Interactive Syllabus

Goals and Objectives

The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of unresolved conflicts in the Caucasus, examining key factors that contribute to the region's volatility. We will analyze various conflicts, such as those in Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Chechnya, exploring their origins, development, and the challenges to resolution. The course integrates both theoretical frameworks and empirical case studies to provide students with the tools needed to critically assess conflict dynamics and explore potential avenues for peace.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Critically engage with theories of internal armed conflicts.
2. Understand conflict escalation processes in the Caucasus region.
3. Analyze the political, socio-economic, and systemic factors that trigger conflict.
4. Assess the role of external actors in conflict and resolution efforts.
5. Develop policy recommendations for conflict resolution in the Caucasus.

Requirements and Assessments

I. Readings:
Students must complete the mandatory readings before each class and be prepared for discussion. Readings are available in the course materials folder in the Information System (IS).

II. Student Presentations (10 points):
Each student will present on one of the conflicts or a related topic. Presentations should be no longer than 12 minutes and demonstrate a clear understanding of the assigned readings.

Clarity and Organization (2 points):

• Present information in a clear, logical, and well-organized manner.
• Ensure smooth transitions between sections and avoid excessive use of notes.

Summary of Key Arguments (4 points):

• Accurately summarize the main arguments or findings of the assigned article.
• Clearly present the key points and avoid unnecessary details.

Critical Engagement (2 points):

• Critically engage with the text by discussing its strengths and weaknesses.
• Provide a thoughtful analysis of the author’s arguments and evidence.

Response to Questions and Discussion (2 points):

• Be prepared for questions from peers or the instructor.
• Respond thoughtfully, demonstrating a deeper understanding of the topic.

III. Unresolved Conflict Simulation Game Instructions

Overview:

The "Frozen" Conflict Simulation Game is designed to provide students with a practical understanding of the dynamics surrounding unresilved conflict dynamics in the Caucasus. Each student will take on the role of a key stakeholder (e.g., a government representative, international organization, or local actor) involved in a specific conflict. Through this simulation, students will experience the complexity of negotiations, explore conflict management strategies, and attempt to create paths toward conflict resolution or sustainable conflict management.

Objectives:

• To understand the key interests, motivations, and strategies of various stakeholders in frozen conflicts.
• To explore possible pathways to conflict management or resolution.
• To develop negotiation, critical thinking, and strategic communication skills in the context of real-world political conflicts.

Key Unresolved Conflicts Covered:

1. Nagorno-Karabakh (Armenia-Azerbaijan)
2. Abkhazia (Georgia)
3. South Ossetia (Georgia)
4. Chechnya (Russia)

Simulation Structure:

1. Role Assignment:

Each student will be assigned a role representing one of the key actors in the frozen conflict of their choice. Actors can include:

• National Governments (e.g., Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine)
• De Facto Authorities (e.g., Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Transnistria)
• International Organizations (e.g., OSCE Minsk Group, UN, NATO, EU)
• Regional Actors (e.g., Turkey, Russia, Iran)
• Civil Society/NGOs (e.g., local peace groups, international humanitarian organizations)

2. Preparation:

Students must thoroughly research their assigned roles to understand:

• The actor’s historical involvement in the conflict.
• The actor’s core interests, goals, issues at stake and red lines.
• Previous attempts at negotiations or resolutions.
• Strategies used by the actor to either manage or exacerbate the conflict.

Deliverables Before the Game (11.12.2024)

• Submit a 1-page position paper outlining your actor’s stance on the conflict and key objectives in the negotiation.
• Identify potential alliances or adversaries among the participants.

3. Simulation Phases:

Phase 1: Opening Statements (5 minutes)

• Each participant delivers a 5-minute opening statement, outlining their position, interests, and what they hope to achieve during the simulation. This statement should be clear and strategic, laying the groundwork for negotiations.

Phase 2: Negotiation Rounds (45 minutes)

• Participants engage in two rounds of negotiations, where they seek to achieve their objectives by making alliances, compromises, or leveraging external support.
• Round 1 (20 minutes): Focuses on identifying common ground or conflicts of interest among participants.
• Round 2 (25 minutes): Intense negotiation round where actors push for their core objectives and attempt to develop agreements or strategies.
• Facilitators will moderate the discussions and provide prompts if necessary to ensure progress.

Phase 3: Proposal and Counter-Proposal (15 minutes)

• Each actor or group of actors proposes a conflict management or resolution strategy based on the negotiations.
• Other participants may counter-propose or endorse the strategies presented.
• Facilitators will prompt actors to explain how their proposals address key conflict drivers (e.g., security, autonomy, sovereignty, external influence).

Phase 4: Final Agreement or Stalemate Declaration (10 minutes)

• Actors work together to determine if a mutual agreement can be reached on managing the conflict.
• If no agreement is possible, actors must explain why and what barriers prevented resolution or conflict management.

Key Considerations for the Simulation:

1. Interests and Strategies:

• National Governments: Focus on territorial integrity, sovereignty, and security concerns.
• De Facto Authorities: Push for recognition, autonomy, or full independence.
• International Organizations: Advocate for conflict resolution frameworks, peacekeeping missions, or humanitarian aid.
• External Actors (Russia, Turkey): Balance regional influence, military presence, and geopolitical interests.

2. Flexibility in Negotiations:

While each actor has firm goals, students are encouraged to think creatively about alliances, compromises, and back-channel diplomacy to reach an outcome. Keep in mind:

• Who shares similar interests?
• What concessions are you willing to make to achieve a broader goal?

3. Time Management:

Negotiations will be time-sensitive. Each round has a clear deadline, and participants must make decisions based on the time constraints. Strategic communication and clear objectives are essential.

Post-Simulation Reflection Paper (20 points) 18.12.2023

After the simulation, students will submit a 1,500-word reflection paper analyzing:

1. The role they played and the strategy they adopted.
2. The successes and failures of the negotiation process.
3. How the simulation mirrored real-world conflict dynamics.
4. Lessons learned about frozen conflict management and resolution.

Deadline for Reflection Paper: One week after the simulation.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Position Paper (10 points): Clear understanding of the role, position, and historical context.
• Simulation Participation (20 points): Active engagement, negotiation skills, and strategic thinking.
• Reflection Paper (20 points): Analysis of the simulation experience and application of theory to practice.

Important Dates:

• Role Assignment: Two weeks before the simulation (November 27, through IS)
• Position Paper Submission: One week before the simulation (December 4 into the IS folder)
• Simulation Date: Week 12 (December 11 in the class)
• Reflection Paper Submission: Week 13 (Dec 18, 2024).

Key Tips for Success:

1. Prepare Thoroughly: Research your actor's interests, alliances, and past behavior. A well-prepared participant will have the upper hand in negotiations.
2. Engage Actively: Be vocal during the simulation, but also listen carefully to other participants. Strategic alliances can help achieve objectives.
3. Be Creative: Think outside the box when proposing solutions or negotiating with others. Flexibility and creativity often lead to the best outcomes in conflict resolution.

Grading Breakdown

• Student Presentations: 10 points
• Conflict Simulation Game: 50 points

Final Grading Scale:
A: 56 – 60 points
B: 51 – 55 points
C: 46 – 50 points
D: 41 – 45 points
E: 36 – 40 points
F: Less than 36 points

Plagiarism Policy

Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any use of material without proper attribution will result in a failing grade and may lead to further disciplinary action. Please refer to the university’s plagiarism policy and follow proper citation guidelines.