Paths to Peace and Conflict: From the Body to the International from edX

Sub- and non-state actors are increasingly relevant internationally and are as varied as sanctuary cities in the US, social movements like #metoo, various insurgencies in Afghanistan, IS in Iraq/Syria, and Maoist movements in India. This phenomenon emerges simultaneously with increased nationalism and extremism, where populist parties and politicians have gained in global prominence. Many of these actors represent “grassroots” movements, reflecting the political interests of people who have otherwise not felt represented by the state. In response, renewed approaches in peace and conflict studies are needed, focusing on peacebuilding “from below”, acknowledging gender and other categories, understanding “the local” in peace processes, and sub/non-state actor roles as either spoilers or supporters of peace.

The aim of the course Paths to peace and conflict: from the body to the international, is to explore peacebuilding from various perspectives, ranging from the corporeal to non-state actors and the international system. The course employs diverse analytical tools, including gender and intersectionality, to shed light on the different ways we can strengthen peace processes and improve their outcomes. We also focus on issues that a gendered approach helps us see, like the public private divide and how it marginalizes the experiences of individuals, who can often play a significant role in peacebuilding, in addition to engaging with the geography of peace and embodied experiences of conflict.

The course is taught by an outstanding team of scholars from the University of Iceland, the University of Tampere in Finland, the University of Tromsø, Norway‘s Arctic University, the University of Sarajevo in Bosnia-Hercegovina, and the University of the Basque Country, in Spain. In addition to the analytical perspectives the team introduces you to, the lectures will provide you with insights into numerous cases, including Afghanistan, the Balkans, Burundi, Colombia, and Georgia, to name a few.

By taking this course, you will strengthen your understanding of peace and conflict processes, learn to recognize the value of looking at non-state actors and their roles in building a sustainable peace, and challenge yourself to look not only at conflicts where weapons are being employed, but at the way they affect the intimate, and often mundane, everyday experiences of average people.

What you'll learn

Module 1 – What are Non-state Actors and Why do They Matter for Peace?
After completing this module, you will:

Be able to explain, discuss and use key concepts in on the role of states and non-state actors in international relations
Understand the impact of negative and positive non-state actors
Have command of the foundations of feminist international relations, in particular the public-private divide
Have an understanding of the role of spaces and places in peacebuilding

Module 2 - The Concept of Gender and Gender Roles during Conflicts
After completing this module, you will:

Be able to explain, discuss and use key concepts in the theory and practice of gender and conflicts, in particular that of gender and of gender roles
Understand how gender roles and identities evolve during conflict and post-conflict periods
Understand how masculinity and femininity work in times of conflict and war to create soldiers, combatants and support among the civilian population
Be able to draw on a variety of sources of information on international conflicts and gender issues, including online resources.

Module 3 – Intersectionality and Intervention
After completing this module, you will:

Have a command of key concepts of intersectionality and its foundations;
Have an understanding of the background of ISAF’s operations in Afghanistan;
Understand how the absence of an intersectional approach shaped western engagements in Afghanistan;
Be able to explain how (the lack of) gendered perspectives shaped western efforts in Afghanistan

Module 4 - Bodies and Embodiment in Peace and Conflict
After completing this module, you will:

be able to identify the relationship between wars, violence, peace and bodies
Understand how ethnicity and power relations are produced and reproduced through gendered bodies
Have explored how what bodies experience during violent conflicts impact the post-conflict period, and in particular reconciliation processes
Understand how bodies and embodiment play a central role in peacebuilding.

Module 5 – Understanding and engaging with “the local”
After completing this module, you will:

Have a command of the concept of “the local” and its significance in peacebuilding
Be able to recognize and analyze the potential of spoilers affecting peace processes
Be familiar with UNSCR 1325 and its importance in bringing attention to the local
Have gained familiarity with peace processes in Burundi and Colombia

What's inside

Learning objectives

Be able to explain, discuss and use key concepts in on the role of states and non-state actors in international relations
Understand the impact of negative and positive non-state actors
Have command of the foundations of feminist international relations, in particular the public-private divide
Have an understanding of the role of spaces and places in peacebuilding
Be able to explain, discuss and use key concepts in the theory and practice of gender and conflicts, in particular that of gender and of gender roles
Understand how gender roles and identities evolve during conflict and post-conflict periods
Understand how masculinity and femininity work in times of conflict and war to create soldiers, combatants and support among the civilian population
Be able to draw on a variety of sources of information on international conflicts and gender issues, including online resources.
Have a command of key concepts of intersectionality and its foundations;
Have an understanding of the background of isaf’s operations in afghanistan;

Understand how the absence of an intersectional approach shaped western engagements in afghanistan;
Be able to explain how (the lack of) gendered perspectives shaped western efforts in afghanistan
Be able to identify the relationship between wars, violence, peace and bodies
Understand how ethnicity and power relations are produced and reproduced through gendered bodies
Have explored how what bodies experience during violent conflicts impact the post-conflict period, and in particular reconciliation processes
Understand how bodies and embodiment play a central role in peacebuilding.
Have a command of the concept of “the local” and its significance in peacebuilding
Be able to recognize and analyze the potential of spoilers affecting peace processes
Be familiar with unscr 1325 and its importance in bringing attention to the local
Have gained familiarity with peace processes in burundi and colombia

Be able to explain, discuss and use key concepts in on the role of states and non-state actors in international relations
Understand the impact of negative and positive non-state actors
Have command of the foundations of feminist international relations, in particular the public-private divide
Have an understanding of the role of spaces and places in peacebuilding
Be able to explain, discuss and use key concepts in the theory and practice of gender and conflicts, in particular that of gender and of gender roles
Understand how gender roles and identities evolve during conflict and post-conflict periods
Understand how masculinity and femininity work in times of conflict and war to create soldiers, combatants and support among the civilian population
Be able to draw on a variety of sources of information on international conflicts and gender issues, including online resources.
Have a command of key concepts of intersectionality and its foundations;
Have an understanding of the background of isaf’s operations in afghanistan;
Understand how the absence of an intersectional approach shaped western engagements in afghanistan;
Be able to explain how (the lack of) gendered perspectives shaped western efforts in afghanistan
Be able to identify the relationship between wars, violence, peace and bodies
Understand how ethnicity and power relations are produced and reproduced through gendered bodies
Have explored how what bodies experience during violent conflicts impact the post-conflict period, and in particular reconciliation processes
Understand how bodies and embodiment play a central role in peacebuilding.
Have a command of the concept of “the local” and its significance in peacebuilding
Be able to recognize and analyze the potential of spoilers affecting peace processes
Be familiar with unscr 1325 and its importance in bringing attention to the local
Have gained familiarity with peace processes in burundi and colombia

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on non-state actors and their significant and varied roles in international relations

Analyzes peace processes from a unique perspective, emphasizing the local and the embodied

Examines gender roles and their evolution during conflicts and post-conflict periods

Investigates the relationship between violence, peace, bodies, and the construction of identities

Taught by a team of recognized scholars from leading universities

Provides diverse case studies, including Afghanistan, the Balkans, Burundi, Colombia, and Georgia

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Paths to Peace and Conflict: From the Body to the International with these activities:

Explore online resources on gender and peacebuilding

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Provides access to additional resources and perspectives on gender and peacebuilding.

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Visit the websites of organizations such as UN Women and the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.
Read articles and reports on gender and peacebuilding.
Watch documentaries and videos on the topic.

Attend a workshop on peacebuilding

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Provides opportunities to learn from experts and network with others.

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Research workshops and conferences on peacebuilding.
Register for a workshop that aligns with your interests.
Actively participate in the workshop and engage with other participants.

Develop a research proposal

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Provides an opportunity to apply the theoretical concepts to a specific research question.

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Choose a specific topic within the field of peacebuilding.
Develop a research question that is focused and answerable.
Identify the relevant literature and theoretical frameworks.
Write a proposal that outlines the research question, methods, and expected outcomes.

Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Paths to Peace and Conflict: From the Body to the International will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Policy Researcher

Policy Researchers use their knowledge of how policies affect people's lives to shape how political decisions are made. To become a researcher, you should take this course to build a foundation in the social and cultural structures policies target. With knowledge of these, you can shape policy that is effective and just. This course will provide you with valuable case studies and insights into how policy is created and implemented.

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Mediator

Mediators assist disputing parties in resolving conflicts peacefully. This course, with its extensive modules on peacebuilding, will help you build a strong foundation in the skills and knowledge needed to become a mediator. Knowledge of international conflicts and peacebuilding methods will make you an effective mediator, able to help resolve disputes and bring about peace.

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Humanitarian Aid Worker

Humanitarian Aid Workers provide assistance to people in need during emergencies, such as natural disasters or war. This course provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of working in the humanitarian field. You will learn about the importance of non-state actors in providing aid and the role of gender and intersectionality in humanitarian work.

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Peace Activist

Peace Activists work to promote peace and prevent violence through various means, such as education, advocacy, and nonviolent resistance. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to become an effective peace activist, The focus on the role of non-state actors and intersectionality is particularly relevant to this field of work, as peace activism often involves working with and through non-governmental organizations and community groups.

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Conflict Resolution Specialist

Conflict Resolution Specialists help people and organizations resolve conflicts peacefully. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of conflict resolution, with a focus on the role of non-state actors and gender. By taking this course, you will be well-equipped to work as a conflict resolution specialist in a variety of settings, such as international organizations, businesses, and community groups.

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Journalist

Journalists report on and analyze current events, providing the public with information and insights about the world around them. This course may be useful for aspiring journalists who want to specialize in covering peace and conflict issues. The course's focus on non-state actors and gender will give you the tools to report on these issues in a nuanced and informed way.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers plan and oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations, which work to address a variety of social issues. This course will be useful for aspiring nonprofit managers who want to work in the field of peacebuilding. The course's focus on non-state actors and gender will give you the skills and knowledge to effectively manage nonprofit organizations that are working to build peace and prevent violence.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies to inform decision-making. This course will be useful for aspiring policy analysts who want to work on issues related to peace and conflict. The course's focus on non-state actors and gender will give you the skills and knowledge to analyze policies related to these issues and to develop effective policy recommendations.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate difficult social and personal challenges. This course may be useful for aspiring social workers who want to work with people affected by conflict. The course's focus on gender and intersectionality will give you the skills and knowledge to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

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International Development Specialist

International Development Specialists work to improve the lives of people in developing countries. This course may be useful for aspiring international development specialists who want to work on issues related to peace and conflict. The course's focus on non-state actors and gender will give you the skills and knowledge to work effectively in developing countries to build peace and prevent violence.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers work to bring people together to address community issues. This course may be useful for aspiring community organizers who want to work on issues related to peace and conflict. The course's focus on non-state actors and gender will give you the skills and knowledge to work effectively with community members to build peace and prevent violence.

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Teacher

Teachers educate and inspire students to learn and grow. This course may be useful for aspiring teachers who want to teach about peace and conflict. The course's focus on non-state actors and gender will give you the skills and knowledge to teach about these issues in a nuanced and informed way.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct research to advance knowledge and solve problems. This course may be useful for aspiring researchers who want to study peace and conflict. The course's focus on non-state actors and gender will give you the skills and knowledge to conduct research on these issues and to contribute to the body of knowledge about peace and conflict.

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Consultant

Consultants provide expert advice to organizations and individuals. This course may be useful for aspiring consultants who want to work on issues related to peace and conflict. The course's focus on non-state actors and gender will give you the skills and knowledge to provide expert advice on these issues to organizations and individuals.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human societies and cultures. This course may be useful for aspiring anthropologists who want to study peace and conflict. The course's focus on non-state actors and gender will give you the skills and knowledge to study these issues in a nuanced and informed way.

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