Amsterdam, Netherlands

Security Governance & Conflict Resolution

when 14 June 2020 - 2 July 2020
language English
duration 3 weeks
credits 6 EC
fee EUR 1700

[Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this programme has been cancelled for summer 2020. If you are interested, please visit the programme website and send us an email. We will keep you posted about online alternatives, other developments and summer 2021].

The word ‘security’ is omnipresent in media, politics and daily conversations. But what does it actually mean? What makes one feel secure? And, more importantly, how is security organised in order to improve it and what are effective ways to deal with (violent) conflicts? In other words, in what ways is security governed?
This three-week programme will give students an in-depth look into the ways in which thinking and speaking about security have changed over time, and how stakeholders on various levels deal with conflicts and security, ranging from the international arena to the state and from private security companies to communities and individuals.
Topics that will be discussed include international security, new wars, human security, “Responsibility to Protect”, human rights, national security in a globalising world, cyber security, private security companies, gated communities, and citizens’ initiatives in war situations.
In addition to the regular lectures by academic director dr. Martijn Dekker, several guest lectures of prominent experts in the field will be organised, as well as a number of excursions, including visits to Brussels, The Hague and various interesting sites in and around the vibrant city of Amsterdam.

Course leader

Dr. Martijn Dekker is a political anthropologist, specialised in human security from below: how people confronted with armed conflict try to improve their own security.

Target group

Are you in your 3rd or 4th year of your undergraduate (Bachelor) degree? Or are you a first-year Master's student?
Are you curious about studying the concept of security politics and conflict resolution from a social science perspective?

If you fall into one of the categories above, then please fill-in our online application for the programme.

Course aim

During this course we will look at how thinking and speaking about security has changed over time and how various stakeholders have adopted differing interpretations. We will consider security at various levels, ranging from the international arena to the state and from private security companies to communities and individuals.

Through the completion of this programme, students will: have a sound understanding of different theories and representations of a security actor and the field of security; be skilled in critical analysis of the security realm.
Subjects such as international security, new wars, human security, “Responsibility to protect”, development, human rights, national security in a globalising world, private security companies, gated communities, and security initiatives from below will be addressed during the lectures, in addition to various, interesting excursions. Students can expect a full-day visit to the Hague and an overnight visit to Belgium (included in the tuition!).

Credits info

6 EC
Upon successful completion of the programme, students who wish to earn credits will receive an official transcript stating the courses taken, credits earned and grades obtained.

Fee info

EUR 1700: Tuition fee. Including lunch on class days, all course materials, overnight trip to Brussels and excursions and events.
EUR 500: Housing fee (optional).

Scholarships

There are several scholarship opportunities. Please check the course website for more information and scholarship deadlines.