Peace and Conflict in the Modern World

Presented by Ernesto Verdeja

War, mass atrocities, xenophobia, authoritarianism, social polarization - the news paints a daunting picture of the modern world. What are the causes of violence, and what can we do to promote peace and justice? This course investigates the causes of political violence and also peacebuilding and justice strategies in multiple contexts. We will cover a range of cases, from the international to the national and local levels. The class draws on a wide array of readings and academic disciplines to explore these topics.

About Ernesto Verdeja

Ernesto Verdeja is Associate Professor of Peace Studies and Global Politics at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, Keough School of Global Affairs. Verdeja's research focuses on the causes and prevention of mass atrocities and genocide, as well as on political reconciliation, justice, reparations, and the role of new technologies in peace and violence. He also consults regularly with governments and human rights organizations, and he is the Executive Director of the nonprofit human rights organization, Institute for the Study of Genocide. His website is everdeja.weebly.com.