POLS 4201 3.0 offers an introduction to the nature, causes and consequences of civil wars in Africa, and the challenges of post-conflict reconstruction and state building. It evaluates several arguments surrounding war, peace, identity, nationalism, the political economy of violence, the liberal peace thesis and challenges of post-conflict governance. The course draws from major theories of war and peace to investigate the causes of civil wars, crises and conflicts, and the responses of states and non-state actors to conflict resolution, including an evaluation of counterinsurgency and the determinants of war duration and outcomes.

Specifically, the course focuses on Uganda, a country that has successfully emerged from prolonged episodes of violence and socioeconomic collapse. Uganda presents an excellent setting for examining several measures, policies, strategies and projects that were implemented by the government, Western organizations, NGOs and local communities to mitigate the recurrence of violence, resettle displaced communities and rebuild the society after mass violence. Uganda experienced three decades of civil war that left the country in ruins. The war created ethnic divisions, human rights violations, deep resentments over injustices, and divided families, communities and societies.

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Applications will be open from November 11, 2024 to January 10, 2025.

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Prerequisites: Students must have completed at least 60 credits.