Conflict, Development and Security – (M.A.)

This MA programme addresses the merger between development and security that has strengthened with the ending of the Cold War and the growing fear of terrorism. Policy makers now widely believe that international development is vital if global stability is to be achieved; at the same time, without security, lasting underdevelopment is the result.

Perceptions of war are also changing with an increasing appreciation of factors relating to the vulnerability and resilience of populations living within, across and beyond territorial boundaries. In tackling the global dimensions of economy and poverty, human security and conflict, relations between state and non-state actors are changing. Multilateral institutions, aid organisations and private companies are increasingly active in international humanitarian, social reconstruction and democratisation programmes that are defining a new security agenda.

The programme explores such issues as the changing nature of conflict, the growing importance of non-territoriality, perceptions of state failure and success, political economy, humanitarian intervention, social reconstruction and democratisation within this context. Current theoretical and policy debates are related to case-study material drawn from a variety of regions including Africa, Latin America, the Balkans, Eurasia and Asia. The dissertation provides an opportunity to specialise.
The programme will be of interest to those seeking high-level study or contemplating employment in the fields of international aid, humanitarian assistance, development and security, together with practitioners from these areas wishing to study in more depth.