Why do countries fight? When do wars terminate? How do states avoid military conflict? All of these questions call for well-thought-out answers as the world is still far from being peaceful, just and inclusive. For too many people living in fragile and conflict-affected countries, safety and security, equality and opportunity, and just and lasting peace remain as elusive as ever. The course, echoing the call of SDG NO.16 (i.e., Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), aims to first inspire students to analyze causes of conflict, and second innovate them to investigate solutions of conflict resolution and peace maintenance. Specifically, students will examine deep roots of violence around the world or in a specific region of interest, reflect on the consequences of armed conflicts, and seek superior institutional arrangement to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. This course, by surveying the scholarly literature on war and peace at an introductory level, will give students a critical understanding of the most important features and dynamics in world politics, and the central problems of war and peace. The course will provide students with an opportunity to assess the state of knowledge in the field, identify new questions and approaches, and formulate knowledge-based policies and strategies.

1. Professional knowledge on war and peace theory
2. Analytical skills for understanding war at present and in history 
3. Independent, critical, and strategic thinking
4. International exposure and empathy
5. Certificate for participation in the program and award for excellence in the project

Mode of Teaching: Mostly Synchronous

Type: Lecture and Discussion

1. Attendance: 30%;
2. Group presentation: 60%;
3. Final program summary: 10%

Contact Day(s) and Time(s): Mon/Wed/Fri, 9:00-12:00, Beijing Time (UTC+8) Click here to view World Clock Meeting Planner

Ruolin Su: ruolinsu@sjtu.edu.cn 

Lili Shen: lilishen@sjtu.edu.cn