Program Overview

Program Requirements | Courses | Events

Conflict Management and Security was created in 1983-84 as a subfield of International Relations focusing on such topics as the use of force, arms control and international bargaining and negotiation in a Cold War environment. This program fostered the understanding of the interrelation of conflict, military force and conflict resolution, and the processes of bargaining and negotiation as conflict management.

With the dramatic geopolitical changes that took place as the Cold War drew to an end, Conflict Management separated from Security Studies and linked with International Law and Institutions, which focused on cooperation among states. The curriculum covered the nature, principles and problems of international law, as well as the role of international organizations in the management and resolution of crisis and conflict regarding security, economic and other issues.

In 1995, again as the result of the changing global environment, the Conflict Management program became a separate concentration with the goal of studying the various mechanisms for handling international and internal conflict. Courses explored such topics as bargaining and negotiation, multilateral negotiation, alliance formation, collapsed states and principles and practices of conflict management.

The present Conflict Management coursework continues to focus on the causes of conflict, mechanisms for developing cooperation, and the challenges of peace. It provides various theoretical approaches to negotiation and examines policies and processes in the management of crises and conflicts. In addition, the courses offer an opportunity to pursue case studies and simulations. Topics range from economic negotiation, peace accord implementation, disarmament, and the formation and use of international organizations and regimes. The program also includes a series of extracurricular lectures and discussions given by key diplomats and policymakers.

Conflict Management is one of the most rapidly growing, functional area programs at SAIS. As the third largest program at SAIS, enrollment has nearly doubled in the last two years. Conflict Management is supported by The Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation which has allowed SAIS to increase course offerings in Conflict Management and helps support the Washington Interest in Negotiation (WIN). WIN brings scholars together in the Northeast corridor to discuss current research, provide peer reviews, and provide an additional resource on Conflict Management issues for SAIS students. WIN is instrumental in the publication of the journal International Negotiation. For more information, visit the WIN Website.