APU IRLS611 All Weeks Forums Latest 2019 JULY

IRLS611 Conflict Analysis and Resolution: Theory and Practice

Week 1 Forum

One of our readings
discusses two distinct theoretical strands within CR scholarship: ‘‘conflict
settlement’’and ‘‘conflict transformation.’’ What are the main
distinctions? Why does it matter?

Instructions: Your
initial post should be at least 350 words. Please respond to more than 2 other
students. Responses should be a minimum of 150 words and include direct
questions.

IRLS611 Conflict Analysis and Resolution: Theory and Practice

Week 2 Forum

Thai-Cambodian Border
Dispute

From the perspective
of various academic disciplines, there have been different explanations for
conflict and war. This week we will examine a specific case study that shows
that even small incidents can explode into major issues.

According to
Australian News Service reports, Thailand and Cambodia have begun high-level
talks aimed at resolving a military stand-off over a disputed temple on their
joint border. Defense officials met in a border town about 350 kilometers from
the 11th century temple that has been the focus of a decade-long dispute
between the two neighbors.

Hundreds of Thai and
Cambodian troops have faced each other at the PreahVihear temple since
mid-July, backed up by several thousand more troops and heavy artillery on both
sides. A Cambodian government spokesman says he does not expect a swift end to
the stand-off, but believes the talks will ease some of the tension. https://casebook.icrc.org/case-study/cambodiathailand-border-conflict-around-temple-preah-vihear

The temple has
provoked political turmoil in Thailand after Prime Minister Samak’s government
agreed last month to support Cambodia’s bid to win World Heritage status for
the ruins. The World Court ruled in 1962 that it belongs to Cambodia, but its
most accessible entrance lies in Thailand and the exact border is in dispute.

A Thai court
invalidated the prime minister’s agreement, and foreign minister
NoppadonPattama was forced to resign in the ensuing scandal. The parliamentary
opposition is mulling impeachment motions against the entire cabinet. Despite
the controversy, earlier this month the UN’s cultural agency UNESCO awarded the
temple World Heritage status in recognition of its importance as an example of
ancient Khmer architecture.

Examine this case
study in terms how conflict can arise and escalate. The discussion will
probably require that you fully investigate the Thai-Cambodian case.

In this seminar
discussion, you need to ensure a full exchange of ideas and comments. This
means going beyond statements of “I agree with…”.

Instructions: Your
initial post should be at least 350 words. Please respond to more than 2 other
students. Responses should be a minimum of 150 words.

IRLS611 Conflict Analysis and Resolution: Theory and Practice

Week 3 Forum

Country Case Study

For this forum, access
www.cartercenter.org. Once on the Internet site:

1. Click on Peace
Programs (Top Bar)

2. Click on Conflict
Resolution Programs (Top Bar)

3. On the right bar,
under Conflict Resolution Program Links, click on Activities by Countries

Within this site,
there are 11 country or region case studies in which the Carter Center has
served as a mediator. Selecting one country, provide a brief overview of the
conflict resolution situation. Additionally integrate the review with the
assigned readings for Week 3. Your work is to be posted in the Forum.

Note: Please observe
postings by your classmates as not to duplicate case studies.

Additionally, building
knowledge about particular case studies will prepare you for the Comprehensive
Examination that completes your degree program

Instructions: Your
initial post should be at least 350 words. Please respond to more than 2 other
students. Responses should be a minimum of 150 words.

IRLS611 Conflict Analysis and Resolution: Theory and Practice

Week 4 Forum

Negotiating an Impasse

In examining the
Darfur Case Study, it definitely appears that this conflict seems “to
lurch from impasse to impasse.” Why is this the case?

In addition to posting
your response in the Forum for Week 4, critique the response of two other
students. This requires that you go beyond “I agree with…” or
“I disagree with…” statements. You need to explain the rationale
for your agreement or disagreement. Remember that in formal academic writing
you want to avoid using first person.

Instructions: Your
initial post should be at least 350 words. Please respond to more than 2 other
students. Responses should be a minimum of 150 words.

IRLS611 Conflict Analysis and Resolution: Theory and Practice

Week 5 Forum

Role Introduction

For this week, please
review the Chechnya simulation at the following link:

https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/chechnya.pdf.

This provides an
overview of what our 3 week simulation will look like. For this week we begin
by introducing ourselves and by becoming familiar with the conflict.

To do:

Each student will
select a specific role. There will be no duplicated and there needs to be at
least 4 Russians and four Chechens.

Introduce yourself and please discuss – while
in character – the cause of the conflict in Chechyna.

The roles for this
simulation are found in the case study, The Use of Force in Chechnya: An
Exploration through Track-Two Diplomacy.
https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/chechnya.pdf

Instructions: Your
initial post should be at least 350 words. Please respond to more than 2 other
students. Responses should be a minimum of 150 words.

IRLS611 Conflict Analysis and Resolution: Theory and Practice

Week 6 Forum

Simulation Phase 2

Having noted the
difference in positions on the status of Chechnya and how strongly those
opinions are felt, how can the situation be resolved without the use of
violence?

If you have already
posted a response “in character,” feel free to do one “out of
character,” that is, as an observer. In character posts can be to a broad
audience (the whole board), to the press or to specific members (as private
communications … although everyone will be able to see these).

Be sure to remind us,
if you are in character (and which character you are) or out of character.

Instructions: Your
initial post should be at least 350 words. Please respond to more than 2 other
students. Responses should be a minimum of 150 words.

IRLS611 Conflict Analysis and Resolution: Theory and Practice

Week 7 Forum

Conflict Resolution
Intervention Principles

What do you think
should be principles of conflict
intervention? Come up with at least five
ideas. Draw upon course readings to
support your ideas. You can use
principles from other sources, just be sure to state very clearly why you
support each one.

Instructions: Your
initial post should be at least 350 words. Please respond to at least 2 other
students. Responses should be a minimum of 150 words.

IRLS611 Conflict Analysis and Resolution: Theory and Practice

Week 8 Forum

Ethical dimensions

We are now in the last
week of the course, and you have been exposed to a wide range of literature on
conflict resolution. What do you think
are the ethical issues involved in researching conflict?

Instructions: Your
initial post should be at least 350 words. Please respond to more than 2 other
students. Responses should be a minimum of 150 words.