F1IS 4475 - Economics of Conflict

Why do we fight (or not)? The course covers the economics of conflict, focusing on the causes and consequences of conflict from an economic perspective. Lecturers will present theoretical and empirical recent advances from the economics and political sciences literature. After illustrating the various reasons why we should care about conflict, we will conduct a thorough analysis of the causes of conflicts, drawing on the dense academic literature on the subject. Different causes will be studied, such as the role of income and price variations, of inequalities, and of the presence of natural resources, among others. Next, we will examine conflict dynamics across various dimensions: from individuals, groups, communities to the state in the context of a warming and more fragmented world. Throughout the course, we will discuss solutions that can be provided by countries, international organizations, or even private actors.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop proficiency in logical and structured problem analysis, specifically tailored to understanding the complex dynamics inherent in conflicts.

Demonstrate advanced skills in critically assessing and analyzing real-world issues pertaining to the economics of conflict, integrating economic principles with broader socio-political contexts.

Acquire proficiency in reading and interpreting econometric tables, enabling the application of economic theory to analyze conflict-related data and understand underlying mechanisms.

Gain a profound understanding of the intricate interplay between economics and politics, elucidating how economic factors influence political decisions and vice versa within the context of conflicts. ability for logical and structured problem analysis.

Professional Skills:

Cultivate the ability to methodically structure thoughts using economic reasoning and mechanisms, facilitating insightful analysis and problem-solving in conflict-related scenarios.

Develop adeptness in critically analyzing economic articles, discerning key arguments, evaluating evidence, and synthesizing diverse perspectives to inform well-rounded perspectives on conflicts.

Strengthen argumentation skills through rigorous engagement with economic theories, empirical evidence, and multidisciplinary perspectives, enabling articulate and compelling advocacy in discussions and debates surrounding conflicts.

Some basic knowledge of statistics and applied econometrics would be helpful. Lecturers will provide an intuitive refresher of basic applied econometrics applied to conflict literature. Students should be able to interpret a table of results or some graphical representations.

A Zoom session will be organized during which students who have registered beforehand will have the opportunity to receive feedback on their research proposal.

The course will be assessed through two assignments:

The first will be a research proposal (3 pages) based on the content covered in class (60%). The objective will be to develop a research question and provide a research protocol to address it.

The second will be an in-class assignment focusing solely on the course material 40%

In Class Presence: 4 hours a week (over 6 weeks) / 24 hours a semester

Online learning activities: none

Reading and Preparation for Class: 6 hours a week / 36 hours a semester

Research and Preparation for Group Work: none

Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 4 hours a week / 24 hours a semester

Other: none