Why do wars break out? What explains civil conflict duration? Who becomes a terrorist, and how does terrorism affect public opinion and government responses? This module examines fundamental questions in conflict and terrorism studies through engagement with cutting-edge empirical research and theoretical debates.
You will develop sophisticated understanding of major explanations for interstate wars, civil wars, ethnic conflicts, and terrorism, while critically evaluating their strengths and limitations. The module introduces you to advanced research design approaches—including regression analysis, difference-in-differences, and instrumental variables—examining how scholars use these methods to test competing theories. Through weekly seminars, you will critically analyse published research papers, evaluating how empirical evidence supports or challenges theoretical predictions.
This module significantly enhances your employability by developing analytical skills highly valued across sectors including policy analysis, intelligence, international organizations, consultancy, and research. You will learn to critically evaluate empirical evidence, understand causal inference strategies, and interpret quantitative research—capabilities essential for careers requiring rigorous analysis of complex security challenges.
The module also provides essential preparation for dissertation research, particularly for students planning empirical projects on conflict, security, or terrorism. Assessment comprises a multiple-choice test (40%), a final exam (40%) and seminar participation (10%), with formative feedback provided through weekly Canvas quizzes and seminar discussions.