Research Courses

Dynamics of Armed Conflict [NEW DATES]

​This course provides an overview and critical assessment of contemporary research on armed conflict.  It will be in equal measure backward looking, assessing the state of the art and what have we learned; and future oriented, exploring cutting-edge issues and challenges.  

The course is organized in collaboration with the University of Oslo (UiO) and PRIO.

Application deadline: 1 March 2020

The application form is now closed, and no more applications will be accepted. The selection of participants will be announced over email by the end of May

Advanced Qualitative Methods in Conflict Studies: Case Research and Process Analytics [NEW DATES]

​This seminar provides an in-depth introduction to case-based methods and process analytics. We begin with some preliminaries (epistemology, ethics, transparency) and then survey key methods, including case studies, case selection and several techniques designed to capture process. The latter include interviewing, practice analytics and process tracing. Whenever possible, students will be introduced to both the positivist and interpretive variants of particular methods.  

In the course's second part, we move from the conceptual to the applied, examining case and process methods in action - in conflict zones and post-conflict settings. Epistemology, ethics, measurement and data-access/transparency are key themes throughout. The fundamental goal is for students to acquire sufficient knowledge to be smart, epistemologically plural and rigorous users of case-based research in conflict and post-conflict settings.

Application deadline: 13 September 2020
Successful applicants will be notified by mid October

International Mediation: Theory, Cases and Skills [NEW DATES]

​The Course will cover academic, policy and practitioner perspectives on international mediation. It will review the scholarly literature, explore relevant theories, and learn from senior mediation practitioners. The participants will also develop skills in conflict analysis, strategic planning for peacemaking, and mediating agreements between conflict parties. The geographic focus will be mainly but not exclusively on the Middle East.

The course is organized in collaboration with the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies and PRIO.

Due to restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 virus situation we have rescheduled this course from June to December.

Application deadline: 1 July 2020

The application form is now closed, and no more applications will be accepted. The selection of participants will be announced over email in August.