COURSE UNIT (MODULE) DESCRIPTION

Course unit (module) title

Conceptualizing Conflicts in the Post-Soviet Space
Lecturer(s)

Code

Department(s) where the course unit (module) is

delivered
IIRPS, Department of International Relations

Dr. Gravydas Jasutis

Study cycle

Type of the course unit (module)

Elective

Mode of delivery

Period when the course unit

(module) is delivered

Class and homework assignments

English
Requirements for students
Additional requirements (if any):
Basic knowledge of security situation in the post-soviet
space and general understanding of international relations
history

Prerequisites:
Sufficient level of English (B2)

Course (module) volume in

credits
5

Language(s) of instruction

Total students workload

130

Contact hours
32

Self-study hours
98

Purpose of the course unit (module): programme competences to be developed

Conceptualizing conflicts in the post-soviet space course is a cross-disciplinary field of study that invites participants to
heighten their understanding of current international security and conflict analysis in the post-soviet space. It offers:
unique and original, practice-based, methodologically sound program to specialize in two dimensions which seek a
disciplined review of conflict management and security challenges, applying them to the current conflicts in the post-soviet
space.
The course asks very fundamental questions about the unification of South Ossetia with North Ossetia, nationalism in
Abkhazia, probability of war in Nagorno Karabakh, the insurgency in North Caucasus, the role of federal centre (Moscow)
and international structures in conflict management, hidden issues of Transdniestria conflict, the crisis in Ukraine, crossethnical issues in Dagestan, civil war in Tajikistan, gender questions and multiple case studies. The course successfully
merges theory and practice to explore the central concepts, perspectives and theories of conflicts resolution applying them to
the post-soviet space. A complete conflict mapping includes an analysis of underlying sources, causes, factors, stakeholders,
their interests and positions, and conflict dynamics, as well as an assessment of various methods of resolution that can
support conflict transformation processes. Moreover, the students will gain practical skills (field interview, human rights
monitoring, gender) to be applicable in their future carrier.
Learning outcomes of the course unit (module)
be able to explore the connections within post-soviet
space between conflict, violence, institutions,
conflict resolution and human rights
be able to apply theories of conflict resolution and
methodology of conflict analysis
be able to develop the attitudes, knowledge,
research and skills necessary to analyze any
dimension of conflicts in the post-soviet space
obtain fundamental knowledge to work in the post-

Teaching and learning

methods
Lecturing, individual
consultations, group
discussions, individual
assignments
Lecturing, individual
consultations, group
discussions, individual
assignments
Lecturing, group discussions,
individual assignments
Individual assignments,

Assessment methods
Assessment of work during
seminars, seminar paper, exam
Assessment of work during
seminars (simulation game),
seminar paper, exam
Assessment of work during
seminars (simulation game),
seminar paper, movie review,
exam
Assessment of work during

soviet countries dealing with conflict resolution,

conflict analysis and reconciliation.

practical tasks, lecturing

Self-study work: time and assignments

Self-study hours

Contact hours

Seminars

Tutorials

Content: breakdown of the topics

Lectures

Contact hours

seminars (simulations), seminar

paper

1.

Introduction to the course

2.

Understanding
methodology
profile, conflict
Understanding
triangle).

of conflict and its

(definition, conflict
stages and timetable).
of violence (ABC

3.

Case study - South Ossetia in light of

community relations theory:
introduction to the conflict
dynamics; explanation of the
community relations theory, its
practical applicability

4.

Gaining practical skills - how to

conduct field interviews (the case of
Georgian-South Ossetian conflict):
preparation, behavior, cultural
sensitivities, reporting, and analysis.
Scenarios.

Simulation and group work

Case study - Ukraine applicability

of timelines, conflict stages, conflict
trend analysis, ABC triangle of
violence and helix of needs-interestspositions

Essential reading: Sergei Markedonov. The

Crimean Question (2015)/
https://www.opendemocracy.net/od-russia/sergeimarkedonov/crimean-%E2%80%98question
%E2%80%99

Case study Conflict transformation

theory and Abkhazia. assessing
conflict transformation theory,
conflict stages and timelines,
Abkhazian-Georgian relations,

Reading the assigned literature: Marc H. Ross,

Creating the conditions for peacemaking:
theories of practice in ethnic conflict resolution,
Ethnic and Racial Studies, Volume 23, Issue 6,
(2000) 1002-1034 p.; Alexander Cooley, Lincoln
Mitchell After the August War: A New Strategy

5.

6.

Assignments

Academic requirements. Assessment method.

Current crisis and conflicts in the post-soviet
space.
Reading the assigned literature: Johan Galtung,
Cultural Violence, Journal of Peace Research,
Vol. 27, No. 3. (Aug., 1990): 291-305; Ethnic
Conflict and Violence in Heterogeneous
Societies, Journal of Social, Political and
Economic Studies, Vol. 37, No. 1, (Spring 2012):
38-66.
Group work and must-read before the class: G.
Toal, J. OLoughlin, Inside South Ossetia:
Survey of Attitudes in a De Facto State. PostSoviet Affairs. 29, 2, (2013) 136-172 p.;
Grazvydas Jasutis, Forward-looking solutions for
the Georgian and South Ossetian conflict: a path
towards reconciliation. Baltic Journal of Law &
Politics 6:2 (2013): 24-49 p.; Marc H. Ross,
Creating the conditions for peacemaking:
theories of practice in ethnic conflict resolution,
Ethnic and Racial Studies, Volume 23, Issue 6,
(2000) 1002-1034 p. Hugh Frazer and Mari
Fitzduff, Improving Community Relations,
Community Relations Council, CRC Pamphlet
No. 3 (1994), 58 p.; Mari Fitzduff, Approaches
to Community Relations, Community Relations
Council, CRC Pamphlet No. 1, (1991), 36 p.

potential for reconciliation

7.

for U.S. Engagement with Georgia, Harriman

Review Vol. 17, No. 3-4 (2010): 65.

Gaining practical skills how to

conduct human rights monitoring :
who monitors, what is monitored, the
cycle of monitoring, core principles
of monitoring, interviewing in the
context of monitoring, checklist for
human rights reporting.

Group work and simulation

8.

Human needs theory in case of

Ossetian-Ingush conflict: introduction
of human needs theory, application of
conflict stages and helix of needs,
interests and positions

Essential reading: Marc H. Ross, Creating the

conditions for peacemaking: theories of practice
in ethnic conflict resolution, Ethnic and Racial
Studies, Volume 23, Issue 6, (2000) 1002-1034 p.;
Grazvydas Jasutis In search of new Instruments
for Resolution of the Ossetian and Ingush conflict.
// International Journal of Conflict &
Reconciliation, (2014)
Rezvani, Babak, The Ossetian-Ingush
Confrontation: Explaining a Horizontal Conflict.
Iran & the Caucasus. 2010, Vol. 14 Issue 2, p419429

9.

Psycho-analytically rooted identity

theory in light of Chechen-Ingush
confrontation, introduction to the
Chechen-Ingush conflict, explaining
the theory and its potential for
reconciliation

Marc H. Ross, Creating the conditions for

peacemaking: theories of practice in ethnic
conflict resolution, Ethnic and Racial Studies,
Volume 23, Issue 6, (2000) 1002-1034 p.; Ross,
Marc H. Psychocultural Interpretations and
Dramas: Identity Dynamics in Ethnic Conflict.
Political Psychology, Vol. 22, No. 1, (2001): 157178; G.Jasutis. Simmering confrontation between
Chechnya and Ingushetia: psychocultural aspects,
Washington Review, 2014
Review of video material and group discussion.
Yoko Hirose, Grazvydas Jasutis, Analyzing the
Upsurge of Violence and Mediation in the
Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict. // International
Journal of Security & Development. 3(1):23 2014

10. Gaining practical skills designing a

strategy for reconciliation. Case study
Nagorno Karabakh.

11. The conflict in Ukraine and

Transdnistria from the theory of
intercultural
miscommunications
perspective.
The
features
of
intercultural
miscommunication
theory and its applicability in analysis
12. The Caucasus Emirate: how does the
insurgency influence the conflicts in
the post-soviet space, who does
what, how to minimize its role.

Essential reading: Marc H. Ross, Creating the

conditions for peacemaking: theories of practice
in ethnic conflict resolution, Ethnic and Racial
Studies, Volume 23, Issue 6, (2000) 1002-1034 p.

Essential reading:
Stephen J. Blank, (editor). Russia's homegrown
insurgency : jihad in the North Caucasus.
Published Carlisle, PA : Strategic Studies Institute,
U.S. Army War College, (2012) (1-129p.)
Grazvydas Jasutis, Armed Violence in Dagestan:
the role of the Caucasus Emirate. Global Peace
and Conflict. Vol. 2 Issue 1, 2014

13. Gaining practical skills handling

gender aspects in conflict
management (the case of Caucasus):

Simulation and group work

understanding gender, why gender

matters in the conflict, the role of
women in the conflict
14. Civil war in Tajikistan in light of
principled negotiation theory. Conflict
stages and timelines, review and
applicability of principled negotiation
theory.

Essential reading:
Marc H. Ross, Creating the conditions for
peacemaking: theories of practice in ethnic
conflict resolution, Ethnic and Racial Studies,
Volume 23, Issue 6, (2000) 1002-1034 p.;
Central Asia: border disputes and conflict
potential. ICG report, 2002
Cooley, Alexander. Great games, local rules: the
new Power contest in Central Asia. Oxford
University Press, 2012

15. The ethnicities in Dagestan: between

peace and confrontation: ethnical
structure of Dagestan, co-habitation
policy and confrontation, the case of
Lezgins.

Essential reading:
Stability in the Caucasus: The Perspective from
Dagestan, Problems of Post-Communism 50, 2,
March/April 2003

16. Concluding remarks: a class

discussion on possible resolution of
the conflicts in the post-soviet space.

Seminar paper

10

Written examination

Total
Assessment strategy

15

17

32

14

15

17

32

98

Weigh
t,%
20%

Deadline

Exam

50%

During
the
exam session

Seminar paper

30%

During
semester

Active and
participation

high

quality

During
semester

Preparation of one seminar paper to target a

conflict. The analysis must be done on the basis of
rightly chosen theory and methodological steps of
conflict analysis (10-15 pages).
Take-home exam. The task will be sent on the
agreed day. You will be given 24 hours to assess a
conflict situation and prepare action plan or
reconciliation program.

Assessment criteria
the

the

Active participation in the class discussions (5%),

Ability to come up with relevant examples (5%),
Ability to refer to assigned academic literature (5%),
Critical thinking and well-structured argumentation (5%)
Comprehensiveness of the answers (15 %)
Ability to base the answers on the academic literature that was
provided throughout the course (15%)
Critical thinking (15%)
Style: clearness, consistency, academic vocabulary (5%)
Seminar paper will be evaluated based on the following
criteria:
Ability to apply conflict analysis methods;
Ability to apply conflict resolution theories;
Ability to provide sound arguments and proper research
question, research problem, research design, conclusions;
Ability to critically evaluate the arguments of the author;
Your own ideas and critical thinking.
Style: structure, coherence, usage of analytical language,
correct citation

Author

Compulsory reading
Marc H. Ross

Johan Galtung

Year
of
public
ation

Title

Issue of a
periodical
or volume of a
publication

Publishing place and house

or web link

2000

Creating the conditions for

peacemaking: theories of
practice in ethnic conflict
resolution

Volume
Issue 6,

Ethnic and Racial Studies

1990
2012

Cultural Violence
Ethnic Conflict and Violence
in Heterogeneous Societies
Inside South Ossetia: Survey
of Attitudes in a De Facto State
Forward-looking solutions for
the Georgian and South
Ossetian conflict: a path
towards reconciliation
The
European
Unions
involvement in protracted
conflicts in the post-Soviet
space

Vol. 27, No. 3

Vol. 37, No. 1

After the August War: A New

Strategy for U.S. Engagement
with Georgia
In search of new Instruments
for Resolution of the Ossetian
and Ingush conflict
The
Ossetian-Ingush
Confrontation: Explaining a
Horizontal Conflict
Psychocultural Interpretations
and
Dramas:
Identity
Dynamics in Ethnic Conflict
Simmering
confrontation
between
Chechnya
and
Ingushetia:
psychocultural
aspects
Analyzing the Upsurge of
Violence and Mediation in the
Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
Russia's
homegrown
insurgency : jihad in the North
Caucasus
Armed Violence in Dagestan:
the role of the Caucasus
Emirate
Central Asia: border disputes
and conflict potential
Great games, local rules: the
new Power contest in Central
Asia
Stability in the Caucasus: The
Perspective from Dagestan
Working with Conflict: Skills
and Strategies for Action
The Crimean Question

Vol. 17, No. 34

Tatu Vanhanen
G. Toal and J. OLoughlin

2013

Grazvydas Jasutis

2013

Marco Siddi and Barbara

Gaweda

2012

Alexander
Cooley
Lincoln Mitchell

2010

and

Grazvydas Jasutis

2014

Rezvani, Babak

2010

Ross, Marc H.

2001

Grazvydas Jasutis

2014

Yoko Hirose, Grazvydas

Jasutis

2014

Stephen J. Blank

2012

Grazvydas Jasutis

2014

ICG report, 2002

2002

Cooley, Alexander

2012

Simon Fisher

2000

Sergei Markedonov

2015

23,

Vol.29, No. 2
Vol 6, No. 2

Journal of Peace Research,

Journal of Social, Political and
Economic Studies
Post-Soviet Affairs
Baltic Journal of Law &
Politics
http://www.iepberlin.de/fileadmin/website/09
_Publikationen/Sonstige/SIDD
I_GAWEDA_Bystander_in_its
_neighbourhood_May2012.pdf
Harriman Review
International
Journal
Conflict & Reconciliation

Vol. 14 Issue 2

Iran & the Caucasus

Vol. 22, No. 1

Political Psychology

of

Washington Review

3(1):23

Vol. 2 Issue 1

International Journal of
Security & Development
Published Carlisle, PA :
Strategic Studies Institute, U.S.
Army War College
Global Peace and Conflict.
ICG
Oxford University

50, 2,

Problems of Post-Communism
Zed Books
https://www.opendemocracy.ne

t/od-russia/sergeimarkedonov/crimean%E2%80%98question
%E2%80%99
Optional reading
Matthew Sussex
Alexei Arbatov, Abram
Chayes, Antonia Handler
Chayes, and Lara Olson,
eds.
Lynch
D.
Engaging
Eurasias Separatist States:
Unresolved Conflicts and
De facto States
Useful websites:
http://www.crisisgroup.org/
http://www.zif-berlin.org
www.kavkaz-uzel.ru

2012
1997

Conflict in the Former USSR

Managing Conflict in the
Former Soviet Union: Russian
and American Perspectives.

Cambridge University Press

Cambridge

2004

Engaging Eurasias Separatist

States: Unresolved Conflicts
and De facto States.

United States Institute of Peace

Press