The interdisciplinary Master's Program focuses on issues of conflict resolution, peacekeeping and order formation, the analysis of international institutions, and the ecologically and socially sustainable development of all parts of the world. The program is offered jointly by Goethe University Frankfurt, the Technical University of Darmstadt and PRIF. As part of this cooperation, PRIF researchers offer the following courses at Goethe University in the current winter semester:
Seminar: “Key Concepts of Peace and Conflict Studies”
Peace and conflict studies are defined by their subject matter: conflict and peace. But what do we mean by that? What forms of conflict exist? Under what conditions are conflicts productive? Is violence necessarily physical? And what does it actually mean when peace is supposed to be more than the absence of war? Under the guidance of Sophia Birchinger, students explore four basic concepts that are central to peace and conflict studies: conflict, violence, war, and peace. Drawing on decolonial and postcolonial frameworks, participants critically examine questions of knowledge production and the history of these concepts. In addition to reading and discussing key texts together, students analyze current and historical conflict situations, acts of violence, armed conflicts, and peace processes using the four basic concepts.
Seminar: “Decoupling instead of globalization – a smart strategy or a threat to peace?”
Powerful states such as the US are increasingly focusing on isolation and decoupling instead of a globalized world. But what does this trend toward tariffs, ‘strategic decoupling’ of trade relations, and withdrawals from international agreements mean for the cooperation and peace between states? In Dirk Peter’s course, students learn about different types and instruments of decoupling. Throughout the semester, the possible consequences of the current decoupling are discussed against the backdrop of theoretical debates on the relationship between interdependence and peace – both on the basis of historical case studies and with regard to current challenges, such as in US-Chinese trade relations, Brexit, upheavals in the energy sector, and the role of the Global South in the new global dynamics.
Seminar: “International Norms against Weapons of Mass Destruction: Compliance, Verification, and Current Challenges”
At PRIF, Veronika Klymová conducts research on the compliance with and the enforcement of international norms against chemical and biological weapons. Her course focuses on the questions of why and under what conditions states comply with such norms. In addition to introducing participants to international norms against the proliferation and use of weapons of mass destruction, the course will examine key theoretical perspectives on the emergence and development of these norms as well as mechanisms for verifying compliance, and will discuss them using case studies such as Iran's nuclear program and the use of chemical weapons in Syria.
Seminar: “Peacekeeping by African Regional Organizations”
In light of the current crisis of UN peacekeeping, African regional organizations are often treated as alternatives and possible beacons of hope. Against this backdrop, Antonia Witt's seminar deals with the development and performance of African regional organizations as actors in peacekeeping, as well as their global interconnections. Participants will learn about different theoretical approaches and work on case studies of various regional organizations and conflict situations. Drawing on decolonial approaches, students will critically examine questions of knowledge production about African regional organizations and peacekeeping on the continent.
Seminar: “Deterrence: The Logic and Illogic of a Security Policy Doctrine”
With Russia's attack on Ukraine, deterrence has once again become a central concept in security policy debates. But what role can and should (nuclear) deterrence play in dealing with current threat scenarios? The classic theory of deterrence, which emerged in connection with the development of nuclear weapons, is outdated: theory and practice of deterrence are now facing completely new challenges in security policy. To understand the role (nuclear) deterrence should play in light of the current situation, Christopher Daase's seminar reconstructs the development of nuclear (but also conventional) deterrence theory, reflects on practical and normative implications, and analyzes historical and current deterrence strategies.
Christopher Daase also offers a Colloquium at Goethe University in the winter semester 2025-2026, in which ISFK students can present and discuss their theses.
More information about the courses and the conditions of participation can be found in the Goethe University's course catalogue.