This course examines the linkages between environmental phenomena, human economic, political, and physical security, and violent political conflict. The prevalence of international and civil conflicts associated with control of (or access to) natural resources (e.g. water, food, energy resources), has exposed the tensions between traditional notions of security and human-centred security concerns.
Students conduct in-depth analyses of cases of environmental conflicts around the world in order to identify the key actors, their projected values and interests, as well as the implications of different alternatives. While the course highlights the politics behind conflicts, it includes contributions from other disciplines and fields.
Below is a copy of the current course syllabus, a brief substantive outline, and links to the weekly course material (lecture videos, slides, notes, and workshop activities).
Do let me know if you have any questions about any of this class’s material or topics!
| Section 1 | Defining terms, actors, and interests |
| Week 1 | Introduction, course overview, and conflict |
| Week 2 | Economic development and economic stability |
| Week 3 | Political institutions and instability |
| Week 4 | Environmental change and scarcity |
| Section 2 | Causes of conflict |
| Week 5 | Population |
| Week 6 | Migration |
| Week 7 | Water |
| Week 8 | Food |
| Week 9 | Natural resources |
| Week 10 | Natural disasters |
| Section 3 | Policy responses |
| Week 11 | Domestic responses |
| Week 12 | International responses |
Richard W. Frank 