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Principles of Conflict Resolution
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:36:32
Abstract
This course provides a transdisciplinary introduction to conflict resolution in international relations (primary focus), business and interpersonal relations.Some time is devoted to analytic methods (non-cooperative game theory), making this course specifically suited for ETH students who are curious to apply their engineering/natural science background to a new domain.
Objective
Recognizing and understanding commonalities as well as differences between different conflict types, both structurally and topically. Assessing different approaches to conflict analysis and resolution regarding their strengths and weaknesses. Equilibrium computation in simple games. Illustrating specific aspects of conflicts with real-life/historical examples. Applying the presented theoretical approaches to real-life and stylized conflict situations in international relations, business and interpersonal relations.
Content
Topics discussed: 1. Approaches to conflict analysis: international relations theory/political philosophy, (social) psychology, non-cooperative game theory, behavioral economics 2. Emphasis on strategic analysis: non-cooperative game theory (models for trust, commitment, brinkmanship, threats, promises etc.) 3. Conflictual negotiations: basic concepts, relationship building, dealing with non-cooperative counterparties, collaborative solution finding 4. Resolution methods with third-party intervention: mediation/conciliation, arbitration, adjudication, questions of implementation and enforcement (domestic measures, interstate measures: peacekeeping, peace enforcement, humanitarian interventions, sanctions etc.), conflict transformation: long-term measures for conflict resolution, peacebuilding. Theoretical input will be amply illustrated by a variety of real-world examples in -international relations (primary focus; e.g. wars, establishment of the international system, arms races, etc.), -business (energy, music, sports, etc.) -interpersonal relations (divorce cases, neighborhood disputes, etc.).
Resources
Lecture Notes
A slide deck will be made available.
Literature
Relevant references will be indicated in the slide deck.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , MSC , NDS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Principles of Conflict Resolution
The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.
|
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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GESS Science in Perspective (Only the topics listed in this paragraph can be chosen as GESS Science in Perspective. Further below you will find the "type B courses Reflections about subject specific methods and content" as well as the language courses. 6 ECTS need to be acquired during the BA and 2 ECTS during the MA Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (Suitable for all students. Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)
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Management, Technology and Economics Master (Welcome and Introduction to MSc ETH MTEC Montag, 14.09.2020, 14.00 h, HG E1.1 (tbc))
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MAS in Management, Technology, and Economics (MAS MTEC Introductory Event for 1st Semester Students. Monday, 14.09.2020, 16.00 h, HG E1.2 (tbc))
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Electives (***more courses coming soon*** This is only a short selection. Other courses from the ETH course catalogue may be chosen in agreement with your tutor. As an alternative to the elective courses, students may do a second semester project or an internship in industry. Please consult your tutor.)
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