CONF 399: Special Topics in Conflict Analysis and Resolution

CONF 399-K01: SCC:Reg,Glob Conf&Pth to Peace
(Fall 2024)

04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T

Mason Korea (119 Songdomunhwa-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, Korea) G305

Section Information for Fall 2024

CONF 399 - K01: SCC:Reg,Glob Conf&Pth to Peace

The South Caucasus is one of the world's most complex and diverse regions. It includes three countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, as well as the disputed territories of Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Karabakh. The region is located between Europe and Asia. The South Caucasus was part of the former Union of Soviet Socialist (USSR) Republics until 1991. After its collapse, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia gained independence and declared they would build democratic political systems. However, the nation-building was accompanied by several violent intrastate and interstate conflicts. 

In CONF399, students will learn about conflicts and various aspects of nation-building in the South Caucasus. They will learn and discuss how regionalism and globalization, the relationship with the former imperial center (Russia), regional powers like Turkey and Iran, and how the great geopolitical powers, the West, influence regional conflicts. They will also learn how reconciling the identity frameworks deeply rooted in their past with the challenges brought by globalization and modernization influences nation-building politics and conflict resolution.

These learnings will be obtained through a series of lectures and seminars that will engage students in discussions about the political and societal dynamics of the South Caucasus, offering them a nuanced understanding of transformations in the region. Key themes include conceptualizations of the region, state building, Russian/Soviet legacies, ethnicity, nationhood, conflict, religion, and governance. Moreover, the course will delve deeper into democratization, regional integration politics, and the effects of globalization on the region. 

Finally, the course will let students learn about the nature of the state, politics, and society in the context of Conflict Analysis and Resolution (CAR) based on the cases from the South Caucasus countries, encouraging critical thinking on the drivers of political, economic, social, and identity/cultural conflicts. 

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Examines selected topics relating to analysis or resolution of conflict. Topics vary but may include historical examination of conflict, social issues stemming from conflict, ethical issues in intervention, globalization, human rights, sources of conflict, or relationship of particular identity domains to conflict. Notes: May be repeated if topics vary. Offered by Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 9 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

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