Peacebuilding After Ethnoreligious Violence

GOV 94MCC Subject & Catalog Number

Description

Identity-based conflict seems to be on the rise. Many countries in Africa, South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the Former Soviet Union have witnessed wars and conflict and riots that are ostensibly waged for ethnic or religious reasons. Even if they are not the root cause of these conflicts, such identities often become politically salient as a result of violence targeting ethnic or religious “others” and, once activated, exhibit remarkable stickiness in social and political life. When intergroup tensions have ratcheted up, is it possible to reduce their importance? Can a shared civic identity be constructed in the wake of violence waged in the name of ethnicity or religion? This course explores these questions through relevant social science literature, in-depth analyses of case studies of conflict and conflict resolution, and critical assessments of diverse approaches to peacebuilding.