Time: Th. 8:10 to 10:40 PM

Office: Room 228B, Asbury Building; Tel: 202 885 1764

Office Hours: TBA in consultation with class members

Course Description:

This course will provide an overview, analysis and evaluation of various forms of pacific third party intervention in international conflict, with an emphasis on protracted and violent ethnopolitical/intercommunal cleavages.  A basic coverage of conciliation, arbitration and peacekeeping will be included, but the focus will be primarily on mediation and third party consultation and their potential complementarity in facilitating the negotiation and resolution process between antagonists.  The course will use a combination of readings, case studies, seminar presentations and discussions, and analytical exercises to enhance class members' understanding and appreciation of this central aspect of international affairs.  An innovative aspect of the class will involve participants in small teams that will complete and present analyses of selected third party interventions.

Required Texts:

Bercovitch, J. (ed.) (1997).  Resolving International Conflict:  The Theory and Practice of Mediation.  London and Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers.  (paperback)

Zartman, I.W. & Rasmussen, J.L. (eds.) (1997).  Peacemaking in International Conflict:  Methods and Techniques.  Washington, DC: United States Institute of Peace.  (paperback)

Recommended Texts:

Burton, J.W. (1990).  Conflict:  Practices in Management, Settlement & Resolution.  New York: St. Martin's Press.  (hardcover)

Fisher, R.J. (1997).  Interactive Conflict Resolution.  Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press.  (paperback)

Mitchell, C.R. & Webb, K. (eds.) (1988).  New Approaches to International Mediation.  New York: Greenwood Press.  (hardcover)

Vasquez, J.A., Johnson, J.T., Jaffe, S. & Stamato, L. (eds.). (1995).  Beyond Confrontation:  Learning Conflict Resolution in the Post-Cold War Era.  Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press.  (hardcover).

Course Design:

This class is a graduate seminar in which members are expected to participate actively, both in presenting assigned readings and engaging in the discussion that builds on the readings.  Each session will cover a designated topic based on a set of readings and will engage two members as 'Reading Partners' working as co-presenters in bringing forward some of the basic ideas and themes in the readings.  The objective in the ensuing discussion is not only to identify the learnings in the readings, but also for each class member to develop personal meaning of the material through active participation.  To further our understanding of third party intervention, class members will also form small 'Learning Teams' of three or four members who will choose a particular case to work on based on their common interests and aspirations.  The case will be analyzed in terms of the nature of the conflict, one or two interventions that were carried out, and the effects of the intervention(s).  The objective is to add greater meaning to the readings through a sequenced, in-depth case analysis of a specific situation represented in the literature.  Both the Reading Partners and the Learning Teams will be formed with flexibility in the amount of collaboration that will be necessary, in order to take account of members' constraints in terms of study and work schedules, geographical location, transportation requirements, etc.  In concert with the Reading Partners and Learning Teams, more traditional elements of the design will include a term paper and a take home exam.

Course Requirements:

1. Class Participation (15%):  Evaluation of participation will be based primarily on the presentations of the readings undertaken by the Reading Partners, who are expected to consult with each other and discuss how to present the main ideas in their set of readings to the class.  Members will choose their Reading Partner early in the class, and will make one or two presentations during the term depending on the number in the class.  Feedback from the Instructor will be given following the class session.  This component of participation is worth 10% of the grade, and will be assigned to the Reading Partners as a unit.  The remaining 5% will be assigned individually and will be based on attendance, in that 1/2% will be deducted from the final mark for each session missed without a medical or compassionate reason being provided.

2. Learning Team Analysis (35%):  Each Learning Team will make three brief presentations during the term, one on the causes and manifestations of the conflict, one on the nature of the third party intervention(s) carried out to address the conflict, and one on the apparent outcomes and effects of the intervention(s).  This sequential and collaborative case analysis is designed to sensitize members to the challenges and benefits of working in a professional team, and to deepen members understanding of the course material by application to a concrete situation.  A brief written report (10 to 15 pages) is required following the final presentation, and the grade will be based on the combination of the presentations and the report.  The mark will be assigned to the Learning Team as a unit, unless members negotiate to take individual marks based one component of the analysis (i.e., conflict, intervention, effects).  The Instructor will provide references for possible cases of both official and unofficial interventions, usually involving mediation and third party consultation.  In addition, guidelines for each phase of the case analysis will be provided, so that the analyses of the different Learning Teams will provide for case comparisons.

3. Term Paper (20%):  A traditional research and analysis paper of 15 to 20 pages is to be completed by each class member.  The topic should relate to and build on some segment of the class readings, and should not overlap with the Learning Team work.  Topics should be identified in consultation with the Instructor with the goal of advancing the professional development of the class member.

4. Final Exam (30%):  A take home final exam will be used to assess class members' comprehension of and ability to apply the ideas represented in the class readings and discussions.  The exam will consist of four essay questions of which three must be completed within a designated number of pages.  The exam will be due the last week of the term and class members will have one week to complete it.

Course Schedule:

1. Sept. 3 Introductions, Course Outline Discussion

Statements of Interests and Learning Goals

Formation of Reading Partners and Learning Teams

2. Sept. 10 The Nature of the Challenge

Text Readings:

Zartman, Toward the Resolution of International Conflicts, in Zartman & Rasmussen, pp. 3-19.

Fisher, Introduction, in Fisher, pp. 1-15.

Burton, Introduction, in Burton, pp. 1-13.

Reserve Readings:

Azar, E.E. (1990), Protracted Social Conflict: An Analytical Framework, in The Management of Protracted Social Conflict, Hampshire, U.K.: Dartmouth, pp. 5-17.

Brown, M.E. (1996), Introduction, in Brown, M.E. (Ed.), The International Dimensions of International Conflict, Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, pp. 1-31.

Wallensteen, P. & Sollenberg, M. (1997). Armed Conflicts, Conflict Termination and Peace Agreements, 1989-1996. Journal of Peace Research, 34, pp. 339-358.

3. Sept. 17 The Conflict Resolution Context

Text Readings:

Rasmussen, Peacemaking in the Twenty-First Century: New Rules, New Roles, New Actors, in Zartman & Rasmussen, pp. 23-50.

Kriesberg, The Development of the Conflict Resolution Field, in Zartman & Rasmussen, pp. 51-77.

Kriesberg, Applications and Misapplications of Conflict Resolution Ideas to International Conflicts, in Vasquez, pp. 87-102.

Burton, Conflict Provention as a Political System, in Vasquez, pp. 115-127.

Reserve Readings:

Laue, J. (1991). Contributions of the Emerging Field of Conflict Resolution, in Thompson, W.S. & Jensen, K.M. (Eds.), Approaches to Peace: An Intellectual Map. Washington, DC: United States Institute of Peace, pp. 300-332.

4. Sept. 24 Forms of Third Party Intervention

Text Readings:

Kriesberg, Varieties of Mediating Activities and Mediators in International Relations, in Bercovitch, pp. 219-233.

Fisher, Pacific, Impartial Third-Party Intervention in International Conflict: A Review and an Analysis, in Vasquez, pp. 39-59.

Reserve Readings:

de Jonge Oudraat, C. (1996). The United Nations and Internal Conflict, in Brown (Ed.), pp. 489-535.

Bilder, R.B. (1991). International Third-Party Dispute Settlement, in Thompson & Jensen (Eds.), pp. 191-226. (or Bilder, Adjudication: International Arbitral Tribunals and Courts, in Zartman & Rasmussen, pp. 155-189).

5. Oct. 1 Negotiation Processes

Text Readings:

Druckman, Negotiating in the International Context, in Zartman & Rasmussen, pp. 81-123.

Reserve Readings:

Newsom, D.D. (1991). Diplomacy and Negotiation, in Thompson & Jensen (Eds.), pp. 30-43.

Stedman, S.J. (1996), Negotiation and Mediation in Internal Conflict, in Brown (Ed.), pp. 341-376.

6. Oct. 8 Social-Psychological Processes and Prenegotiation

Text Readings:

Kelman, Social-Psychological Dimensions of International Conflict, in Zartman & Rasmussen, pp. 191-237.

Pruitt, The Psychology of Social Conflict and its Relevance to International Conflict, in Vasquez, pp. 103-114.

Reserve Readings:

Bercovitch, J. (1991). International Negotiations and Conflict Management: The Importance of Prenegotiation. Jerusalem Journal of International Relations, 13, pp. 7-21.

Rothman, J. (1991). Negotiation as Consolidation: Prenegotiation in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Jerusalem Journal of International Relations, 13, 22-44.

Zartman, I.W. Prenegotiation: Phases and Functions, in Stein, J.G. (Ed.), Getting to the Table: The Processes of International Prenegotiation. Baltimore, MD: John Hopkins University Press, pp. iv-17 (includes Preface by Stein).

7. Oct. 15 Mediation I: General Concepts

Text Readings:

Mitchell & Webb, Mediation in International Relations: An Evolving Tradition, in Mitchell & Webb, pp. 1-15.

Bercovitch, Mediation in International Conflict: An Overview of Theory, A Review of Practice, in Zartman & Rasmussen, pp. 125-153.

Bercovitch & Houston, The Study of International Mediation: Theoretical Issues and Empirical Evidence, in Bercovitch, pp. 11-35.

Burton, Mediation, in Burton, pp. 25-37.

Skjelsbaek & Fermann, The UN Secretary-General and the Mediation of International Disputes, in Bercovitch, pp. 75-104.

8. Oct. 22 Mediation II: Actors and Issues

Text Readings:

Hume, A Diplomat's View, in Zartman & Rasmussen, pp. 319-336.

Natsios, An NGO Perspective, in Zartman & Rasmussen, pp. 337-361.

Sampson, Religion and Peacebuilding, in Zartman & Rasmussen, pp. 273-316.

Carnevale & Arad, Bias and Impartiality in International Mediation, in Bercovitch, pp. 39-53.

Cohen, Cultural Aspects of International Mediation, in Bercovitch, pp. 107-128.

Mitchell, The Motives for Mediation, in Mitchell & Webb, pp. 29-51. (optional)

9. Oct. 29 Consultation I: General Concepts

Text Readings:

Fisher, Interactive Conflict Resolution, in Zartman & Rasmussen, pp. 239-272.

Burton, Part III: Resolution, in Burton, pp. 121-155.

Burton, Appendix, Facilitated Conflict Resolution Procedures, in Burton, pp. 189-209.

Reserve Readings:

Kelman, H.C. (1992). Informal Mediation by the Scholar/Practitioner, in Bercovitch, J. & Rubin, J.Z. (Eds.), International Mediation: A Multi-Level Approach to Conflict Management. London: Macmillan, pp. 64-96.

10. Nov. 5 Consultation II: Assessment and Issues

Text Readings:

Fisher, Assessment: The State of the Art and the Science, in Fisher, pp. 187-212.

Fisher, Critical Issues for Interactive Conflict Resolution, in Fisher, pp. 213-228.

Fisher, Conclusion, in Fisher, pp. 253-270.

Reserve Readings:

Rouhana, N.N. (1995). Unofficial Third Party Intervention in International Conflict: Between Legitimacy and Disarray. Negotiation Journal, 11, pp.255-270.

Saunders, H.H. (1995). Possibilities and Challenges: Another Way to Consider Unofficial Third Party Intervention. Negotiation Journal, 11, pp. 271-275.

Rouhana, N.N. & Korper, S.H. (1997). Power Asymmetry and Goals of Unofficial Third Party Intervention in Protracted Intergroup Conflict.  Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology, 3, 1-17.

11. Nov. 10 Contingency I: Rationale and Model

Text Readings:

Keashly & Fisher, A Contingency Perspective on Conflict Intervention: Theoretical and Practical Considerations, in Bercovitch, pp. 235-261.

Fisher, A Contingency Approach to Third Party Intervention, in Fisher, pp. 163-184.

Reserve Readings:

Fisher, R.J. & Keashly, L. (1988). Distinguishing Third Party Interventions in Intergroup Conflict: Consultation is Not Mediation.  Negotiation Journal, 4, pp. 381-393.

Fisher, R.J. (1989). Prenegotiation Problem-Solving Discussions: Enhancing the Potential for Successful Negotiation, in Stein (Ed.), pp. 206-238.

Keashly, L., Fisher, R.J. & Grant, P.R. (1993). The Comparative Utility of Third Party Consultation and Mediation Within a Complex Simulation of Intergroup Conflict, Human Relations, 46, pp. 371-393.

12. Nov. 19 Contingency II: Alternatives and Applications

Text Readings:

Webb, Koutrakou & Walters, The Yugoslavian Conflict, European Mediation, and the Contingency Model: A Critical Perspective, in Bercovitch, pp. 171-189.

Reserve Readings:

Pruitt, D.G. & Olzack, P.V. (1995). Beyond Hope: Approaches to Resolving Seemingly Intractable Conflict.  In B.B. Bunker & J.Z. Rubin (Eds.), Conflict, Cooperation, and Justice: Essays Inspired by the Work of Morton Deutsch. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, pp. 59-92.

Kelman, H.C. (1982). Creating the Conditions for Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations.  Journal of Conflict Resolution, 26, pp.39-75.

Kelman, H.C. (1987). The Political Psychology of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: How Can We Overcome the Barriers to a Negotiated Solution? Political Psychology, 8, 347-363.

Kelman, H.C. (1995). Contributions of an Unofficial Conflict Resolution Effort to the Israeli-Palestinian Breakthrough. Negotiation Journal, 11,19-27.

13. Nov. 26 Thanksgiving Break

14. Dec. 3 Conclusion

Term Paper Due

Text Readings:

Vasquez, Why Global Conflict Resolution is Possible: Meeting the Challenges of the New World Order, in Vasquez, pp. 131-153.

Reserve Readings:

Brown, M.E., Internal Conflict and International Action, in Brown, (Ed.), pp. 603-627.

Crocker, C.A. & Hampson, F.O. (1996). Making Peace Settlements Work. Foreign Policy, 104, 54-71.

15. Dec. 10 Take Home Exam Due

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!