ABOUT THE COURSE:This course explores the ideas of peace and conflict through both global perspectives and India’s rich strategic traditions. It examines classical sources like the Mahabharata and Arthashastra, Gandhian non-violence, and modern approaches to peace and security. Students will study key theories of conflict resolution, the role of international institutions, and contemporary challenges such as terrorism and regional instability. By integrating indigenous thought with global practices, the course provides a holistic understanding of conflict transformation and sustainable peace.INTENDED AUDIENCE:UG Students of Security Studies, Political Science, International Relations and Defence and Strategic StudiesPREREQUISITES: NoneINDUSTRY SUPPORT:NA

Syllabus

Week 1: Foundations of Peace and Conflict Studies (Ms. Nasima Khatoon)

Nature and scope of Peace and Conflict Studies.
Key concepts and terminologies of conflict.
Nature, forms, and structures of conflict at inter- and intra-state levels.

Week 2:Indigenous Traditions of Peace and Conflict in India(Dr. Ashutosh Mukund Pandey)

Dharma, Artha, Shanti, Yuddha in Indian texts.
Mahabharata (Bhagavad Gita, Shanti Parva): ethics of war and peace.
Buddhist, Jain, and Ashokan traditions: Ahimsa and Dhamma.

Week 3:Ancient Indian Philosophical Perspectives on Warand Peace (Dr. Ashutosh Mukund Pandey)

Vedic and Upanishadic views on conflict and harmony.
Ramayana's strategic planning, diplomacy, and dharma in conflict.
Synthesis of ahimsa and just war in early texts.

Week 4:Theories and Methods of Conflict Resolution (Ms.Nasima Khatoon)

Theories of Conflict Resolution.
Peaceful vs. coercive methods of conflict resolution.
Gandhi’s Satyagraha as a method of conflict resolution.

Week 5:Classical Indian Statecraft and Texts (Dr. AshutoshMukund Pandey)

Kautilya’s Arthashastra: statecraft, diplomacy, and war.
Shukra Niti: Diplomacy and Defensive War (prioritizing conciliation, ethical warfare, and dharma-based
Saam, Daam, Danda, Bheda: graduated conflict resolution strategies.

Week 6:Medieval and Modern Indian Strategic Traditions(Dr. Ashutosh Mukund Pandey)

Rajput, Mughal, and Maratha traditions.
Vivekananda, Tilak, Gandhi, and Nehru on peace and conflict.

Week 7:International Institutions and Peace Processes (Ms.Nasima Khatoon)

Role of the United Nations in conflict resolution.
Peace-making, peace-keeping, and peace-building.
India’s contributions to UN peacekeeping.

Week 8:Changing Nature of Peace and Conflict (Ms. NasimaKhatoon)

Contemporary ethnic conflicts and humanitarian crises.
Organised crime and terrorism.
Case studies: Former Yugoslavia and Iraq (comparative learning with India’s security context).

Week 9:Alternative Approaches to Conflict Resolution (Dr.Ashutosh Mukund Pandey)

Functional approaches and regionalism.
Gandhian approaches and their relevance today.
Global civil society, peace movements, and the role of international organizations.

Week 10:India's Evolving Nuclear and Deterrence Strategies(Ms.Nasima Khatoon)