Politics of Civil Wars. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours

Catalog description

Civil wars are one of the most lethal types of conflict around the world. In this seminar we will learn about the causes, dynamics, and aftermath of civil wars. What explains the outbreaks of civil wars? Why do some countries manage to solve their conflicts peacefully while others are permanently ravaged by violence and conflict? We will begin by discussing some of the most prominent drivers of civil wars, including the role of security dilemmas and commitment problems, the distinction between greed and grievances, and the role of social networks. The second part of the seminar will address participation and recruitment, the varieties and patterns of violence against civilians–including rape, terrorism, and genocide–counterinsurgency, rebel governance, and how ideologies shape combat and violence during war. Finally, the course aims to account for the resolution of civil wars, their duration, and their long-term legacies on political identities and behavior. Same as POL 5643 . Credit cannot be earned for both POL 5643 and GLA 5943 . Course Fee: GL01 $90.