Instructors
Allen S. Weiner - Stanford University
David Holloway - Stanford University

This seminar examines theoretical insights and builds on practical experience in the realm of managing and resolving inter-group and international conflicts. Employing an interdisciplinary approach drawing on social psychology, political science, game theory, and international law, the course identifies various personal, strategic, and structural barriers that can impede the achievement of efficient solutions to conflicts.

We will also explore a conceptual framework for conflict management and resolution that focuses on the following questions: (1) how can the parties to conflict develop a vision of a mutually bearable shared future, develop trust in the enemy, and accept the need for both sides to come to terms with the perceptions of loss and non-fulfillment of their just demands a negotiated settlement may produce; (2) how do we address the problem of spoilers who seek to sabotage agreements; and (3) what are the advantages and disadvantages of unilateral versus and reciprocal measures in advancing conflict resolution efforts? The seminar will focus on the themes that faculty affiliated with the Stanford Center of International Conflict and Negotiation (SCICN) have found most helpful in their research and in their practice-oriented work.

Level
Graduate

Units
1.5