This seminar presents peacebuilding as a political exercise through which intervening states wish to effect changes in other, conflict-affected countries. These interventions can serve a multitude of objectives, from humanitarian concerns and the protection of international norms to geopolitical and economic interests. A key concern of this seminar is to present peacebuilding as a conflict management strategy, as a legitimizing discourse and as a particular practice. Particular attention will be paid to the interaction between external and local actors and their implications for society.
The seminar follows an active learning approach. There will be no lectures or presentations. Instead, we will use class time for discussion and small group work. We will also conduct two in-class simulations where students play roles of stakeholders in different peacebuilding scenarios. This approach requires students to adequately prepare for each class and to engage with the various activities. |
