Conflict and Military Intervention (L2056A)
Conflict and Military Intervention
Module L2056A
Module details for 2010 cohort.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
This seminar analyses what might loosely be called the "new security environment" and its impacts on international relations. During the term, we will undertake a theoretical and, more crucially, policy relevant analysis of the security threats that have led to a growing incidence of inter-state and intra-state conflict in spite of the hopes engendered by a post-Cold War 'New World (Dis)Order'. We will examine for the most part the causal factors, dynamics and domestic as well as international efforts at managing and resolving through political, diplomatic and military efforts intra-state conflicts. Beyond examining the relevant theoretical concepts and viewpoints, we will also explore their propositions within the framework of case studies from a variety of conflict areas. The main focus of this thesis seminar will be on the relationship between international politics and the employment of soft and hard power in order to resolve such security threats. Particular emphasis will be given to the problems and challenges stemming from the growing trend of humanitarian/military intervention in international politics. Furthermore, the conduct of the 'Global War on Terror' and its implications for international security will be examined in detail.
Students are required to be conversant with major International Relations theories and have a good grasp of contemporary international history and events in order to make the most of this dissertation option. However, extra readings will be listed for those that are not confident in such cognitive areas. These two areas will enable the student to then explore in detail the theories that specifically relate to conflict and the case studies that relate to the contemporary post-9/11 security trends, many of which had been in fact developing since the end of the Cold War.
The main emphasis of this module is to explain and understand conflict and its resolution from an empirical, pragmatic and policy-oriented (rather that reflectivist and philosophical) perspective. In this sense, this dissertation option is a 'nuts and bolts' approach to security challenges more narrowly conceived than in previous modules taken in your first and second years. Intensive study will be required as many of the empirical and theoretical approaches that will be explored will be new to most students in any case. The module provides a basis for further post-graduate study in security, or for careers in government, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, media, and the armed forces.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | Mid Year Assessment Week 1 Wed 16:00 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
Mr Zdenek Kavan
Assess convenor
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/1451
Dr Sergio Catignani
Convenor, Assess convenor
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/240798
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