Negotiation and conflict resolution are central features of the study and practice of diplomacy. This course explores the causes of conflict (and peace) and examines various mechanisms that are employed by the international community in an attempt to address interstate and intrastate conflict. It also provides students with an opportunity to study the theory and practice of the essential diplomatic art of negotiation. This course introduces and examines the international framework for negotiation and conflict resolution. It surveys the causes and character of conflict and explores a wide range of mechanisms for inter-state and intra-state conflict resolution. Three broad and topical concepts of diplomacy – ‘preventive diplomacy’, ‘coercive diplomacy’ and ‘peacebuilding diplomacy’ – are used to demarcate different phases and types of conflict management. In our consideration of preventive diplomacy we examine the preventive measures of peaceful settlement contained in Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter, such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration and adjudication. In our examination of coercive diplomacy we discuss coercive measures for preventing and resolving conflict, such as sanctions and use of force provided for in Chapter VII of the UN Charter. Finally, we use the notion of peacebuilding diplomacy to examine the mechanisms that help shape peacebuilding interventions in conflict and post-conflict zones, such as peace processes and multidimensional peace operations.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
The course aims to familiarise students with basic concepts and propositions about contemporary conflict and the prospects for its management through diplomatic negotiation and mediation. It seeks to equip students with the skills to identify and critically evaluate the causes of contemporary conflicts, as well as the practical options available to resolve them. The course unreservedly advocates conflict management through diplomacy as the first option (and sometimes the only one) and provides students with an introduction to the practical skills required for effective negotiation and mediation.
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Analyse and evaluate the nature and causes of contemporary political conflicts.
2. Explain and examine the United Nations Charter framework for negotiation and conflict resolution and its application to inter-state and intra-state political conflicts.
3. Recognise, apply and respond to different strategies of diplomatic negotiation.
4. Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different mechanisms of preventive, coercive and peacebuilding diplomacy.
5. Design strategies for evaluating and responding to different forms of inter-state and intra-state political conflict.
Other Information
Delivery Mode
On campus, Semester 1.
Indicative Assessment
Written work of 5000 words
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Workload
Students undertaking this course could expect a workload of 10 hours per week. This is inclusive of actual contact hours for lectures and also out of class preparation time.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
A compilation of prescribed readings will be distributed to students at the beginning of the semester.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3252 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $4638 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Summer Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1784 | 23 Feb 2016 | 24 Feb 2016 | 04 Mar 2016 | 28 Mar 2016 | In Person | N/A |
