MVZn5079 Frozen Conflicts in the Post-Soviet Space

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2024

The course is not taught in Autumn 2024

Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Josef Buzalka (lecturer), Mgr. Jana Urbanovská, Ph.D. (deputy)
Mgr. et Mgr. Lucie Budirská (assistant)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Jana Urbanovská, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Supplier department: Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Prerequisites (in Czech)
! MVZ479 Conflicts in Post-Soviet Space && !NOW( MVZ479 Conflicts in Post-Soviet Space )
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 30 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/30, only registered: 0/30
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 9 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
The main objective of the course is to acquaint students with the current stage of mediation efforts regarding frozen conflicts in the post-Soviet space, focusing on specific and practical diplomatic tools used in mediation process. The course will familiarize students with the actual players and the main participants in international mediation efforts aimed at resolving these conflicts. The course will illuminate the history of the creation, preparation and conduct of the Geneva international discussions, will describe functioning of Incident prevention and response mechanism applied jointly by the EU, UN and the OSCE in Georgia and will explain activities and goals of the EU Civilian Monitoring Mission in Georgia. With regard to the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh the course will focus on functioning of the Minsk Group and will provide examples of EU mediation efforts in this conflict.
Learning outcomes
The course will provide a valuable opportunity for students to learn from practical diplomatic experience and will help them to develop deeper understanding of concrete mediation tools used in the contemporary European diplomacy.
Syllabus
  • Introduction
  • 1) Current status of the frozen conflicts in the Southern Caucasus, different intensity and different methods and tools of mediation
  • 2) Involvement of main stakeholders (EU / USA, Russia), different approaches and interests
  • 3) Tools solving the frozen conflicts - Conflict in Georgia
  • 4) Tools solving the frozen conflicts - conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh
  • 5) Simulation of the Geneva negotiations
  • 6) Prospects for the future engagement of the European Union in resolving of frozen conflicts in the South Caucasus
  • Conclusion
Literature
    recommended literature
  • Lincoln Mitchell: The colour revolutions, Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press (May 9, 2012)
  • Thomas De Waal: The Caucasus, Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (September 9, 2010)
  • Thomas De Waal: Black Garden: Armenia and Azerbaijan Through Peace and War, 10th Year Anniversary Edition, Revised and Updated, Publisher: NYU Press; Anv Rev Up edition (July 8, 2013)
Teaching methods
The course consists of lectures based on personal experience of the instructor acquired in Brussels headquarters of the EEAS, in the office of the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia during preparation of the Geneva international discussions. Personal involvement of the instructor in meetings with the leaders of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as in consultations with negotiating teams of conflicting parties. Lectures will be followed by a discussion and accompanied by power-point presentations, photographs, cartographic material and film documents. During the course simulation of the Geneva International Discussions with active student´s participation will be practiced. The information received will be possible to extend through recommended reading.
Assessment methods
To pass the course the students should:
- Write a final test (the questions will be based on information presented during lectures and recommended reading material)
- Actively participate in discussions during lectures and contribute to simulation of the Geneva international discussions.
Evaluation and grading specifics:
In total it is possible to obtain 100 points:
A = 100-95 points
B = 94-88 points
C = 87-78 points
D = 77-69 points
E = 68-60 points
F = less than 60 points
To pass a course, the students must earn at least a grade of “E” (60 points or better).
- Participation in the simulation of the Geneva meeting: 20 points
- Presence and activity during lectures: 30 points
- Final test: 50 points (the minimum number of points needed to successfully write the final test is 30 points).
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught annually.
The course is taught: every other week.
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