• Offered by Department of International Relations
  • ANU College ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
  • Classification Advanced
  • Course subject International Relations
  • Areas of interest International Relations
  • Academic career PGRD
  • Course convener
    • Dr Eglantine Raux ep Staunton
  • Mode of delivery In Person
  • Offered in First Semester 2020
    See Future Offerings

In 2019, this course will be offered as a 6 unit course.

For millions of people worldwide, violent conflict or the threat of violent conflict, is a daily reality. In today’s rapidly changing world, it is imperative that our responses to conflict are effective, well-informed and context appropriate. This course encourages students to think creatively about the drivers of modern armed conflict and understand a range of approaches to conflict resolution and peacebuilding. The course asks the questions: What are the defining characteristics of modern conflict? What are the various pathways to conflict resolution? How can a sustainable peace be built? Who builds it? How should we respond to mass atrocities? How can we prevent conflicts and mass atrocities from taking place? Drawing on a range of  case studies, students will consider topics such as negotiation, mediation, conflict transformation, peacekeeping, humanitarian intervention, the responsibility to protect, peacebuilding, DDR, state-building, nation-building, reconciliation, and transitional justice.

Learning Outcomes


  1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of conflict and the conceptual foundations for understanding the mechanisms that drive these components of human societies
  2. Develop the conceptual apparatus for analysing different patterns of conflict resolution and peace-building, and the specific places and times in which they are relevant
  3. Gain a fuller appreciation of the practical challenges involved in conflict resolution and peace-building, and some of the strategies available to overcome them
  4. Develop strong oral and written skills, critical analysis skills and gain a practical perspective on conflict resolution and peace-building in the 21st century

Other Information


Indicative Assessment

  2. Course Participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
  3. Case-study Essay (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
  4. Research Essay (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
  5. Final Examination (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]





Inherent Requirements

Not applicable

Prescribed Texts

To be advised.




Student Contribution Band:
Unit value:
6 units


6.00 0.12500
Domestic fee paying students
Year Fee
2020 $4050
International fee paying students
Year Fee
2020 $5760

Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links

The list of offerings for future years is indicative only.

First Semester

3987 24 Feb 2020 02 Mar 2020 31 Mar 2020 29 May 2020 In Person View
