Introduction

In the first class of the course, we overview the course structure and how the classes will proceed. Studying how the field of peace studies has developed, we discuss the key questions we will address through the course.

What is “Peace”?

In this introductory session, we discuss the definitions of “peace”. Studying several definitions that have been proposed in peace studies (e.g. negative peace, positive peace, structural violence, everyday peace), we explore the multifaceted meanings of peace.

Inter-State Conflict 1

As the first topic (Week 3-5), we discuss how we can achieve peace in international society. Studying key concepts in international relations (e.g. sovereignty, anarchy) and the brief history of how the modern international society has emerged, we explore how we can prevent wars between states and achieve peace in international society. In the week 3, we especially discuss how power keeps or breaks peace. [key concepts: security dilemma, balance of power]

Inter-State Conflict 2

As the first topic (Week 3-5), we discuss how we can achieve peace in international society. Studying key concepts in international relations and the brief history of how the contemporary international society has emerged, we explore how we can prevent wars between states and achieve peace in international society. In the week 4, we especially discuss how law contributes to the maintenance of international peace. [key concepts: collective security, international law, UN]

Nuclear War/Peace

As the first topic (Week 3-5), we discuss how we can achieve peace in international society. Studying key concepts in international relations and the brief history of how the contemporary international society has emerged, we explore how we can prevent wars between states and achieve peace in international society. In the week 5, we especially discuss the issues of nuclear weapons. [key concepts: nuclear deterrence, MAD, nuclear proliferation]

Intra-State Conflict 1

In the week 6-9, we discuss the causes of civil wars and solutions to them. Exploring the root causes of conflicts, we study how can the conflicts be resolved and what roles international society can take in conflict resolution. In the week 6, we especially discuss why ethnic conflicts occur. [key concepts: nationalism, ethnic cleansing, genocide, clash of civilizations]

Intra-State Conflict 2

In the week 6-9, we discuss the causes of civil wars and their solutions. Exploring the root causes of conflicts, we study how can the conflicts be resolved and what roles international society can take in conflict resolution. In the week7, we especially discuss the political economy of civil wars. [key concepts: greed and grievance, New Wars]

International Peace Operation 1

In the week 6-9, we discuss the causes of civil wars and their solutions. Exploring the root causes of conflicts, we study how can the conflicts be resolved and what roles international society can take in conflict resolution. In the week 8, we especially discuss the dilemma between security and justice in conflict resolution. [key concepts: DDR, transitional justice, power sharing]

International Peace Operation 2

In the week 6-9, we discuss the causes of civil wars and their solutions. Exploring the root causes of conflicts, we study how can the conflicts be resolved and what roles international society can take in conflict resolution. In the week9, we especially discuss the legitimacy of international intervention in conflict resolution. [key concepts: R2P, humanitarian intervention]

Terrorism

“Terrorism” is now considered as one of the major threats to global security. What are the causes of terrorism and how can we address the issue? In this class, we discuss these questions not just as a security issue of how to counter terrorist attacks, but also as a more fundamental question of who are “terrorists”.

Human Rights

Preventing war is a necessary condition for peace but not sufficient. Peace is not realized at the individual level if basic rights and dignity as a human being are threatened. In this class, we discuss the history of international human rights and contemporary issues on human rights.

Refugees and Forced Migration

Refugees and forced migration pose a serious challenge to the realization of peace in the contemporary world. The protection of the safety and human rights of people forced to migrate due to political, economic, and social difficulties is urgently needed, while at the same time, the rapid influx of migrants is causing social friction in receiving countries. In this class, we explore the solution to these challenges.

Economic Inequality

Economic inequality is a critical challenge to achieving peace. Poverty threatens people’s peaceful lives and can be a factor in violent conflict. In addition, economic disparities within and among countries poses issues of social justice over the distribution of wealth. In this class, we discuss the causes of economic inequality and how to address them.

Gender

Gender-based discrimination and inequality pose a serious threat to the realization of peace. Feminism and gender studies have revealed how traditional international relations and security studies have been gendered and male dominated. Learning the foundational concepts and theories of gender studies, in this class, we discuss how we reconceptualize peace from gender perspectives and address gender inequality.

Wrap-up

This class reviews the debates throughout the course.

Class Participation: 20%
Weekly comment on Manaba+R: 30% (2%*15 times)
Term Paper (2,000 words): 50%