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.
As part of this course students undertake an intensive negotiation workshop. This flagship element of the Master of Diplomacy program provides students with first-hand exposure to the challenges of managing conflict through diplomatic negotiation. You will acquire and refine new negotiation and mediation skills and techniques through a variety of learning methods, including workshop discussion, demonstration, practice and simulation. The Negotiation Workshop aims to develop the ability of students to think politically and strategically, to examine key elements in the planning and conduct of negotiation and mediation, to identify essential qualities and skills for effective negotiation and mediation, and to consolidate this knowledge through practical exercises that simulate real-world diplomatic negotiations.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Analyse and evaluate the nature and causes of contemporary political conflicts.
- Explain and examine the United Nations Charter framework for negotiation and conflict resolution and its application to inter-state and intra-state political conflicts.
- Recognise, apply and respond to different strategies of diplomatic negotiation.
- Design negotiation strategies for a variety of different diplomatic contexts, including formal, informal, bilateral and multilateral settings
- Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different mechanisms of preventive, coercive and peacebuilding diplomacy.
- 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
- Conflict Resolution Policy Brief (2,000 words) (20) [LO 1,2]
- Negotiation Participation (UNSC simulation) (10) [LO 3,4]
- Negotiation Report (2,000 words) (20) [LO 3,4]
- Research Essay (5,000 words) (50) [LO 1,5,6]
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Workload
Students undertaking this course could expect a workload of 20 hours a week. This is inclusive of actual contact hours for lectures and also out of class preparation time.Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
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.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 12 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 12.00 | 0.25000 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $8220 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $11760 |
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.
