Description
Objective 1: Students study various factors that influence the post-war trajectory of states that have experienced civil wars.
Objective 2: Students will learn to assess different theoretical arguments and methodological approaches and apply theories to contemporary empirical examples.
Content: Why do some states return to instability and violence after civil wars end, while others do not? In this seminar, we will look at various factors that influence the post-war trajectory of states that have experienced civil wars. We start by examining the determinants of achieving peace: How does the way in which a civil war ends influence a country’s post-war trajectory? Under what conditions do military interventions and peacekeeping contribute to the termination of civil wars? Why do some peace deals last, while others do not? Then, we will look at the determinants of maintaining peace: What political, security-related, economic, and social challenges need to be addressed to assist a country in transitioning from war to peace? In particular, we will look at power sharing
arrangements and democratization, demobilization and security sector reform, and transitional justice and reconciliation. Students will learn to assess different theoretical arguments and methodological approaches and apply theories to contemporary empirical examples from around the world.
Methods of Instruction
This course is a seminar; most time is spent on discussion of the reading material.
Examination
Examination includes participation in class, a presentation, two short essays in preparation for the final paper and a final research paper applying concepts and theories to empirical cases.
Study Material
Students are requested to purchase the following book: Cochrane, Feargal. 2008. Ending Wars. Cambridge: Polity.
All other reading material is either available on Blackboard or on the reserve shelf in the FSW library.
Registration
Master students that started their studies in September 2014 can register for one seminar in uSis from 10 December 12.00 hrs until 17 December 12.00 hrs.
For Master students that start their studies in February 2015 registration is possible from Wednesday 14 January 2015 12.00 hrs until Friday 23 January 2015 12.00 hrs. Please send an email with your full name, student number and preference for three seminars to the institute secretariat (instituutsbureaupolwet@fsw.leidenuniv.nl). You will receive an auto-reply with a confirmation that we have received your e-mail. You will be informed about the seminars for which you have been registered before February 1.
Please note that elective seminars have a maximum capacity of 20 students and placement is subject to availability. Registration is on a first come first served basis.
Schedule
Thursday 5 February until 21 May, 11.00-13.00 hrs in 1A37 (except 16 April in room 0A33)
- no lectures on 14 May