Conflicts in the Modern World: Legal and Other Approaches to Resolution in an Era of Hybrid Warfare and Disinformation

About this course

Additional course information

• Course outline

  Module 1: Introduction to International and Interfaith Conflicts through Case Studies: The War in Ukraine and the Israel-Palestine Conflict

  1.1. Definition of international and interfaith conflicts and their types

  1.2. Phases of conflicts

  1.3. Drawing insights from international experiences in regulating conflicts

  1.4. Understanding the cultural and historical contexts of the War in Ukraine and the Israel-Palestine Conflict

  1.5. Examining the impact of these conflicts on regional and global dynamics

  Module 2: AI and the Use of "Soft Power" in International and Interfaith Conflicts

  2.1. Examination of "soft power" methods for destabilising state functioning

  2.2. Exploration of Artificial Intelligence as a catalyst for the development of new technologies in information conflicts, illustrated by the War in Ukraine

  2.3. Analysis of narratives' rivalries as weapons in information-psychological warfare

  Module 3: Legal and Alternative Approaches to Conflict Resolution

  3.1. The pivotal role of international law in resolving conflicts

  3.2. Consideration of international dialogues, opportunities for regional collaboration in conflict resolution efforts

  3.3. Exploring the contributions of civil society and international organisations in conflict resolution

  Module 4: Practical Skills and Mediation-Negotiation Techniques

  4.1. The application of conflict analysis in real-world situations

  4.2. Conducting case studies and resolving simulation conflicts, applying mediation

• Forms of tuition and assessment

  Forms of tuition

  The course will taught via lectures that will provide foundational knowledge on conflict theory, interfaith dynamics, legal frameworks, and mediation/negotiation techniques. There will also be seminars and workshops where students will engage in discussions, case studies, and role-playing exercises to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.

  Students will have the opportunity to analyse conflicts, practice mediation, and discuss real-world case studies. We will have guest lectures and panel discussions where invited experts and practitioners in the field of conflict resolution, international relations, and interfaith dialogue will share their experiences and insights. These sessions will provide students with a broader perspective on conflict resolution. Students will work in teams to research, analyse, and present solutions to a specific case by mediation/negotiation techniques in group projects and assignments. These projects encourage the practical application of mediation techniques and legal approaches. 

  Self-Study and Research

  Students will be expected to spend a significant amount of time on self-study, research, and reading. This will involve reading academic articles, textbooks, watching films, and conducting independent research. Self-study will complement classroom learning and deepen understanding.
  

  Excursions and Field Visits (Optional)

  Occasional excursions or field visits to peace organisations, or relevant institutions may be offered as optional components of the course. These experiences will provide first-hand exposure to conflict contexts and peacebuilding efforts.

  Student Activities

  1. Debates and Discussions: Students will discuss current conflict-related issues and defend their positions in debates.

  2. Role-Playing "Mediation Sessions": Students will take on the roles of negotiation parties, aiming to achieve a peaceful resolution.

  3. Observation of International Events: Students will examine news and reports about international conflicts and analyse them in the context of the course.

  Assessment

  Time will be allocated for quizzes, tests, presentations, and other forms of assessment to gauge students' understanding and application of course material.

• Skills and learning outcomes

  Learning Outcomes

  Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of:

  - conflict prevention methods,

  - principles of peaceful coexistence in multicultural societies,

  - tolerance towards various ethno-religious groups,

  - ways to eliminate ethnic distance,

  - democratic methods of ethno-politics,

  - principles for addressing the consequences of international conflicts, and

  - avoiding ethno-phobic political decisions by authorities and security structures.

  The students will also learn take on a perspective, to present their arguments in an oral presentation. Mediation becomes more important as societies embrace values of tolerance, loyalty, and peaceful conflict resolution.

  Students engage in the 'human dimension' of education, which involves learning about oneself and others, while simultaneously nurturing the 'caring' dimension by developing new feelings, interests, and values.

  Application of Knowledge and Skills

  Graduates can utilize the acquired knowledge and skills to actively contribute to the promotion of international peace and national tolerance in multicultural societies. In their future professional activities, encompassing roles within government bodies, local self-government institutions, security structures, civil society organisations, and mass media, they can employ a range of skills and actions to make a meaningful impact.

  These skills include:

  Conflict Resolution: Graduates can apply conflict resolution techniques to mediate disputes and facilitate peaceful dialogue among diverse groups, fostering understanding and cooperation.

  Intercultural Communication: They can effectively communicate with individuals from various cultural backgrounds, ensuring that ideas and perspectives are exchanged respectfully and harmoniously.

  Advocacy and Diplomacy: Graduates can advocate for policies and practices that promote tolerance, inclusivity, and cultural diversity on both national and international platforms. They can also engage in diplomatic efforts to build bridges between nations and communities.

  Education and Awareness: By using their knowledge, graduates can educate others about the importance of tolerance, diversity, and the consequences of intolerance. This may involve organizing workshops, seminars, or awareness campaigns.

  Media Literacy: In the realm of mass media, they can employ their media literacy skills to critically analyze and produce content that promotes tolerance, counters stereotypes, and encourages open dialogue.

  Community Engagement: Graduates can actively engage with local communities to build trust and encourage intercultural interactions. This can include volunteering, community organizing, or participating in grassroots initiatives.

  Policy Development: Within government and civil society institutions, they can contribute to the development of policies and initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society.

  By combining their knowledge with these skills, graduates can play a pivotal role in shaping a more peaceful, tolerant, and culturally diverse world.

  This course allows students to develop critical thinking and teamwork skills, and prepares them for work in the field of international and interfaith conflicts, which is essential in the modern world. It is beneficial for students who have already chosen their future professions and those interested in volunteering, participating in humanitarian missions, and engaging in social work.

  The acquired skills can be applied both in professional life and in daily life.

• Course syllabus and schedule

  Here you will be able to download the preliminary course syllabus in March 2025.  

  _{*Please note that it will be a preliminary syllabus and that it might be subject to some change before the course starts.}  

• Learning objectives

  At the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • Analyze complex conflict situations, identifying root causes, stakeholders, and potential barriers to resolution.
  • Analyze the impact of hybrid warfare and disinformation on conflict dynamics, including their role in escalating tensions and undermining peace efforts.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of legal frameworks and alternative approaches in addressing contemporary conflicts influenced by hybrid threats.
  • Apply critical thinking and mediation techniques to complex, modern conflict scenarios involving hybrid warfare and disinformation, identifying innovative pathways to resolution.

• About the course coordinator

  Bogdana Cherniavska is a qualified lawyer from Ukraine, PhD in Law, Associate Professor, Department of Theory and History of State and Law, Faculty of Law, National Academy of Management, Kyiv, Ukraine; Guest Researcher at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands. She is fascinated by both theoretical legal research and practice. The topic of PhD thesis is the Legal status of NGOs in Ukraine. Bogdana's expertise lies in the fact that, having gone through the experience of living in a conflict-ridden country, was forced to leave it, seek safety abroad, and continue her career overseas. Throughout this journey, Bogdana has been actively involved in volunteer work, translations, and representing Ukrainians at various events, among other activities. She has also collaborated with the Red Cross of the Netherlands. She has dealt with several educational, legal, and social projects as a leading manager for organising events, governmental visits, conferences, etc. She organized Legal Front when the War started to help ministries and local authorities with legal advice and preparation of legal conclusions, as well as documents.