Conflict Studies
The minor Conflict Studies examines intrastate conflicts from all around the world. In case you want to follow the minor, you must register for both the minor program as a whole, and also for each individual course.
Summary
| Number of EC | 30 EC |
|---|---|
| Number of courses | 4 compulsory courses |
| Start | Block 1 |
| Coordinator | |
| Course overview | |
| Minor code | CCS-MINOR-14 |
| Entry requirements | At least 45 EC for category 1 (Bachelor Introduction) |
| Associated MA-programmes |
| Register between 2 June and 20 June 2025 |
Make sure to register for the minor as well as all its courses |
|---|
Content of the minor
Why are people willing to die for a nation, religion or cause? How do terrorist organisations mobilize followers, why do states outsource violence, and how do emerging military technologies impact civilians? How do societies rebuild after extreme violence?
If these questions interest you, the interdisciplinary minor Conflict Studies is the right choice. This programme examines internationalized intrastate conflicts and post-violence reconstruction, combining insights from conflict studies, war studies and peace studies. You will learn to analyze both the local and international dimensions of violent conflict, as well as the challenges of rebuilding peaceful coexistence.
The minor teaches you to understand the complex dynamics of actors, issues and technologies in cases like Afghanistan, Israel-Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Ethiopia, Ukraine, terrorist attacks in Europe, and the use of autonomous weapons by the Dutch military. You will also study post-conflict reconstruction and transitional justice in contexts such as Mali, Rwanda, Bosnia and Peru.
The modules include lectures, readings, documentary screenings, individual and group assignments and debate. You are encouraged to follow the news on current conflicts and to apply your knowledge through conflict maps, podcasts, peace proposals and policy recommendations. Courses are interactive and promote discussion, critical reflection and active contribution.
Aims of the minor
Every course module is meant to:
• provide you with knowledge and understanding of the academic debates and the analytical vocabulary on a variety of theories that are relevant to understanding conflict dynamics and international interventions in conflicts
• apply this knowledge (particularly the specialized terminology of concepts, and theoretical approaches) when analyzing and accounting for intricate and complex processes found in individual cases of conflict and intervention from around the world.
After completing this minor, you will be equipped with the critical analytical skills and knowledge to be able to answer questions like these: Why does violent conflict emerge? How are these conflicts organized, how do they transform, and why and how do conflicts become protracted? What are differences and similarities between violent conflicts? How does the changing character of warfare influence the changing nature of war? How are war torn societies rebuilt?
Curriculum
The minor consists of four compulsory course modules (30 EC) and starts in term 1. For more information, see the detailed descriptions of each of the courses below.
Entry requirements
To take the minor Conflict Studies you need least 45 EC at Bachelor level. If you have questions about the minor and its courses, please contact minor coordinator Dr. Fabio Cristiano (f.cristiano@uu.nl). For all questions regarding registration and enrollment, please contact the Student Information Desk of the Faculty of Humanities.
More information
If you wish to know more, or have questions about this minor, please contact the Student Desk Humanities.