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| Semester | fall semester 2015 |
| Course frequency | Irregular |
| Lecturers | Rina Malagayo Alluri (rina.alluri@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | In order to understand political processes, peacebuilding and conflict resolution, it is no longer enough to look at the 'usual suspects' such as the state and civil society. Business actors are an important part of a socio-political analysis of society and it is relevant to explore the different roles they play and how they can have both positive and negative impacts in conflict-affected contexts. However, the subject of business, conflict and peace remains a rather novel field in both practice and academia. This course will provide an overview of some of the relevant theoretical literature related to businesses in conflict zones. It will explore concepts such as war economies, governance and corporate social responsibility while using empirical case studies such as Syria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sri Lanka and Myanmar to illustrate the complex roles, responsibilities and risks of businesses operating in conflict contexts. |
| Learning objectives | The participants of the course have understand the different (complex) roles, responsibilities and risks that businesses face when carrying out operations in conflict-affected contexts. The participants are able to critically analyze the key discourses related to businesses in conflict zones such as the role of non-state armed actors, company-community relations and opportunities for more responsible business practices. |
| Bibliography | A full reading list will be distributed (via ISIS) prior to the course but this is a selection of indicative reading: Ballentine, K. and Nitzschke, H. (2003). Beyond greed and grievance: Policy lessons from studies in the political economy of armed conflict. IPA Policy Report. Bennett, J. (2001). Businesses in zones of conflict: The role of the multinational in promoting regional stability. International Peace Forum. Davis, P. (2008). The role of companies in post-conflict reconstruction: Learning from the wider debate. Ethical Corporation Institute. Ruggie, J. (2013). Multinational corporations and human rights. Chapter three: Protect, respect and remedy. New York: W.W. Norton and Company. Zandvliet, L. (2010). Conflict transformation and the corporate agenda - opportunities for synergy. In: The Berghof Handbook II: 360-376. |
| Comments | All course information will be provided on ADAM, including copies of the readings. |
| Admission requirements | PhD students and MA-students. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
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No dates available. Please contact the lecturer.
| Modules |
Modul Internationales Zusatzwissen (Master European Studies (Start of studies before 01.02.2015)) Vertiefungsmodul Global Europe: Friedens- und Konfliktforschung (Master European Global Studies) |
| Assessment format | record of achievement |
| Assessment details | Students will be assessed by an oral presentation and a 10-page essay. Full details, including potential topics, will be provided at the beginning of the course. |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration; dereg.: not required |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | 1-6 0,5 |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | University of Basel |
| Offered by | Europainstitut |