Rule of Law in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding

Catalog description

This course explores the relationship between rule of law, conflict prevention, mitigation and peacebuilding for development. Drawing from ongoing case studies and international practice, the course examines the drivers of conflict, the dynamics and changes in the social fabric during conflict and how rule of law addresses those challenges. Focus is on justice as foundational to establishing the security and institutional legitimacy necessary for human development. The course will examine how unaccountable and ineffective law enforcement and governance institutions contribute to conflict. Given an understanding of the context, course discussions will seek to identify practical modalities for strengthening rule of law and justice reform, including transitional justice. Course materials include case studies, evidence-based analyses and commentary. Students will be called upon to apply the course learning to a specific conflict affected context. Drawing on other courses in the program such as assessment, program design, implementation and oversight, students will identify opportunities for rule of law engagement in conflict contexts and propose relevant strategies and adaptive programming.