Course Description
Summary
Civil society is the arena of autonomous associational organization and activity. It has been credited with promoting various virtuous outcomes, including democratization, development, and social peace. This course critically surveys civil society’s roles in peacemaking and peace building. We will explore theoretical controversies regarding civil society’s forms, norms, promise and performance, while examining specific examples of conflict interventions by civic associational groups. These examples will draw from case studies and experiences from around the world, including Ashutosh Varshney’s scholarly work on Hindu-Muslim conflict and civic life in India, and the practical work of “The Imam and the Pastor” in Nigeria.
