This course aims to highlight the complexity and challenges of peace building in Burundi, a country that has been plagued by rooted conflicts. Students will learn to identify and understand the characteristics of this divided society and the nature of conflict amongst its ethnic groups. Students will learn the theories and framework that underlie the many peace building approaches and strategies and how they may (are?) be applied to Burundi. This will enhance their ability to match or evaluate the peace building strategies to the root causes of conflicts.

This course will also take a close look at the challenges faced by peacemakers engaged in peace building. The course will examine the possible tensions between actors engaged in peace building and the fighters on the ground.