Development and Conflict

This course looks at trends in violent conflict in the late 20th and early 21st centuries and asks whether there have been significant changes in the type of violent conflicts. It also explores ways in which development processes and policies themselves impact upon, and often generate violent conflicts.

Countries such as Afghanistan, Ukraine, Iraq, Somalia, Syria and Nigeria are examples of places where multiple political and economic interests clash, with devastating consequences. In the past two decades, foreign interventions have increased significantly on the grounds of protecting civilians, raising new questions about notions of humanitarianism, human rights, and peace-building.