Conflict Analysis in International Politics: Causes, Negotiation and Resolution

Are you interested in gaining an understanding of the evolving field of conflict analysis? This module provides an introduction to the nature and causes of armed conflicts as well as their resolution. Initially the module focuses on motivations driving different forms of conflict, for example, greed versus grievance and ethnicity. The second part of the module introduces types of interventions to conflicts and methods of conflict resolution. You’ll explore conflict resolution methods such as mediation, negotiation, collaborative problem solving and peacekeeping operations. You’ll also have the opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the module to case studies of international conflicts and a conflict simulation exercise. This is an interdisciplinary module with elements of traditional conflict management approaches combined with contemporary scientific studies on cooperation and conflict. Field trips for this module in the past have included a visit to the city of Manchester and the Imperial War Museum North.

Please note, the Leeds International Summer School runs for four weeks (2 - 30 July 2022). You can choose to study with us for two weeks or for the full four-week programme. Each module lasts two weeks so you study one module if you choose to attend for two weeks and two modules if you choose to attend for four weeks.

Course leader

Kaisa Hinkkainen

Target group

Undergraduate/Bachelor students

Course aim

- To examine different types of conflict and social violence.
- To examine theories of violence at the interpersonal level.
- To understand the formation of group identity and the emerging aggression among groups.
- To explore competing theories on the emergence of conflict in intrastate disputes, such as ethnic and civil wars
- Provide an overview of deterrence theory, bargaining theory, and traditional approaches to conflict management
- To understand the nature of negotiation as a tool for conflict management
- To understand the use of mediation and third party involvement in negotiations and to understand and examine different mediation styles and the strategies
- To consider the role and evolution of peacekeeping operations

Learning outcomes
1) Understand and critically assess various definitions of conflict.
2) Present an understanding of various approaches to the analysis of international conflict.
3) Understand the diverse views on conflict resolution.
4) Critically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of different conflict resolution approaches.
5) Apply knowledge gained in the module to cases of international conflicts.

Credits info

5 EC
The module is worth 10 Leeds credits = 5 ECTS. You can transfer the credits earned back to your home degree subject to approval.

Fee info

GBP 1820: Leeds International Summer School (LISS) is an all-inclusive programme. Included in the programme fee is tuition, accommodation, breakfast and lunch, Monday to Friday, module field trips, weekend excursions, social programme and The Edge sports centre membership. The cost of flights, insurance and visa is not included.

Scholarships

If you have a GPA of 3.2 or above (or equivalent) you're eligible to apply for a Merit scholarship worth up to £500. We are also looking for LISS Champions to receive a scholarship of £1000 while sharing their experiences of LISS via different platforms.