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:
- Critically engage with
theories of internal armed conflicts.
- Understand conflict
escalation processes in the Caucasus region.
- Analyze the political,
socio-economic, and systemic factors that trigger conflict.
- Assess the role of
external actors in conflict and resolution efforts.
- 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:
- Nagorno-Karabakh
(Armenia-Azerbaijan)
- Abkhazia (Georgia)
- South Ossetia (Georgia)
- 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:
- The role they played and
the strategy they adopted.
- The successes and
failures of the negotiation process.
- How the simulation
mirrored real-world conflict dynamics.
- 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:
- Prepare Thoroughly:
Research your actor's interests, alliances, and past behavior. A
well-prepared participant will have the upper hand in negotiations.
- Engage Actively:
Be vocal during the simulation, but also listen carefully to other
participants. Strategic alliances can help achieve objectives.
- 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.