POLS 080. Civil Wars (IR)

Civil wars are the dominant form of armed conflict in the contemporary world. Why do they erupt, why do some last for decades, and what makes peace possible? Drawing on political science scholarship and cases from around the world, this course examines the causes, dynamics, and consequences of civil war. We explore how armed groups mobilize and govern, why violence takes different forms, and how civilians navigate and respond to war. We also consider the gendered dimensions of conflict and how evolving technologies are reshaping warfare. Finally, we examine the role of external intervention and the challenges of building lasting peace. Students will engage with competing theories and research approaches and undertake an in-depth case study of a civil war.
Political sciences.
1 credit.
Eligible for GLBL- core; GSST, PEAC; PPE; ESCH.
Spring 2027. Paddon Rhoads.
Catalog chapter: Political Science
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/political-science

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