Development, Security, Inequality

General instructions
Each student chooses a seminar paper topic from the list presented below. In the seminar paper, students should prove the ability of a deeper understanding and
processing of the chosen issue, which exceeds the framework of what was discussed in class
and its basic suggested literature.
The paper should deal with the topic by using sources like international journals, monographs,
discussion- and working papers from universities and research institutes, etc.
The theory behind a research question should be addressed (about three pages; use –
advanced- textbooks and academic papers, NOT WIKIPEDIA!).
The arguments stated in the literature should be collected and organized according to the main
aspect/idea, explained, and being assessed.
Reviewing and citing sources is an essential part of the paper; it is important to follow a single
citation method (e.g. APA, Chicago, Harvard) which includes at least the name of the
author(s), year of publication, title, journal or publisher and page(s). Plagiarism might result
in facing severe consequences.
The seminar paper is about engaging with the main ideas of the related theoretical and
empirical literature, and -in your own words- provide a clear and coherent set of arguments
that constitute a well-structured answer to your chosen research question.
2. List of research questions
A. What are the defining features of contemporary conflicts?
B. In what ways might conflict, security and development be linked? What kinds of
interventions have such linkages given rise to?
C. Are ethnically divided communities more prone to violence?
D. What role do economic factors play in civil wars?
E. Is there a link between environmental degradation and violent conflict?
F. What is the relationship between gender and violent conflict? How can security and
development interventions best take such a relationship into account?
G. In what ways are civil wars transnational?
H. Does conflict prevention demand democratization?
I. Are the principles of traditional peacekeeping still relevant today?
J. Should we think of NGOs as sovereign actors in development and security interventions?
Should humanitarian interventions be neutral?
K. Should the security sector be strengthened in fragile states?
L. Does the involvement of private military and security companies enhance security and
development during and after a conflict?
M. Can there be peacebuilding without reconciliation? Can peace be imposed from the
outside?
3. Structure of the seminar paper
Every paper is roughly structured following these components:
Title page
Title of the seminar. Discussed topic. Name of student. Student ID. Email. Date of
submission. Name of Lecturer. Word count.
Introduction
Statement of the problem. Setting up the goals of the paper and questions to be
addressed. Overview of the document’s structure.
Theoretical section (with subparts)
Overview of theoretical knowledge and questions to be solved. Presentation of
literature related to the topic. Description of approach(es) to be used in the paper.
Analytical section (with subparts)
Characteristics and presentation of the information or data used. Application of
the analytical methods/process to the selected question. Why are certain
elements/phenomena relevant? What are the main historical and space-related
trends? How are any given dynamics interconnected? You might discuss
similarities and differences; causes and effects; strengths and weaknesses;
advantages and disadvantages; effectiveness and ineffectiveness.
Conclusion
Summarize the most critical outcomes/arguments/answers to the chosen
question(s) (that were presented in the introduction). Recommendations and
proposals of solutions (if applicable), student’s attitude, and reasoning.
Bibliography
All materials that were used and cited must be listed. It is essential to follow one
specific citation method.
4. Extent
The extent of the essay will be between 6000 and 6500 words (not counting the title page,
bibliography used, or appendixes). The word count should be visible on the title page.
The use of graphs/illustrations/tables is allowed if integrated into the text (i.e., connected and
valuable for the arguments made). However, it does not add to the word count.

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