About this course
This three-week Academic Programme provides an engaging exploration of war, conflict, and peace through the study of International Relations (IR). It introduces participants to key theoretical perspectives, including realism, liberalism, constructivism, and postcolonial approaches, examining how these theories explain relations between states and the causes of conflict. The programme also considers the influence of culture, religion, identity, and other social and political factors on conflict within and between states.
Building on this theoretical foundation, participants will examine five selected conflicts from different historical periods and regions. These case studies explore issues such as colonialism, struggles for independence, religious domination, gender discrimination, authoritarianism, distrust, and geographical or historical tensions. Participants will apply different IR theories to understand the causes, development, and attempted resolution of these conflicts.
The final part of the programme focuses on peace, peacekeeping, and post-conflict justice. Participants will explore the role of the United Nations, its Charter and principal organs, the Security Council, the International Court of Justice, and regional peacekeeping mechanisms. The programme concludes by critically examining approaches to resolving past conflicts and considering how justice, cooperation, and international institutions can contribute to sustainable peace in an evolving global environment.
Course Convenor: Elizabeth Nwarueze
Elizabeth Nwarueze is a DPhil In Law Candidate and Rhodes Scholar at Trinity College. She researches international law with a focus on law of the sea. Her doctoral research is on the role of private actors in the law of the sea and maritime operations.
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Laws from University of Ibadan, a BCL and MPhil in Law from University of Oxford. She has studied at the Hague Academy of International Law (Directed Studies 2022), the Yeosu Academy of the Law of the Sea (2022) and International Law Seminar (2024). Before starting her studies at Oxford, Elizabeth was called to the Nigerian Bar and practised as legal associate at a top-tier law firm.
In addition to studying, Elizabeth has participated in milestone legal development in international maritime affairs including the final negotiations and adoption of the The Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). She has also contributed to regional ocean policy documents with the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Institute and Atlantic Centre, Portugal.
Elizabeth's research has been published in the Routledge Handbook on Climate Law and Governance, Temple University International and Comparative Law Journal and the Journal of Conflict, Security and Development, in addition to blogposts on specific matters in law of the sea. She has discussed her research at the United States Naval War College and the Korean Maritime Institute. At Oxford, Elizabeth has taught Peace and Conflict.
Elizabeth currently advises the Group of African States on the adoption of the NetZero Framework for shipping decarbonisation (MARPOL Chapter V) at the International Maritime Organisation.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the Programme, participants will understand the following:
- IR Theories and Causes of Conflict – Participants will explain key International Relations theories, including realism, liberalism, constructivism, and postcolonial approaches, and their perspectives on war, conflict, and peace. They will be able to identify and analyse the causes of conflict within and between states, including cultural, religious, political, historical, geographical, and identity-based factors.
- Apply IR Theories to Conflict – Participants will analyse real-world conflicts from different historical periods and geographical contexts. Participants will also be able to compare different perspectives on conflict, including the roles of colonialism, struggles for independence, religious domination, gender discrimination, authoritarianism, distrust, and territorial tensions.
- Conflict Resolution – Participants will evaluate approaches to conflict resolution and peacebuilding, considering their strengths, limitations, and implications for sustainable peace.
- Institutional Peacebuilding – Participants will explain the role of international institutions in maintaining peace, particularly the United Nations, Security Council, and International Court of Justice.
- Challenges to the UN System and International Peace – Participants will assess contemporary challenges to international peacekeeping, including state consent, compliance with international decisions, and changing commitments to multilateral institutions. Participants will also examine regional approaches to peacekeeping and conflict resolution and their contribution to international peace and security.
- Synthesise Conflict and Peace – Participants will critically examine the relationship between peace and justice, recognising that different communities and groups may understand these concepts differently. Participants will also develop critical analytical skills for assessing conflicts and proposing informed approaches to promoting and sustaining peace.
Who is this course suitable for?
This course would suit students from a range of academic disciplines, but especially those with a background or interest in International Relations, Politics, History, Sociology, or Sustainable Development.
Dates and availability
Available as a Residential or Online course on the following dates:
Session 3: 9th August - 27th August 2027