IR210: Building Democracies from Conflict: Violence, Power-Sharing and Institutional Design

How can we design, build and sustain 'democracies' in places that have been engaged in sustained conflict? We will explore societies torn apart by political violence and ethnic conflict.

The main purpose is to diagnose the central problems, and examine what political responses are most appropriate using multiple case studies.

The first part of the course mostly looks at the problems. We begin with an examination of Iraq as an example of armed intervention and regime change. Themes include the politics of intervention, mass violence, constitution building and power-sharing, and the rise (and fall?) of Islamic State. More generally we will examine the micro-foundations of nationalism, grievances and conflict. Since the end of the cold war, almost all wars are ‘civil wars’ so we will consider what causes civil wars, what sustains them, why some last much longer than others, and how do they end? There will also be a focus on the strategies of terrorism and suicide terrorism.

The second part of the course shifts the focus of attention to ‘solutions’ and policy responses to divided societies and failing states. We look at which are the most appropriate electoral systems for divided places (and which should be avoided). The timing of ‘first elections’ after civil war might also be important because they are risky: should they be held early to legitimize the peace, or delayed until state institutions have been rebuilt? We end the course by analyzing the ‘Arab Springs’ and the resilience of authoritarianism in the Middle East.

Prerequisites: At least one introductory course in either social science (e.g. political science, international relations, sociology, economics), history or law.

Level: 200 level. Read more information on levels in our FAQs

Fees: Please see Fees and payments

Lectures: 36 hours

Classes: 18 hours

Assessment: One examination (75%) and one essay (25%)

Typical credit: 3-4 credits (US) 7.5 ECTS points (EU)

Please note: Assessment is optional but may be required for credit by your home institution. Your home institution will be able to advise how you can meet their credit requirements. For more information on exams and credit, read Teaching and assessment

This course is aimed at students who wish to explore the central problems in building democracy after conflict. It is especially well suited to you if you are targeting a career in research, policy development, mediation or government. 

Students will explore societies torn apart by political violence and ethnic conflict. The aim is to diagnose the central problems, and examine what political responses are most appropriate. Informed responses might include: intervention, mediation and peace agreements; power-sharing and constitutional design; territorial management of conflict; elections, party systems and institutions for governing divided societies.

The design of this course is guided by LSE faculty, as well as industry experts, who will share their experience and in-depth knowledge with you throughout the course.