INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION
PHD COMPREHENSIVE EXAM QUESTIONS -- MARCH 2005

The Ph.D. comprehensive exam will include a total of three questions to be answered within a six hour time period. Each question is expected to take two hours to prepare a satisfactory response. One question will be selected from the Field Definition section, one question from the IPCR Theory and Research section, and one question from the IPCR Application section.

A. FIELD DEFINITION

A1. What theoretical insights does the Field of IPCR offer, compared to the mainstream IR theory, concerning the resolution of "internal conflicts" (i.e., civil wars) and intervention in complex emergencies?

OR

A2. Cynthia Sampson has noted that "the religious sector may well be the most rapidly expanding in the field of international conflict analysis and transformation today." Why, in your opinion, is there such an increasing interest in the role of religion in conflict resolution? How does religion relate to conflict resolution and peacebuilding? What are the different roles played by religious actors in conflict resolution?

B. IPCR THEORY AND RESEARCH

B1. Discuss the major historical notions of culture as a theoretical construct in the literature of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. Discuss current views of the culture construct and its theoretical import to Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.

OR

B2. What are the linkages between peacebuilding and development? How do development programs impact on situations of conflict? Discuss and evaluate different development strategies for communities/countries experiencing and/or recovering from violent political conflicts.

C. IPCR APPLICATIONS

C1. A variety of terms are used to describe third-party responses to conflict, including confict "resolution," "mediation," "negotiation," "transformation," "management," and others. Definte the differences between these approaches to conflict, the assumptions that underlie each approach, and the implications for theory and practice.

OR

C2. Map a contemporary conflict in international relations. Who are the major actors? What are their positions, interests and needs? What opportunities exist for the peaceful resolution of this conflict? In developing your recommendations, describe important elements in terms of both processes and outcomes.