Professor: Ellen Fitzpatrick
4 credits
This course examines the causes, dynamics, and consequences of political violence perpetrated by both state and non-state actors. Students will explore major theoretical frameworks—including greed and grievance, horizontal inequality, and elite mobilization—and apply them to historical and contemporary cases of civil war, insurgency, terrorism, and state repression. The course also investigates how political elites coordinate and incentivize citizens to engage in violence, as well as the role of institutions, identity politics, and external actors in shaping conflict. Through a combination of readings, case studies, and empirical analysis, students will critically assess debates surrounding the legitimacy of violence. By the end of the term, students will be equipped to analyze political violence using interdisciplinary approaches and to engage in informed discussions about policy and prevention.