Conflict and Democracy Studies

The Master’s Program in Conflict and Democracy Studies focuses on the discussion of the variety of potential relationships between democracy (and its quality), authoritarianism, totalitarianism, democratization, and conflict. We understand conflict to be a permanent, invariant feature of humankind, one that fuels both progress and failure. Since humans first began to establish rich social (and societal) ties, there have been struggles for power and a search for the best possible regime in any given time and place. Sometimes, to achieve their goals, conflicting parties use violence; sometimes they are able to come to a peaceful solution. A key question therefore becomes whether it is possible to democratize (or decentralize) various (deeply divided) societies without fuelling ethnic, religious, or other conflict. Following that is the question as to whether and how the threat of violent conflict is used by authorities to entrench, sustain, or even deepen autocratic tendencies. A focus on these questions is therefore natural and prudent.

We are, moreover, currently witness to a number of efforts to transform democratic societies around the world. There are many factors behind this development, but in each case, sooner or later, an intensive discussion of the necessary trade-offs between security and personal freedom arises. Sometimes conflicting parties find an acceptable solution for most of these points, one which maintains the (democratic) status quo; sometimes all attempts fail and in the making open a pathway for securing and strengthening nondemocratic tendencies. To prevent things from going wrong - or even to make them better - it is crucial that these processes be understood. It is also important to ask how (homeland) security influences the quality of democracy and the functioning of democratic institutions, and how the quality of democracy influences the approach taken to homeland and international security.

Practical training

The programme includes a practical component: an optional placement in a governmental or non-governmental institution (for example, think-tanks, NGOs).

Further information

http://conflictanddemocracy.eu

https://www.facebook.com/politologiefss

The graduates of the program receive the training necessary for a successful professional realization in a number of professional areas. Typical job opportunities include political-analytical jobs, consulting, research and teaching positions at universities, positions in the state administration, positions within the apparatus of political parties, and positions in the diplomatic services. Further outstanding opportunities for professional realization are provided by the institutions of the European Union, as well as by other international organizations.

Applicants are accepted based on the results of the SCIO GAP test. The minimum required percentile is 30.

Criteria for evaluation

Applicants are evaluated and admitted on the basis of the documents they submit and entrance video-interviews; the evaluation scale is 0 - 100 points with 60 being the passing level.

Recommended literature

The admission process may involve an interview (usually conducted via Zoom) where the applicant would discuss with the selection committee his/her background as well as one of the following three texts: Buzan, Barry, Ole Waever, and Jaap de Wilde. Security: A New Framework for Analysis (Boulder, CO: Lynne Reinner Publishers, 1998), Chapter 2. Collier, Paul, and Anke Hoeffler. “Greed and Grievance in Civil War.” Oxford Economic Papers 56(4): 2004, pp. 563-595. Fukuyama, Francis. The End of History? The National Interest (16): 1989, pp. 3-18. If you do not have access to the above texts, we will send them to you upon request.

Graduates may pursue a PhD in political science or a related programme.