Preventing Violent Conflicts Course - Swisspeace Foundation

Course description

Conflict prevention remains high on the international policy agenda. Conflicts such as the ones in Syria, South Sudan, or Yemen have only increased interest in how to prevent violent conflicts, locally, nationally as well as internationally. This virtual course provides a unique opportunity to explore different conceptual, thematic, and practical issues of conflict prevention with a large and diverse selection of experts and experienced practitioners.

After an introduction to the notion of conflict prevention, an overview of the international policy framework, and different approaches, the course will explore two highly relevant thematic issues related to contemporary conflicts: migration and dealing with the past. Both issues will be discussed in their complex relationship with conflict, both as a driver and consequence of violence, as well as in their potential for prevention – illustrated with practical examples from the conflict contexts. Another main focus of the course will be on the potential and practical application of conflict prevention methods. The course will also provide in-depth insights into conflict sensitivity and different approaches of early warning and early response systems. We will analyze lessons learned in managing the risks of violent conflicts during times of transitions based on the case studies of Tunisia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kenya.

The course will provide in-depth insights into different early warning and early response systems.

Throughout the course, the emphasis is on how the various concepts and methods and the practical insights can be applied to participants’ own work and contexts.

Course structure

This course is offered in an interactive virtual format. The course consists of preparatory readings, 3 days of virtually facilitated course, and individual tasks in-between course days.

Course methodologies

The course uses innovative teaching techniques to enhance the learning experience of our participants. These include:

• Expert inputs from and exchange with international practitioners;
• Exercises and case studies in which participants apply the acquired knowledge and skills and relate them to their own experiences;
• Peer exchange during which participants share best practices and develop strategies to face potential challenges in preventing violent conflicts;
• Self-reflection, in which participants deepen their knowledge on specific concepts, tools and approaches and get feedback from trainers.

Your benefits

Reflect on the topics of migration and dealing with the past from a conflict prevention perspective.

In this course participants will:

• Examine the notion of conflict prevention and learn about theoretical and practical aspects of conflict prevention methods;
• Reflect on the topics of migration and dealing with the past from a conflict prevention perspective;
• Explore the potential and practical application of conflict prevention methods such as early warning and early response or conflict sensitivity in different contexts;
• Learn how to design conflict prevention measures in light of their opportunities and challenges;
• Learn from experienced conflict prevention practitioners, identify best practices, and draw lessons from other contexts for their own work;
• Exchange experiences and become part of a community of practice.