Seminar : conflict transformation [ LHUMA2225 ]
5.0 crédits ECTS
30.0 h
| Language |
English
|
Place
of the course |
Louvain-la-Neuve
|
| Main themes |
Despite its increasing use, reconciliation appears as a polysemic and contested concept. So far, there is no consensus about the necessary conditions for it. For some, reconciliation requires above all the establishment of order based on a negotiated settlement or a cease-fire. Beside this pragmatic vision, others call attention to the "transcendent" nature of a far more demanding process requiring truth, mercy, justice and peace. Between these two conceptions, most of the scholars underline different and sometimes competing definitions of the concept.
Although many scholars describe reconciliation as a succession of stages, this course does not talk about the issue in terms of strict sequence. The process of reconciliation is not a linear one. At each stage a relapse back into violent means of dealing with conflicts is possible. Furthermore, the stages that are stressed in the literature (joint projects, cultural exchanges, truth telling, mutual acknowledgement, apology, justice and reparation, forgiveness
) do not always follow after each other in any set order.
Thus, rather than directly skimming through a list of specific techniques and ingredients for lasting reconciliation, the course suggests to focus on concrete cases that are often qualified as "exemplary", namely the Franco-German case and the South-African case (1st section). The analysis of these cases allows to question the processes at stake in conflict transformation (2d section). How to launch a process of "reframing" in order to encompass the majority of individuals affected by the conflict? Or, to put it in a metaphorical way, how to "demobilize" the minds? Three main questions will be taken into account to understand how former adversaries try to restore a clear line between the past and the future: how (1) , who (2) and when (3). A third and last section will be devoted to the analysis of various cases of international or intercommunity conflicts (Balkans, Cambodia, Middle-East, Germano-Polish case, Chile
).
|
| Aims |
The course has two main objectives. On the one hand, it tends to give a complete picture of the theoretical approaches of conflict transformation. With these theoretical tools, students will be able to analyze the variables that explain why relationship between former adversaries can - or cannot - be transformed. On the other hand, the course stresses the scope and limits of reconciliation as a peace-building process. In this line, students will be able to question any concrete case of reconciliation - be it after an international war, an internal war or even a post-colonial war.
|
| Content |
Plan
- Introduction : notion of " conflict transformation "
- Theoretical approaches of reconciliation : structural, psycho-social and spiritual approaches
- Key-questions : truth, justice, forgiveness
- Case studies
Methodology
- Based on a constant interaction between theoretical mechanisms and case studies, the purpose being to enlighten both theoretical and pragmatic aspects of reconciliation
- Based on a very active participation of students (interactive process)
|
| Other information |
Pré-requis (idéalement en termes de compétences)
General knowledge in IR Theories, OI and Geopolitics
Evaluation
- Class Participation (10%)
Students are expected to attend class regularly and prepare for class appropriately. Participation (in English or in French) may take many forms, ranging from active discussion to quiet observation.
- Article Review and Presentation (20%)
Students will review a major piece of research relevant to the issue. They will present the article to the class.
- Oral Exam (70%)
Individual assignment will include a reflection on concepts (20%) and an essay question on a case study (50%). Students will indeed choose a specific case to analyze, utilizing frameworks and approaches covered in the course. This analytical case study is the major component of the course requirements.
Support
Readings
|
Cycle et année
d'étude |
> Master [120] in Political Sciences: International Relations
|
Faculty or entity
in charge |
> PSAD
|
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