GV946-7-SP-CO:
Conflict Resolution and Peace
2024/25
Government
Colchester Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Monday 13 January 2025
Friday 21 March 2025
15
22 April 2024
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
MA L25212 Conflict Resolution,
MA L252EB Conflict Resolution,
MA L252EK Conflict Resolution,
MSC L25212 Conflict Resolution,
MSC L252EB Conflict Resolution,
MSC L252EK Conflict Resolution
The module exposes students to different political theories and approaches within the field of conflict resolution. It provides an overview and a basic framework for studying the evolving field of conflict resolution. The focus is on conflict resolution in inter- and intra-state issues. Students have the opportunity to explore conflict resolution methods such as mediation, negotiation, arbitration, collaborative problem solving, peacekeeping operations, and other applications. The module especially focuses on the practical as well as on the theoretical aspects of negotiation and mediation.
The students also have the opportunity to explore the applicability of various tools and techniques in problem-solving real cases of international conflict and to make use of negotiation and mediation techniques in role playing exercises and other types of simulations.
The aims of this module are:
- To teach students to think and write critically about conflict analysis and resolution using theories and methods of political science.
- To develop the ability to think and make reasoned arguments using positive theories and supported by the best available empirical evidence.
These aims and objectives are achieved through a variety of teaching and learning strategies such as lectures, in-depth seminar sessions, simulations, reflective essays and independently produced assignments.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Evaluate the different methods of conflict resolution using case studies.
- Experience the practice of negotiation and mediation through a series of practical exercises conducted throughout the module.
- Relate the theory and the practice of the problems involved in the attempted resolution and/or management of international conflicts and intrastate conflicts.
The module enables students to acquire the following generic and transferable skills:
- Presenting verbal arguments to classroom peers.
- Production of short well-researched essays and reports
- Working to deadlines
- Conducting oneself in a scholarly and professional manner
No additional information available.
This is a 10-week module with teaching taking place in nine weeks for 2 hours using either the format of lecture/seminar or a workshop for all students.
One week will be an on-line simulation exercise which will take 3 hours. Teaching will be in weeks 16 - 25.
-
Ramsbotham, O., Woodhouse, T. and Miall, H. (2016)
Contemporary conflict resolution: the prevention, management and transformation of deadly conflicts. Fourth edition. Cambridge: Polity Press. Available at:
https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/94404.
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Bercovitch, J. and Jackson, R. (2009a)
Conflict resolution in the twenty-first century: principles, methods, and approaches. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press. Available at:
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=309994.
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Fisher, R., Ury, W. and Patton, B. (2012)
Getting to yes: negotiating an agreement without giving in. 3rd ed. London: Random House Business. Available at:
https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/264763.
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Severine Autesserre and Leymah Gbowee (no date)
The Frontlines of Peace. Oxford University Press. Available at:
https://doi-org.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/10.1093/oso/9780197530351.001.0001.
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James D. Fearon and David D. Laitin (no date) ‘Ethnicity, Insurgency, and Civil War’,
The American Political Science Review [Preprint]. Available at:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/3118222.
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Harbom, L. and Wallensteen, P. (2005) ‘Armed Conflict and Its International Dimensions, 1946-2004’,
Journal of Peace Research, 42(5), pp. 623–635. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1177/0022343305056238.
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Hensel, P.R.
et al. (2008) ‘Bones of Contention’,
Journal of Conflict Resolution, 52(1), pp. 117–143. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1177/0022002707310425.
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‘Von Uexkull, N. and H. Buhaug. (2021) "Security Implications of Climate Change: A Decade of Scientific Progress”. Journal of Peace Research 58(1): 3-17.’ (no date). Available at:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/reader/10.1177/0022343320984210.
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Watson, C. (1994) ‘Gender versus Power as a Predictor of Negotiation Behavior and Outcomes’,
Negotiation Journal, 10(2), pp. 117–127. Available at:
https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.journals/nejo10&i=116.
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Bakaki, Z., Böhmelt, T. and Bove, V. (2016) ‘Barriers to Coordination? Examining the Impact of Culture on International Mediation Occurrence and Effectiveness’,
Political Studies, 64(3), pp. 492–512. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9248.12199.
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‘• Lovato. M. and H. Heidi Maurer (2022) "Process and Position Power: A Social Relational Research Agenda About State Power in Negotiations.” Journal of European Public Policy 29(12): 1994-2006’ (no date). Available at:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/13501763.2022.2135755?needAccess=true&role=button.
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Greig, J.M. (2001) ‘Moments of Opportunity: Recognizing Conditions of Ripeness for International Mediation between Enduring Rivals’,
The Journal of Conflict Resolution, 45(6), pp. 691–718. Available at:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/3176154.
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Wallensteen, P. and Svensson, I. (2014) ‘Talking peace’,
Journal of Peace Research, 51(2), pp. 315–327. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1177/0022343313512223.
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Beber, B. (2012) ‘International Mediation, Selection Effects, and the Question of Bias’,
Conflict Management and Peace Science, 29(4), pp. 397–424. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1177/0738894212449091.
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Beardsley, K.C.
et al. (2006) ‘Mediation Style and Crisis Outcomes’,
The Journal of Conflict Resolution, 50(1), pp. 58–86. Available at:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/27638475.
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Fortna, V.P. (2003) ‘Scraps of Paper? Agreements and the Durability of Peace’,
International Organization, 57(2), pp. 337–372. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0020818303572046.
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Böhmelt, T. (2011) ‘Disaggregating Mediations: The Impact of Multiparty Mediation’,
British Journal of Political Science, 41(04), pp. 859–881. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007123411000135.
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Dorussen, H., Böhmelt, T. and Clayton, G. (2021) ‘Sequencing United Nations peacemaking: Political initiatives and peacekeeping operations’,
Conflict Management and Peace Science [Preprint]. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1177/07388942211000678.
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Clayton, G. and Dorussen, H. (2021) ‘The effectiveness of mediation and peacekeeping for ending conflict’,
Journal of Peace Research [Preprint]. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1177/0022343321990076.
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Bakaki, Z. (2017) ‘Mediation via International Organizations (Oxford Bibliographies - International Relations)’. Available at:
http://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/view/document/obo-9780199743292/obo-9780199743292-0206.xml.
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Walter, B.F., Howard, L.M. and Fortna, V.P. (2020) ‘The Extraordinary Relationship between Peacekeeping and Peace’,
British Journal of Political Science, pp. 1–18. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1017/S000712342000023X.
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Di Salvatore, J. and Ruggeri, A. (2017) ‘Effectiveness of Peacekeeping Operations’, in
Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Politics. Oxford University Press. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228637.013.586.
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Doyle, M.W. and Sambanis, N. (2000) ‘International Peacebuilding: A Theoretical and Quantitative Analysis’,
The American Political Science Review, 94(4), pp. 779–801. Available at:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/2586208.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Quiz 1 |
|
5% |
| Coursework |
Quiz 2 |
|
5% |
| Coursework |
Quiz 3 |
|
5% |
| Coursework |
Quiz 4 |
|
5% |
| Coursework |
Assignment |
18/03/2025 |
30% |
| Coursework |
Essay |
22/04/2025 |
50% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Han Dorussen, email: hdorus@essex.ac.uk.
Han Dorussen
Please contact govpgquery@essex.ac.uk
Yes
No
No
Dr Kyriaki Nanou
Durham University
Associate Professor in European politics
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.
Government
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