The Changing Nature of Conflict and Instability: Trends, Challenges and Responses
| Module title | The Changing Nature of Conflict and Instability: Trends, Challenges and Responses |
|---|---|
| Module code | SECM027 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Martin Robson (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 24 |
|---|
Module description
This module brings to life the conceptual underpinnings of conflict and instability and focuses on the practical dimensions of the consequence of and UK and international responses to a breakdown in global security. The course sits at the nexus of theory, policy and practice and aims to provide military personnel with a snapshot overview of the cross-cutting issues of diplomacy, development and security and stability operations as well as the work of local governments and civil society organisations. It also addresses more specific issues such as the role of international organisations in addressing global fragility and instability. In short, the module is built around the interrelated concepts of conflict, instability and fragility and the pillars of security, political settlements, governance and Rule of Law and peacebuilding.
The assessments on this module only apply to those who wish to attain academic credit from the short course.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of the course is to introduce participants to the changing nature of conflict and instability. Students will explore the contemporary global conflict environment, identifying critical trends and issues of change and continuity. They will assess state and non-state threats and drivers of instability and the impact of these on the international order. Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to apply the knowledge acquired through the examination of practical real world case studies and abstract scenario exercise demonstrating the application of the UK’s Fusion Doctrine.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Understand global conflict and security trends, including: the role of hostile state actors/state threats and the changing international order, the impact of serious and organised crime and terrorism on instability, and the link between instability and climate
- 2. Identify and critically analyse the structural drivers of conflict and instability and explore the strengths and weaknesses of national and international responses to maintain, sustain and deepen global stability, and the wider role of defence in delivering integrated outcomes
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts of conflict and instability and their interconnections
- 4. Select, integrate, evaluate and present relevant normative arguments, clearly, autonomously and competently
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Manage relevant learning resources and complex information confidently and independently, developing independent arguments and opinions at a high level
- 6. Work independently, within a limited time frame, to complete specified tasks
Syllabus plan
It is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:
|
Day One: Context |
Day Two: Responding to Conflict and Instability - Security |
Day Three: Responding to Conflict and Instability – Political Settlements and Governance |
|
Conflict and Instability in a Global Context
|
Responding to Conflict and Instability: The UK Approach
|
Transitions to Stability: Political Settlements
|
|
Morning Break |
Morning Break |
Morning Break |
|
Conflict and Instability: Concepts and Practice
|
Stabilisation Operations: The Law and the Role of the Military
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Transitions to a Stability: Governance and Rule of Law
|
|
Lunch |
Lunch |
Lunch |
|
International Peace and Security Architecture and the International Global Order
|
Transitions to Stability: Security and Justice State and non-state actors
|
How does this end? Scenario and Practical Exercise
|
|
Afternoon Tea |
Afternoon Tea |
Afternoon Tea |
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | 132 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 18 | 3-day in-person course |
| Guided independent study | 132 | Reading, preparation for assessments |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Plan | 750 words | 1-6 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 100 | 2,000 words | 1-6 | Written with percentage grade |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay (2000 words) | Essay (2000 words) | 1-6 | Referral/Deferral Period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to redo the assessment(s) as defined above. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 50%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
|
Essential Reading:
2. UK Stabilisation Unit. (2019). The UK Government’s Approach to Stabilisation: A Guide for Policy Makers and Practitioners, London, UK: Stabilisation Unit. (Please read Chapter 1, and review Chapters 2, and 3) 3. Sian Herbert (2021) Maintaining basic state functions and service delivery during escalating crises. https://opendocs.ids.ac.uk/opendocs/bitstream/handle/20.500.12413/16739/1003_Maintaining_basic_state_functions_and_service_delivery_during_escalating_crises.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y RAND (2020) A Changing Climate: Explore the Implications of Climate Change for UK Defence and Security https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA487-1.html
4. MOD (2016) JDP 5, Shaping a Stable World: the Military Contribution. (142 pages - many overlaps with UK approach - please skim read and be prepared to discuss) 5. HMG (2018) The Good Operation. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-good-operation 6. Patrick Meehan, (2018) Elite Bargains and Political Dealshttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/766069/Elite_Bargains_and_Political_Deals_Literature_Review.pdf
7. David Chuter videos: Lecture 6: Stability and Instability (27 minutes, please watch all) http://www.davidchuter.com/videos4-6.html http://www.davidchuter.com/videos4-6.html 8. USAID, (2018) Stabilization Assistance Review, Washington, DC. (16 pages) https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/283589.pdf |
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 06/09/2023 |
| Last revision date | 26/09/2023 |