School: School of Government
Department: Department of Political Science and International Studies
Modular value: 20 credits
Duration: Term long
Contact Hours: 3 hours per week
This module explores the roles that post-conflict peacebuilding and reconstruction play in international politics. It will:
- Consider the record, effectiveness, legitimacy, and legacy of post-conflict peacebuilding and reconstruction.
- Consider a number of theoretical debates and controversies regarding peacebuilding, such as: the relationship between peacebuilding and international order; the changing nature of international politics and the types of actors which are relevant to the study of peacebuilding and reconstruction; the relationship between peacebuilding, reconstruction and statebuilding; normative debates about justice and ethics in international peacebuilding; the evolving nature of state sovereignty; and the debates and controversies which surround the promotion of democracy and market economics as a basis for peace (‘liberal peacebuilding’).
- Examine a number of case studies in order to deepen understanding of the record of peacebuilding, to consider how the political debates can be illustrated ‘on the ground’, and to consider what lessons might be learned.
- Consider the debates that surround the evolution of peacebuilding policies in the United Nations and the broader peacebuilding community.
The module will approach the subject of peacebuilding within the broader realm of international politics. It will go beyond an analysis of peacebuilding in a narrow descriptive sense, in order to address a number of broader debates in international politics through a focus on these activities.
The module covers a range of topics, including peacebuilding challenges and activities; the ‘liberal peacebuilding’ debate; ‘transitional justice’ after conflict; regional organizations as peacekeepers; international administration, trusteeships, and ‘shared sovereignty’; case studies; and the evolving international peacebuilding doctrine and architecture.
Assessment
- 4500 words written work (90%)
- Oral presentation (10%)
Related courses:
The optional modules listed on the website for this programme may unfortunately occasionally be subject to change. As you will appreciate key members of staff may leave the University and this necessitates a review of the modules that are offered. Where the module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you make other choices.