Most armed conflicts worldwide are intrastate wars and news reports constantly highlight their grim realities. This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of their causes, dynamics, and repercussions.

 The course is structured around the phases of a conflict cycle. In the initial section, we will delve into the social, economic, and political factors driving the eruption of civil wars. Questions like whether ethnically diverse countries are more susceptible to civil wars, the correlation between poverty and civil conflict, and the likelihood of civil war outbreaks in fragile democracies versus authoritarian states will be examined in this phase of the course. 

The second segment of the course will focus on the dynamics that unfold during a civil war. We will investigate the processes of mobilization for both men and women, exploring why individuals decide to join armed groups. Additionally, we will analyze the targeting of civilians in civil wars and the variations in violence levels among different armed groups. In many instances, rebels gain control over parts of a state's territory, and we will scrutinize the governance of these areas and the factors that shape rebel rule. The final session in this part will center on the influence of external actors in the dynamics of these conflicts.

Moving forward to the third section, we will explore the termination of civil wars and their lasting impacts. Initially, we will examine the factors contributing to the duration of these conflicts. Subsequently, we will delve into peace agreements and post-conflict settlements. The second-to-last session will delve into the enduring political, social, and economic legacies left by civil wars. The course will culminate in a simulation where students will assume various roles in a civil war scenario, applying their knowledge to practical scenarios.

Assessment

The final grade will be determined by a number of elements.

Graded Elements:

• Class participation: 10%
• Mid-term exam: 10%
• Final exam: 30%
• Term paper: 50%

Competences, learning outcomes and teaching activities (PDF)