ASTK12257U International Conflict Resolution: Violence, - Peacebuilding and New Media

Violence and conflict are puzzling and paradoxical phenomena implying situational dynamics, discourses of violence, identity formations and mechanism that can be analyzed at multiple levels. Previously violent conflicts were more easily conceptualized; battles between two states competing over land, resources or power-balance. Today, wars are characterized by being de-territorialized and protracted intrastate conflicts with asymmetric power relations. War has become much more than a strategic question of competing states and involves global networks of trade, diaspora, activism, new media, NGOs, lobby groups and alike. Policy makers and practitioners are left with a great challenge of embracing complexity when responding to crisis in an effective and sustainable manner.

This course is an introduction to international conflict resolution and opens up questions of conflict, violence and peace from different theoretical and empirical perspectives.  Likewise, the dynamics and potential of new media will be examined as a new tendency affecting mobilization, internationalization and conflict analysis. The discipline of international conflict resolution has another take on international politics than traditional approaches of liberalism or realism. It is first and foremost pragmatically devoted to address and potentially transform international conflicts. The course is a unique opportunity to discuss current research at the new Centre for Resolution of International Conflicts (CRIC) (more information at http://cric.ku.dk/).  The course will include presentations by specialists and researchers from CRIC as indicated in the preliminary study plan. The lecturer of each presentation is only indicative, more information will be available right before course start.

Preliminary plan for the course:

1. Introduction: Isabel Bramsen 
2. Conflict theory: Ole Wæver 
3. Theories of violent conflict: Isabel Bramsen 
4. Conflict escalation and violence: Isabel Bramsen 
5. Preventive diplomacy: Nik  Emanuel 
6. Conflict de-escalation: Bjørn  Møller 
7. Emotions in conflict and peace-building: Poul Poder 
8. Reconciliation and memory: Sara Dybris McQuaid 
9. New media and conflict resolution: Isabel Bramsen 
10. Mediatisation and coverage of war in Syria: Joshka Wessels 
11. Big data and conflict analysis: Isabel Bramsen 
12. Islamic modernities and regional conflict: Dietrich Jung 
13. Student presentations: Isabel Bramsen 
14. New perspectives and the future of conflict resolution: Isabel Bramsen 

Competency description

The course improves the student’s understanding of international conflict resolution as a discipline and practice. The course is particularly relevant for students who aim for career in the area of foreign policy, diplomacy, global affairs, peacebuilding, reconciliation or the analysis, prevention and resolution of international conflicts.