Classes will meet at CSIS in Washington, DC
GEO 700 | Authoritarianism Today | Natalie Koch
This is an advanced course on the political geography of authoritarianism. Authoritarianism is often imagined as fitting in the neat political borders of a territorial state: some countries are democratic, others authoritarian. Yet scholars, policymakers, and practitioners all understand that authoritarianism today is not territorially-bounded – that authoritarian ideas, actors, and practices routinely stretch across international borders. How, then, should we define and locate authoritarianism? For those committed to democratic governance, how should we address the non- or extra-territorial challenges of authoritarianism? This class addresses these questions through examining authoritarianism outside of the traditional state-focused approach, asking how actors in different institutions and policy fields deal with the phenomenon. It draws on case studies from around the world, and testimonials from individuals working in various institutions around Washington, D.C. to examine the challenges of authoritarianism todayPSC 719 | Fundamentals of Post-Conflict Reconstruction | Renee de Nevers
The goal of this class is to familiarize students with the main concepts of post conflict stabilization and reconstruction, the various dimensions and goals of post-conflict work, the actors involved, the trade-offs and dilemmas they face, and the lessons learned from recent cases. The course address many of the key issues that frame debates in post-conflict reconstruction work: the tension between externally and internally generated recovery efforts; the challenges of civilian-military cooperation in post-conflict zones; the trade-offs between stability and liberty; the possibilities and weaknesses of peace and reconciliation efforts; and the quest for viable exit strategies for international actors. It will also examine the applied side of post-conflict reconstruction; the techniques and tools used by international intermediaries (states, IOs and NGOs) as well as local stakeholders to help societies in transition from violence to sustainable peace.
Students are accepted on a rolling basis as space permits.