Centre for the Study of Divided Societies

The Centre for the Study of Divided Societies was created in 2009 to provide a global focal point for teaching and research on ethno-national problems that divide and unite societies across the modern world.

Its main activities are:

• The MA Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies (full-time and part-time)
• Research and publications on conflict resolution in deeply divided societies
• Conferences and public events on conflict resolution in deeply divided societies

 

Research programme

The Centre for the Study of Divided Societies makes a significant contribution to public debate and the dissemination of ideas on a range of problems facing world leaders in the 21^st Century. Its primary focus is to understand what factors within societies generate or disrupt peace and social harmony and what constitutional, social and economic mechanisms of conflict resolution are most suitable over the long-term.

A unique inter-disciplinary centre of academic excellence, it brings together social scientists, historians, policy makers and practitioners who conduct research on societal divisions – expressed both violently and non-violently – within divided cities, states or regions. It serves as a platform and flagship for the development of scholarly enterprises by leading researchers seeking to further knowledge on ethno-national conflict regulation, peace processes, third party mediation, and truth and reconciliation processes.

Our MA in Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies is affiliated to the Centre and offers a multidisciplinary, comparative study of national, ethnic and religious conflicts in deeply divided societies. It compares case studies from the Middle East and around the world, examining the theoretical literature on the causes and consequences of conflict, conflict regulation, and internationally led and grassroots peace processes. For further information on our MA programme, please see the online prospectus.

The Centre for the Study of Divided Societies also offers study and research into conflict resolution towards an MPhil/PhD. Staff research interests cover forms of power-sharing in deeply divided societies, peace processes and ethnic conflict resolution, the politics of memory, religion and identity, urban geopolitics and Islamist movements.