DAFF 25A42 - Causes of War

What is to be known about the causes and mechanisms of conflicts? What factors and elements

allow us to closely analyze them and can provide us with insight? What about the

understanding of political decision makers’ motivations and the construction of States’

interests in times of crisis?

The objective of this course is to establish a theoretical grid of analysis to prepare us for the

study of the origins of conflict. By analyzing actors’ interests, actions or policies through the

application of international relations theory, we will be able to understand the motivations and

intentions of the parties to the conflict. We will then attempt to ‘test’ theories within the

framework of case studies and answer our research question through methodological research

None

Grades

Grades will be determined as follows:

Oral Participation = 20%

→ This will be based on students’ class individual participation, preparation and discussion of

reading material. This is an individual grade.

Oral Presentation = 30% *** Presentation dates will be assigned on the first class.

Presentation guidelines

Direction de la Formation initiale

Collège universitaire, campus de Paris

Semestre de printemps 2025-2026

27, rue Saint-Guillaume 75007 Paris France T/ +33 (0)1 45 49 50 51 - F/ +33 (0)1 42 22 39 64 www.sciences-po.fr

→ Students should prepare an oral presentation on one of the assigned topics. The presentation

should not be a summary of the reading material for the week. Students are expected to conduct

research on the assigned topic and must find sources other than those provided in class. It is in

your best interest to take into account any remarks, questions or observations during the debate.

The presentation should be no longer than 20 minutes (maximum) per group.

→ Students must provide the class with a 1 page hard copy summary of their presentation (key

words, research question and a detailed outline with bullet points) + bibliography. Students must

send it at least 2 days before to the instructor to her email address:

solene.soosaithasan@sciencespo.fr.

→ Grading will be based on clarity, organization, professionalism, the use supports and

examples, accuracy of applied theory and methodology, and on students’ ability to synthesize

historical facts and conclude. This is typically a group grade.

Final Report = 50% *** To send in to me before midnight on 30rd April 2026

Report guidelines

→ Each group is to prepare a written report in English on their case study. Your work will

specifically deal with the causes of the crisis/conflict.