In this course we seek to understand war and conflict by asking the big questions about violence and confrontation in human societies. Throughout the semester students will be introduced to both the global wars which shape history on grand scales and to the countless local conflicts that persist in the background. We want to know: Why do we fight? What is war? Is conflict sometimes good? Who are insurgents? How do we decide to go to war? What is terrorism? How do we maintain memories of conflict? Is future war inevitable? We explore these and other big questions through the explanations offered by political science, strategic studies, international relations, anthropology, history, law, gender studies and psychology. These specific disciplinary orientations, infused by insights from both Asian and European traditions of thought, each offer their own answers in the study of war and conflict. To find the fullest explanations, our approach in this course is integrative, interrogative and critical. We specifically analyse the causes of war and conflict; the nature of security and strategic decision-making; the political drivers of international and sub-national conflicts; the use of technologies and tactics; and the public presentation of war and conflict. The regional orientation of this course—reflecting the Australian National University’s strengths—is the Asia-Pacific region. The questions that we examine find some of their answers in East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific. And to provide students with a robust foundation for further study, this course draws on the range of expertise that makes the ANU a hub for the critical analysis of the big questions concerning war and conflict. It is appropriate for those who wish to develop knowledge of specific situations of war and conflict, as well as for students who are yet to define their personal interests and hope for a broad overview of the topic.

Students who successfully complete this course should have: 

1.       Broad knowledge of conflict and war, and the conceptual foundations for understanding the mechanisms that drive these components of human societies, with particular reference to the Asia-Pacific region.

2.       Understanding of the general character of war and conflict at particular times and places, and the specific political, cultural, legal and historical mechanisms relevant to those situations.

3.       Refined their personal interests and expertise in the field of war and conflict studies, and be able to clearly and persuasively showcase their knowledge by completing original research.

4.      Offered contributions to tutorials and to online debate which demonstrate their ability to effectively communicate ideas about war and conflict at both global and local scales, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

1.       Tutorial participation and leadership of discussion 10%

2.       Contributions to online debate 10%

3.       Research essay 40%

4.       Final examination 40%

3 contact hours and 6 hours private study per week.

None

None

A reading brick will be made available. The course will also make full use of Wattle and students are expected to pay close attention to the regularly updated course website.

Wattle

Power-point and recording enabled lecture theatre