid upon the post Cold War era. A key element of the course will be an examination of the international order and its capabilities and failings, alongside discussion of specific conflicts and the attempts at their resolution.

Ilana BET-EL

Séminaire

English

- In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester (2 classes will be held online) - Reading and Preparation for Class: 3 hours a week / 36 hours a semester - Research and Writing for Individual and group Assessments: xx hours a week / 90 hours a semester

Students are required to have an understanding of modern history, cognizance with current events, and some knowledge of key international documents such as the UN Charter, the Geneva Conventions and similar.

Autumn 2023-2024

(i) A 10 minute presentation in the semester will account for 20% of the grade; an analytical paper, to be handed in at the end of the semester, will account for 70%. Participation in class: 10%. (ii) grade and feedback regarding the presentation will be provided in writing within a week. Written feedback on analytical paper will be provided within 2 weeks of submission. (Please note that these percentages may be adjusted later.)

Classes will combine lectures and student participation and may include structured debates. Professor will be available to students, by appointment, throughout the semester.