In this course students will examine the nexus between state-centric and human security, as well as the difficulties for military forces and humanitarian actors in navigating the 'space' in which they are co-located.  Policies, principles and practices of the Australian Government, the United Nations, and other key international actors and non-government organisations are considered.  Attention is also given to disaster risk reduction and peace-building strategies to help minimise the severity of natural disasters and the reversion of fragile states into conflict.  Focus is given to the problems and severity of population displacement, and to the civil-military requirements to implement population protection, particularly under the Responsibility to Protect framework.  The overall aim of the course is for students to gain a better understanding of the boundaries and complexities of civil-military relations in disaster and conflict situations, and to consider initiatives relevant to Australia.

On satisfying the requirements of this course students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the growing importance of civil-military relations in conflicts and natural disasters, drawing on the fields of international relations, strategic studies, political science, peace and conflict studies, international law, and development studies.
2. Critically assess current policies relevant to civil-military relations in conflicts and natural disasters.
3. Demonstrate a capacity for critical reflection so that the assumptions underpinning security concepts and policies can be effectively scrutinised.
4. Communicate effectively in verbal, written and group contexts to a professional standard.
5. Conduct research in archives, libraries, and using internet resources.
6. Exercise attention to detail and analytical rigour in academic writing and analysis.
7. Appropriately reference sources and quotations utilised in scholarly writing. 
8. More effectively design and complete a research paper.

6,000 words:

Short essay 20%

Research Essay 50%

Exam 30%

One two-hour seminar per week (over 13 weeks) with the expectation of a further eight hours per week of independent study.

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There is no required assumed knowledge for this course. A basic understanding of international affairs, security studies, international law, or public policy would be beneficial.