Social policy and conflict prevention in the MENA region (FutureLearn)

Learn how to tackle geopolitical challenges with The University of Bath
Understanding the relationship between social policy and conflict prevention is paramount, considering its significant role in shaping the incidence, scope, and severity of conflicts.
By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to geopolitical debates and challenges.

Learn how to make a positive impact in the MENA region
The course situates debates about the role of social policy and social protection in preventing conflict.
You’ll delve into international politics and the political economy of the MENA region to understand its complex challenges. This includes limited data access, weak governance, and social inequality.
Through this exploration, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools to develop effective approaches to help create a more stable and peaceful society.

Learn how social policies influence conflict
Next, you’ll uncover how social policies influence conflict dynamics.
Specifically, you’ll learn how to operationalise the relationship between social policy and conflict prevention programming in the context of the challenges faced in the MENA region.

Gain a deeper understanding of the political economy in MENA
You’ll gain clarity on core concepts and identify approaches to mitigate the impact of violence and promote social cohesion.
Learning from the experts at The University of Bath, you’ll finish the course knowing how to positively contribute to conflict prevention in the MENA region.

Syllabus

Week 1: Key Concepts in Social Policy
Week 2: Key Concepts in Conflict Prevention and Resolution
Week 3: The link between Social Policy and Conflict Prevention
Week 4: Contextual Insights from the MENA region

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

• Evaluate the fundamental concepts of social policy and social protection, assessing their role in addressing societal challenges within the MENA region.
• Assess the complex relationship between social policy initiatives and the sustainable establishment of peace in MENA, considering the socio-political dynamics at play.
• Apply evaluative skills to real-world case studies, assessing the outcomes and implications of social policy and conflict prevention efforts in the MENA region, and proposing potential improvements or modifications based on these assessments.
• Compare different conflict prevention strategies, distinguishing their strengths and weaknesses in diverse regional contexts.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in addressing conflict and promoting peace.
• Contribute positively to conflict prevention and peacebuilding initiatives in the MENA region.
• Engage in diverse, cross-cultural teams for effective conflict resolution.

Who is the course for?
This course is designed for anyone interested in developing conflict prevention strategies and programmes.
It will be of particular benefit to researchers and practitioners in the following types of organisations: government ministries dealing with social affairs, social development, labour and interior affairs; local civil society actors; the international donor community; local and international non-governmental organisations; academic and non-academic researchers; think tanks; public sector decision-makers.
While no specific academic prerequisites are required, a basic understanding of global affairs or a related field would be beneficial.