This course offers an introduction to security conflicts in the modern world, both between nation-states and within.

Substantively, this course focuses on how some of the central concepts in social science help to explain why conflict occurs between both state and non-state actors. Methodologically, it employs multiple social scientific approaches, both in its readings and assignments, involving the analysis and interpretation of both qualitative and quantitative data.

The lectures and readings are organized into modules designed to answer specific questions relating to conflict and security: Why do nations go to war? How does military strategy help nations achieve larger objectives? How do crises escalate? How are wars fought? How are civil wars and domestic insurgencies fought differently? How is the contemporary problem of terrorism a distinct form of security threat? How do these different outbreaks of violence and conflict end? How can peace be maintained after a conflict ends? To answer these questions, we will cover major theories of war from international relations, and use them to explain the outbreak of a number of major international and civil conflicts. Finally, the course turns its focus on the role of military intervention and peacekeeping. Cases considered in this course include World War I, World War II, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and a variety of contemporary civil and interstate wars.