Overview

This specialisation offers insights into the causes, development and politics of large-scale violent conflict and conflict-related interventions. Contemporary violent conflicts cannot be understood without considering both domestic and international politics. The programme therefore draws on comparative politics, international relations and conflict studies. it is analytical as well as practice-oriented. Students will critically explore themes such as the causes of political violence and warfare; the impact of political systems on how political demands are articulated; the links between so called 'ethnic violence', nationalism and war; the roles of non-state actors in war and peace; the impacts of international interventions and regulations; the ethical dilemmas arising in such interventions.

Future career opportunities

Our graduates have all the necessary skills for job positions such as:

• (Inter)national policy maker
• Journalist
• Researcher at a think tank or university
• Consultants for profit or non-profit organisations

• Employees at humanitarian or peace organisations

Research

To indicate the type of research in this specialisation, a few examples:

• What is the role of international organisations in humanitarian intervention and peacebuilding?
• How do changes in political representation contribute to the (de)escalation of (potential conflicts)?
• How do major global power transformations affect the likelihood of local conflict?
• What is the role of social and political movements in mobilising conflict?
• How do conflicts affect gender relations and how should conflict interventions take this into account?

Accreditation

This programme is accredited by the NVAO (the Dutch-Flemish accreditation organisation).