Psychology of Peace and Conflict

Course description

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the psychological foundations of peace and conflict, examining how violence emerges, persists, and can be transformed. Beginning with core concepts such as conflict, violence, and peace, it situates these phenomena within broader historical, political, and cultural contexts. The course explores key themes including human rights and the morality of war, the roots of violence, and the individual and collective consequences of conflict, with particular attention to trauma, identity, and social structures.

Building on this foundation, the course examines intergroup relations and the psychological processes underlying prejudice, discrimination, and conflict escalation, as well as the mechanisms that sustain and perpetuate hostility over time. It further investigates how collective memory and societal narratives shape identities and influence ongoing conflicts, and why some conflicts become intractable and resistant to resolution. Finally, the course turns to pathways toward transformation, including nonviolent collective action and transitional justice, highlighting how societies can address past violence, rebuild trust, and foster sustainable peace. Throughout, the course integrates theoretical frameworks, empirical research, and real-world case studies to provide a nuanced understanding of conflict and its resolution.