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International Conflict Resolution Program (ICRP)
The Center for International Conflict Resolution (CICR) contributes to the resolution of international deadly conflict through research, teaching, and fieldwork. The CICR strives to increase understanding of international conflicts through innovative, collaborative research and is committed to offering courses that disseminate knowledge about conflicts and their causes. The CICR responds directly to the expressed needs of parties involved in ongoing conflicts, empowering individuals and organizations to address conflict constructively. The CICR's research, teaching, and fieldwork inform one another, creating a unique synergy that enriches each element of the center's work. The CICR also has coordinated efforts of academics and practitioners from governmental, nongovernmental, and international organizations in joint research and action. Located within the Institute of War and Peace Studies, the CICR routinely participates in partnerships inside and outside the University.
Founded in 1997 by Dr. Andrea Bartoli as the International Conflict Resolution Program (ICRP), the center took its present name on January 24, 2002. Former U.S. Senator George Mitchell joined the center as a senior fellow in July 2002. He will participate in special events, classes, and research projects conducted by the center.
The CICR and the Study of International Conflict Resolution
International conflict resolution is an interdisciplinary field of study that allows students and practitioners to examine and formulate effective approaches to deadly conflict. Scholars in the field link their work to the study of development, human rights and humanitarian affairs, security policy, and social psychology. The course of study integrates elements of these and other approaches into a framework that allows students to sharpen their understanding of root causes, conflict dynamics, and opportunities for conflict transformation.
The CICR offers courses that not only seek to transfer knowledge but also to encourage discussion about conflicts and possible responses to them. As an interdisciplinary center, the CICR partners with corresponding programs through the Columbia University Conflict Resolution Network, as well as with institutions outside the University. Taking advantage of its unique location in New York City, the CICR provides access to the United Nations and a broad range of international organizations. The CICR creates a bridge between the academic community and experienced practitioners. Building and strengthening such relationships is a crucial element of the CICR's endeavor to promote knowledge and implement initiatives in this emerging field.
Programs of Study
SIPA does not offer a formal concentration or certificate program in international conflict resolution. However, a growing number of students are choosing to focus their studies on conflict resolution. SIPA students pursuing a Master of International Affairs degree, who wish to focus their studies on conflict and its resolution, may choose to incorporate this focus into one of the nine functional concentrations such as human rights, international security policy, or economic and political development, or one of the seven regional concentrations. Students should consult with their concentration directors to determine the specific conflict resolution courses that fulfill concentration requirements.
Students may elect to design independent concentrations within the MIA degree program that focus on conflict resolution. The CICR has compiled several models of such independent concentrations to serve as guides for students interested in creating their own conflict resolution concentrations. They may be viewed online through the CICR Web site. More information on the process of designing an independent concentration may be obtained from the Student Affairs Office.
Students pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree also may be able to incorporate significant course work in conflict resolution into their program. Students should contact the MPA program director or their advisers for more information.