Entry requirements

General entry requirements

Learning outcomes

The aim of this course is to introduce the students to basic concepts, facts, arguments, and causal theories about the relationship between development and armed conflict. The purpose is also to study and discuss the role of aid, globally and in Sweden, with regard to armed conflict.

Content

The course is organised into three themes: (1) The Conflict-Development Nexus; (2) Conflict Analysis and What to Do; (3) Fusing or separating warfare and aid

(1) The Conflict-Development Nexus

The book Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jarred Diamond provides an explanation for the deep historical roots of today’s unequal world. When we read Diamond’s book we pay particular attention to the origins of societies organised on a larger scale (e.g., chiefdoms, states, empires), and the role of violence therein. We also watch and discuss a documentary made by National Geographics on the basis of this book. Paul Collier’s widely cited book The Bottom Billion provides an overview of findings on how poverty breeds armed conflict, and how armed conflict in turn causes poverty, so that poor countries may end up being caught in a conflict trap. The relationship between peace and economic growth in East Asia is studied with the help of an article by Ethel Solingen. The role of good governance is dealt with through discussion of the relationship between on the one hand corruption and patronage, and on the other hand attempts to capture the state through coups or guerrilla warfare. The link between armed conflict and natural resources (e.g., oil, diamonds) is dealt with in several recent articles from academic journals and The Bottom Billion.

(2) Conflict Analysis and What to Do

This theme opens with methods for conflict analysis, with a special focus on practical applications. The intended and unintended consequences of development and humanitarian work in conflict research is the subject of Mary B. Anderson’s classical bok Do No Harm. An important but often overlooked aspect of conflict analysis is gender. Lina Abirafeh’s book Gender and International Aid in Afghanistan, and several articles, deal with the relationships between gender equality, development and peace. Another central issue in this context is how elections can provoke violent conflict when held in a non-democratic context. Paul Collier’s latest book Wars, Guns, and Votes is the main source when discussing these relationships.

(3) Fusing or separating warfare and aid

We begin this theme with an overview of critical security theory, with special attention to claims about development and conflict. The reading for this part is a thorough review article. Next we deal with arguments and empirical results regarding military interventions and peacekeeping operations. An important issue is the militarisation of aid, and the potential benefits and disadvantages thereof. The readings for this theme consists of articles as well as parts of the books that are read in the two preceding themes of the course.

Instruction

The teaching consists of lectures and seminars. This course is taught in English.

Assessment

Grades will be based on a short multiple-choice test, and a written take-home exam. Grades are awarded according to the scale “failed” (U), "pass" (G) or "pass with distinction" (VG).

Other directives

Further instructions will be given at the start of the course.