WAR AND PEACE IN AFRICA Overall Course

Module : DAFF 2280A
Juliana LIMA VAZ DE CARVALHO
2nd semestre 2014/2015
WAR AND PEACE IN AFRICA
Overall Course Description
This course aims to provide students with a broad set of analytic tools that will enable a better
comprehension of dilemmas evolving war and peace in and within the African continent. One of the main
goals of the course is to arise critical reflexion drawing from the study of empirical academic work and
the analysis of case studies. Other methodological/pedagogical supports such as documentaries, Ngo’s
reports and press articles will be introduced to arise discussion among students. The first part of the
course will offer a broad review of the theoretical approaches to war and peace, which underpin the
study of conflict and post-conflict societies in Africa. The second part will cover a range of academic
issues that are essential to the understanding of the various natures of conflict and peace building
strategies in Africa such as: war and state building, conflict and state failure, African guerrillas, child
soldiers, political economy of war, liberal peacebuilding and state reconstruction, transitional justice.
Assignments and evaluation
All core readings and movies are to be read/seen before class. A set of core questions is proposed for
each lecture. They are supposed to help students prepare for the lecture. They also serve as a guide for
reading assignments. Students should be able to answer it in class.
Evaluation will be based on the comprehension of the subject, on the knowledge of the basic literature,
on the ability to mobilize examples to support the unfolding of the argument, and the capacity to engage
critical analysis. Ability to develop logical thinking and expose the main argument in a clear and
objective way will also be evaluated.
Students should be aware that plagiarism is considered a major academic offense and will be severely
punished.
Thematic Discussion (30%):
Assigned students should prepare a critical discussion on the topic presented in the pedagogical
support indicated for the lecture: a film (fiction or documentary), a press review, an interview, a NGO
report, a court’s decision. Evaluation will be based on the capacity of students to engage critical
argumentation on the topic assigned, to summarize it in a limited time and to engage discussion with
other students.
Oral presentation should not exceed 15 minutes. There is no requirement for a written version of the
presentation.
This is a group assignment. Grading will be the same for all students in the group, but one or two
students may hold oral presentation.
* Grades can be augmented of at most 1 point, individually, according to each students’ participation on
other class activities.
Oral Group Presentation (30%):
Students are expected to provide a problematized overview of the subject presented.
Oral presentation should not exceed 20 minutes. A written summary of the oral presentation must be
distributed to all students the day of the presentation. A full version of the oral presentation should be
sent by mail to the teacher 24h before the date of the presentation.
This is a group assignment. Grading will be the same for all students in the group, but oral presentation
may be held by one or two students.
Essay (40%): Ending conflict in Africa : case study
This is an individual assignment based on a case study (to be validated with the teacher by session 3).
Please use Times New Roman, double space, maximum 20 pages.
Written papers are due on Session 10 (- 0,5 points for each day of delay).
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Module : DAFF 2280A
Juliana LIMA VAZ DE CARVALHO
2nd semestre 2014/2015
Lectures Program
Session 1 (January, 30) – Introductory Lecture
The Africa Quizz
To prepare for this lecture students should be familiar at least with the political map of Africa (colonial
and post-colonial) as well as with 20th Century’s map of conflicts in the continent. Students are
encouraged to take a look at Sciences-Po web site on cartography (http://cartographie.sciences-po.fr/).
Session 2 (February, 6) – Conceptualizing War and Peace
Questions:
1. How have social scientists defined war and peace?
2. War vs. peace: is this dichotomy pertinent? Give examples to support your answer.
Class discussion: a short text will be presented for a broad discussion among all
students (there is no class discussion group assignment for lecture 2)
Core readings
- Galtung, Johan. “Violence, Peace and Peace Research,” Journal of Peace Research, Vol. 6, No. 3,
1969
- Hassner, Pierre. « Les concepts de guerre et de paix chez Kant », Revue française de science
politique, 11(3), sept. 1961, pp. 642-670.
Further readings
- Walzer M., Guerres Justes et Injustes, Paris, Belin, 1999 [1977]: 33-55
Session 3 (February, 13) – New Theories, New Wars?
Questions:
1. What characterizes “old” and “new” wars according to Mary Kaldor?
2. Social factor are as important as economical and geographical issues when considering causes
of conflict. Discuss.
Class discussion: War on terror in Africa (press review)
Students can chose on a case study or a more global approach to address the subject.
Core readings
- Paul Collier, « Economic Causes of Civil Conflict and Their Implications for Policy », In Chester A.
Crocker, Fen Osler Hampson et Pamela Aal (dir.), Turbulent Peace : the challenges of managing
International Conflict, USIP, Washington D.C., 2007, pp. 143-162.
- Mary Kaldor, New and old wars. Organized violence in a global era , 2d édition, Polity Press,
Cambridge, 2006 : Chapiter 3, Old Wars, pp. 15-32 and Chapitre 4, The Politics of New War, pp. 72-94.
Further readings
- Pierre Hassner et Roland Marchal (dir.), Guerres et sociétés, Etat et violence après la Guerre froide,
Paris, Karthala, 2003 : Introduction de Pierre Hassner, pp. 5-21 et Conclusion de Roland Marchal
- Marchal, Roland. et Messiant, Christine., « De l’avidité des rebelles. L’analyse économique de la
guerre civile selon Paul Collier », Critique internationale, 16, juillet 2002, pp. 58-69.
Thematic oral presentation
On why local dynamics of conflict are never only local
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Module : DAFF 2280A
Juliana LIMA VAZ DE CARVALHO
2nd semestre 2014/2015
Session 4 (February, 20) – Cold War in Africa
Questions:
1. How has cold war dynamics influenced the African continent?
2. Identify at least two decolonization processes in with major cold war actors played an important
role. Describe how liberation struggles were affected by cold war dynamics in these cases.
Class discussion: Cuba in Africa
On the film Cuba, An African Odyssey, from Jihan El-Tahri, 2007 Core readings
- Suri, Jeremi, « The Cold War, decolonization, and global social awakenings: historical intersections »,
Cold War History 6 (iii) (2006), 353-63
- Kanet, Roger E., « Superpower quest for empire: the Cold War and Soviet support for wars of national
liberation », Cold War History, 6, iii (2006), 331-52
Further readings
- Kapuscinski, Ryszard Another Day of Life (Penguin, 1987: 1st ed. 1976)
- Westad, Odd Arne, « Moscow and the Angolan crisis 1974-76: a new pattern of intervention », Cold
War International History Project Bulletin, Issues 8-9, pp21-32
- Gleijeses, Piero, ‘Havanna’s policy in Africa; new evidence from the Cuban archives’, Cold War
International History Project Bulletin, Issues 8-9, pp5-8
- Shubin, Vladimir, ‘Unsung heroes: the Soviet military and the liberation of southern Africa’, Cold War
History, 7, ii (2007), 251-62
- George, Edward, The cuban intervention in Angola, 1965-91: From Che Guevara to Cuito Cuanavale
(London, 2005)
Thematic oral presentation:
The cold war fought in Africa
Session 5 (March, 6) – War And State Formation
Questions:
1. Does conflict lead to failed states?
2. What are the effects of conflict on state building dynamics?
Class discussion: Media’s coverage on African Wars
Autour de : Arrêt sur images: Les trous noirs de l’information Core readings
- Tilly, Charles., « La guerre et la construction de l’État en tant que crime organisé », Politix 13(49), 2000,
pp. 97-122.
- Bayart, Jean-François, « La guerre en Afrique. Dépérissement ou formation de l’État », Esprit, 247,
1998, pp. 55-73.
Further readings
- Paul Richards (dir.), No Peace, No War : an anthropology of contemporary armed conflicts: in
memoriam Bernhard Helander, Athens, Ohio, Ohio University Press; Oxford, J. Currey, 2005 : specially,
Paul Richards’ introduction, pp. 1-21.
- J.-F. Bayart, S. Ellis, B. Hibou & International African Institute, The criminalization of the state in Africa,
London Bloomington International African Institute in association with J. Currey Oxford ; Indiana
University Press 1999
Thematic oral presentation : War and State failure
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Module : DAFF 2280A
Juliana LIMA VAZ DE CARVALHO
2nd semestre 2014/2015
Session 6 (March, 13) – African guerrillas
Questions:
1. Are guerrillas an ‘African problem’?
2. How does mainstream vision of African guerrillas contribute to the greed and grievance debate?
Class discussion: On “Invisible Children”
Look at the international campaign: http://invisiblechildren.com/kony-2012/
Core readings
- M. Bøås and K. C. Dunn (eds.), African guerrillas: raging against the machine ?, Boulder : Col., Lynne
Rienner Publishers, 2007, pp. 9-37
- William Reno, Warlord Politics and African States, Bolder : Lynne Rienner Publishers, 1998:
introduction
- Clapham, Christopher, African Guerrillas, Oxford, 1998, introduction, pp. 1-18
Further readings
- Reno, William, Warlord Politics and African States, Bolder : Lynne Rienner Publishers, 1998: chapters
3, 4 and 5
- Cramer, Chris, Civil War is Not a Stupid Thing : Accounting for violence in Developing Countries,
Hurst : London, 2006 : introduction and conclusion
Thematic oral presentation
A case study on Uganda’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA)
Session 7 (March, 20) – (Des-)Engaging in War
Questions:
1. What motivates civil engagement in war?
2. What sorts of policies have been developed to re-integrate ex-combatants in civil life?
3. What do you know about DDR programs?
Class discussion: Child soldier: A critical look on Filmography
Films: Johnny Mad Dog (2008) EZRA (2007)
Reading suggestions : Representing Child Soldiers in Fiction and Filme, Peace Review, Vol. 24 , N. 3,
p. 205 (&) Jézéquel Jean-Hervé, « Les enfants soldats d'Afrique, un phénomène
singulier ? », Vingtième Siècle. Revue d'histoire 1/ 2006 (no 89), p. 99-108
Core readings
- Debos, Marielle, “Living by the gun in Chad: armed violence as a practical occupation”, J. of Modern
African Studies, 49,3 (2011) pp.409-428, Cambridge University Press, 2011
- Verweijen, Judith, « Military business and the business of the military in the Kivus », Review of African
Political Economy, 40 (135), p. 67-82.
Further readings
- M. Debos, “Fluid Loyalties in a Regional Crisis: Chadian 'Ex-Liberators' in the Central African
Republic”, African Affairs, Vol. 107, No. 427 (Apr., 2008), pp. 225-241 !
- Baaz, Maria Eriksson, Verweijen, Judith, “Arbiters with guns: the ambiguity of military involvement in
civilian disputes in the DR Congo“, Third World Quarterly, 35(5). p.803-820
Thematic oral presentation
From Guerrilla to Political Party : A case study on Angola’s Unita
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Module : DAFF 2280A
Juliana LIMA VAZ DE CARVALHO
2nd semestre 2014/2015
Session 8 (March, 27) – Identity, Ethnicity and War
Questions:
1. Ethnicity plays a major role in recent inter-state conflicts. Discuss.
2. Labor division in war: do women and men play the same role in war?
Class discussion: Ethnicity and conflit
Class discussion on the film My neighbor, my killer, A. Aghion, 2009
Core readings
- Brown, Michael E., « The Causes of Internal Conflict: An Overview », in Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict
(Michael E. Brown, Owen R. Coté, Jr., Sean M. Lynn‐Jones, & Steven E. Miller, eds., Cambridge, Mass.
& London, England: MIT Press, 2001): pp. 3‐25.
- Mamdani, Mahmmod, When victims become killers: colonialism, nativism and genocide in Rwanda,
Princeton University Press, 2001, pp. 19-39
Further readings
R. Kapuściński, “A lecture on Rwanda”, in The shadow of the sun, New York, Vintage Books, 2001, pp.
165-182
Thematic oral presentation :
Gender and conflict: sexual violence in contemporary conflict zones
Session 9 (April, 4) – The Politics of International Interventions In Africa
Questions:
1. What is the ‘responsibility to protect’?
2. What is at stake in international interventions in Africa?
3. What defines the ‘success’ or ‘failure’ of an international intervention?
Class discussion: The International Community and Darfour
Class discussion on excerpts from On Our watch from BBC’s FrontLine, available at :
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/darfur/
Reading suggestion : Rebecca Hamilton et Chad Hazlett, « ‘Not On Our Watch’ The Emergence of the
American Movement for Darfur », In Alex de Waal (dir.) War in Darfur and the search for peace, Harvard,
Global Equity Initiative, 2007, pp. 337-366.
Carte : Conflit au Darfour, début 2007 http://cartographie.sciences-po.fr/fr/conflit-au-darfour-d-2007
Core readings
- The failures: Somalia, Rwanda, Angola, Bosnia”, in Howard Morjé L., UN Peacekeeping in Civil Wars,
Cambridge ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2008, pp. 21-51.
- Mamdani, Mahmmod, “ The politics of naming: genocide, civil war, insurgency” London Review of
Books 29(5), 8 march 2007, http://www.lrb.co.uk/v29/n05/mahmood-mamdani/the-politics-of-
naming-genocide-civil-war-insurgency
Further readings
- United Nations Departement of Peacekeeping Operations, Handbook on United Nations
Multidimensional Peacekeeping, New York : United Nations, 2003 : pages 1-7
- Autesserre, Severine, The trouble with the Congo: local violence and the failure of International
Peacebuilding, Cambridge University Press, 2010
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Module : DAFF 2280A
Juliana LIMA VAZ DE CARVALHO
2nd semestre 2014/2015
- Orford, A., International authority and the responsibility to protect, Cambridge; New York ; Melbourne
[etc.] : Cambridge University Press, 2011, Chapters 1 “Protection in the shadow of Empire”, pp. 1-41;
- Duffield Mark, « The Liberal Way of Development and the Development-Security Impasse: Exploring
the Global Life-Chance Divide’ », Security Dialogue, vol. 40, 2010, p. 53-76.
Thematic oral presentation:
Preventing war, prescribing peace
Session 10 (April, 11) – Ending War : From Conflict To Peace (1)
Questions:
1. How do civil wars end?
2. What are the implications of peacebuilding strategies on post-conflict policies?
3. Questioning time lines and categories: ‘conflict’ and ‘post conflict’
Class discussion: Analyzing institutional position
Crossed analysis on two institutional positions on conflict in Africa: African Union Peace and Security
Counsel’s strategy and the United Nations Security Counsel’s strategy
Carte: Afrique, opérations de paix et réfugiés - 2007-2008
http://cartographie.sciences-po.fr/fr/afrique-op-rations-de-paix-et-r-fugi-s-2007-2008
Core readings
- Graybill, Lyn S, “Pardon, punishment and amnesia: three African post-conflict methods”, Third World
Quarterly, (2004) vol.25: n°6, p.1117-1130.
- Paris, Roland. At War’s End: Building Peace After Civil Conflict. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press, 2004: Introduction, Chapter 1, 2 (pages 1-51)
- Lefranc, Sandrine, « Convertir le grand nombre à la paix. Une ingénierie internationale de
pacification », Politix, 80, 2007, p. 7-29.
Further readings
- Actes de la Recherche en Sciences Sociales, Dossier special : Pacifier et punir (1) : Les crimes de
guerre et l'ordre juridique international, n. 173, 2008
- Actes de la Recherche en Sciences Sociales, Dossier special : Pacifier et punir (2) : La force du Droit
Internationale et le marché de la paix, n. 174, 2008 - Kriesberg, L., “The Evolution of Conflict Resolution”, in J. Bercovitch, V. Kremenyuk and William
Zartman, SAGE Handbook of conflict resolution, 2009, pp. 15-32
- Jeangrène Vilmer, Jean-Baptiste, Pas de paix sans justice ? Le dilemme de la paix et de la justice en
sortie de conflit armé, Paris, Presses de Sciences Po, 2011.
- Après le conflit, la reconciliation ? Actes révisés des journées d’études organisées les 12 et 13
décembre 2005, ISP, CNRS/Université Paris X, et ENS Cachan. Textes réunis par Sandrine Lefranc,
Paris, Houdiard, 2006.
Thematic oral presentation:
Peace vs. Justice? A comparative case study (students should choose at least two African countries
for a comparative analysis on peacebuilding strategies)
Session 11 (April, 17) – Ending War : From Conflict To Peace (2)
Questions:
1. Stabilizing peace: transitional justice, myth or reality?
2. How do peace building and peacekeeping norms and practices circulate?
Class discussion: Analysis of an ICC (International Criminal Court) decision
Core readings
6
Module : DAFF 2280A
Juliana LIMA VAZ DE CARVALHO
2nd semestre 2014/2015
- Lefranc, Sandrine, "The Emergence of Transitional Justice as a Professional International Practice",
avec F. Vairel, in V. Galimi, L. Israël et G. Mouralis (eds), Coming to terms with War and Dictatorship,
2011.
- Lefranc, Sandrine, « Pacifier, scientifiquement. Les ONG spécialisées dans la résolution des conflits »,
in Le Pape M., Siméant J., Vidal C. (ed.), Face aux crises extrêmes. Face aux massacres, aux guerres
civiles et aux génocides, Paris, La Découverte, pp. 238-254.
Further readings
- Analyses of ICTJ and ICG reports on Conflict/Post-Conflict in Africa
- Analyses of SFCG, Global Witness and International Alert’s presence in AFrica, focus on peacebuilding
and conflict preventing strategies
Thematic Oral Presentation:
Case study on two NGO’s presence and strategies in African’s conflict and/or post-conflict situation:
ICTJ and SFCG
Session 12 (April, 24) – The Regionalization Of Conflict
Questions:
1. What is a regional conflict system (how can it be identified and characterized)?
2. What are the implications of regional conflict on peace building strategies and policies?
3. Forced migration and the regionalization of conflict. Discuss.
Class discussion: Boko-Haram, Regional danger? (Press review)
Afrique, Les États du Sahel et leur environnement stratégique, fin 2012 http://cartographie.sciencespo.fr/fr/afrique-les-tats-du-sahel-et-leur-environnement-strat-gique-fin-2012
Core readings
- Afrique, un système régional de conflits : Darfour, Tchad, République Centrafricaine - 2003-2008
http://cartographie.sciences-po.fr/fr/afrique-un-syst-me-r-gional-de-conflits-darfour-tchad-r-publiquecentrafricaine-2003-2008
- Debos, Marielle, “Fluid Loyalties in a Regional Crisis: Chadian 'Ex-Liberators' in the Central African
Republic”, African Affairs, Vol. 107, No. 427 (Apr., 2008), pp. 225-241
- Politique Africaine, 2002, (4) Dossier spécial : « Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinée :la régionalisation de la
guerre », notamment, l’introduction : « Liberia, Sierra Leone et Guinée: une guerre sans frontières? »
Further readings
- Giroux, Jennifer, Lanz, David and Sguaitamatti, Damiano (2009) The tormented triangle: the
regionalisation of conflict in Sudan, Chad, and the Central African Republic. Crisis States Research
Centre working papers series 2, 47. Crisis States Research Centre, London School of Economics and
Political Science, London.
- Central African Republic Crisis and its Regional Humanitarian Impact: AN OVERVIEW OF NEEDS AND
REQUIREMENTS: Central African Republic, Chad, Cameroon,Democratic Republic of the Congo and
Congo, UN, OHCA
Thematic Oral Presentation:
Refugees in regional conflicts
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