This course introduces students to important dilemmas of politics and
collective action in some particular empirical context. The Spring
2003 version will focus on two inter-related sets of problems. First,
how can rebel leaders mount an effective program of revolution,
guerrilla war, or terrorism? Second, what can external actors do to
convince these rebels to negotiate for peace? As we will see, the
more successful rebel leaders are in solving the first problem, the
more difficult the second problem becomes. Assigned readings
exploring interconnections between these two sets of collective
action problems include Trends in Outside Support for Insurgent
Movements, Keeping the Peace, and Systems of Violence: The Political
Economy of War and Peace in Colombia (along with some shorter
readings). Students will complete a group project in which they apply
these general concepts to some contemporary conflict. Groups will
present reports on the strategies employed by rebel leaders, their
major sources of supplies, and their response to efforts to arrange a
peaceful settlement. There will also be in-class assignments and a
final examination. This course is required for students completing
the inter-departmental major in political science and economics, but
all students are welcome. There are no prerequisites.