Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding

By linking research and practice, the MA CSP offers a broad understanding of peace and conflict studies combined with insights from practical fields of peacebuilding and conflict management.

Students learn concepts, theories and methods in research on peace, conflict, and violence based on perspectives from political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. By using both qualitative and quantitative methods, they analyze actors, causes and dynamics of conflicts and peace processes in different parts of the world; they investigate state-society relations, socio-economic contexts, or political institutions as well as various approaches of conflict resolution and peacebuilding. The study of violent, intra-state conflicts is one of the defining features of the program.

The MA CSP integrates practical experiences and expertise in conflict analysis and peacebuilding. Practitioners will be invited for lectures and seminars on a regular basis. Further seminars provide skills on practice-oriented instruments, e.g. project management, evaluation methods, or policy consulting.

1) Getting a broad expertise in peace & conflict studies

The MA CSP offers expertise in three core areas of peace and conflict research: (1) international relations, with a focus on international conflict management, civil wars, and political violence; (2) comparative politics, in particular the role of political institutions, state-society relations, and protest; and (3) political theory, with a concentration on the normative and ideational foundations of the state, war, and peace. Moreover, the program profits from staff expertise in areas such as international political economy, European Studies or Migration Studies.

2) Combining academic analysis and practical skills

The research-based profile provides students with academic expertise required to undertake independent research. At the same time, the MA CSP emphasizes practical approaches and skills across a broad array of issue areas in peacebuilding.

3) Enjoy studying peace & conflict in the »City of Peace«

Osnabrück’s image as »City of Peace« originates from the Treaty of Westphalia of 1648 which ended the 30 Years War in the center of Europe. Osnabrück regards this historical legacy as a mandate to promote peace both today and in the future, in and outside Europe. Students may enjoy and benefit from the various peace-related activities and sights in and around Osnabrück.