GOVT 50.21 Conflict Resolution and International Negotiation

Why does the UN intervene in some places, but not others? What are the conflict resolution tools available to the international community? How can we make peacekeeping more effective? In this course, we will explore these questions as we delve into the international politics of resolving crises. The focus is on the crises that have emerged since the end of the Cold War--particularly in the areas of civil war and state failure. We begin by introducing a framework whereby students can analyze competing theories of why states intervene in international crises and evaluate the conditions for success in different types of intervention, such as peacekeeping. Then, we will consider current issues facing the UN and how they may be addressed via a simulation of the UN Security Council. By the end of the course, students will be able to intelligently evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various peacebuilding strategies in light of evidence from social science and apply their insights in a foreign policy paper.

Instructor

Becker

Degree Requirement Attributes

Dist:INT or SOC; WCult:W

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