Deadline:
April 30, 2026
Program Starts: May 20, 2026
Program Ends: May 22, 2026
Location(s)
Switzerland
Basel
Overview
Details
This course explores how climate change and international and national climate policies impact conflicts. The course introduces the key economic, political, and social concepts that have served to hypothesize and investigate the causal linkages between natural resources and conflicts. It looks at the technological and policy drivers of Greenhouse Gas Emissions since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution and explores the foundations of global and climate policies, with focus on the most recent developments. Bringing these two discussions together, students explore, reflect upon, and discuss which regions and countries are affected, and how different stakeholders can contribute to mitigating climate-induced conflicts.
- Gain an overview of key social science concepts developed to understand natural resource conflicts;
- reflect on the technological and policy drivers behind rising Greenhouse Gas Emissions since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution;
- learn how global climate policy has evolved and its current status;
- look at examples of conflicts linked to natural resources and potential and actual policy dilemmas underpinning these;
- reflect on the impacts of climate change on different regions, the responses and coping mechanisms people pursue, and the climate policies that governments develop;
- reflect on the role of international development banks and the private sector in financing the energy transition and nature-based solutions;
- exchange experiences and become part of a community of practice.
Experts:
- Dr Evelyn Dietsche, Associate Fellow, swisspeace and Member of the World Bank Inspection Panel (Course Lead)
- Dr Martina Santschi, Senior Researcher & Senior Program Officer, Statehood & Conflict, swisspeace
- Further experts will be confirmed
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
This course is designed for practitioners and academics interested in complementing their own experiences with current conceptual insights and practical knowledge on the nexus of climate change, natural resources and conflict.
Candidates must have:
- a university degree in a related discipline such as political science, law, economics or sociology
- at least two years of professional experience;
- a good command of English.
Dates
Deadline: April 30, 2026
Program starts:
May 20, 2026
Program ends:
May 22, 2026
Program Starts: May 20, 2026
Program Ends: May 22, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
TUITION FEE: 1,700 CHF
Unfortunately, we cannot provide scholarships for this course. Participants (or their employer) must be able to cover the tuition fee.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
