Programme overview

This module provides students with the theoretical and conceptual tools to analyse the root causes of, and the motivations for, violence in eastern Africa.

Students will explore the different theoretical understandings of conflict and evaluate their applicability to a range of specific cases of violence.

The module also provides students with an understanding of the various mechanisms of transitional justice and reconciliation efforts implemented in the region and they will critically assess the contribution of these efforts to current and future peace and stability. The specific cases covered include Rwanda, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Kenya.

Programme objectives

• Understand and apply different theories of mass violence (including social, cultural, materialist and instrumental approaches) to different empirical case studies
• Consider and explain motivations of violence, the relevance of political systems and political instrumentalism, and the significance of international dimensions (including intervention) in different contexts
• Critically assess different reconciliation efforts and analyse their contribution to current and future peace and stability
• Compare the causes of violence and the strengths and weaknesses of different reconciliation efforts in different contexts
• Use a range of sources, including secondary literature, newspaper articles, and government and non-government reports