What You Will Learn in HIS 5006: History of Global Conflict

In this course, students will explore the major wars, revolutions, and conflicts that have shaped the world. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the root causes of conflict, the political and economic dynamics involved, and the long-lasting effects on societies, borders, and international relations. Students will also analyze the evolution of warfare, from traditional battlefields to modern forms of asymmetric warfare, including cyberwarfare and proxy conflicts.

Key Topics Covered in HIS 5006: History of Global Conflict

The course spans a broad spectrum of global conflicts, from ancient times to the present day, and covers key themes such as the nature of warfare, the evolution of military tactics, and the social and political consequences of war:

Ancient and Medieval Conflicts: Study early forms of conflict, including the wars of ancient civilizations such as Greece, Rome, and Persia, and the military confrontations of the medieval period, such as the Crusades and the Hundred Years’ War.
The Age of Revolutions and the Napoleonic Wars: Examine the political upheavals of the 18th and 19th centuries, including the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the Napoleonic Wars, and their impact on global power structures.
The World Wars: Analyze the causes, events, and consequences of World War I and World War II. Study how these two global conflicts reshaped international relations, borders, and the global economy.
The Cold War and Proxy Conflicts: Investigate the ideological and geopolitical conflict between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, including key moments such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, as well as the numerous proxy conflicts during the Cold War era.
Decolonization and Post-Colonial Conflicts: Explore the global wave of decolonization after World War II, focusing on the conflicts that arose as newly independent nations struggled to establish sovereignty, including wars in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
The Middle East Conflicts: Study the long-standing conflicts in the Middle East, such as the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Gulf Wars, and the rise of extremist groups, including Al-Qaeda and ISIS, and their impact on global security.
The Rise of Terrorism and Asymmetric Warfare: Examine the rise of non-state actors in modern conflict, focusing on terrorism, insurgencies, and asymmetric warfare, and how these new forms of conflict challenge traditional military strategies and international diplomacy.
Globalization and Contemporary Conflicts: Analyze the role of globalization in contemporary conflicts, including the impact of economic inequality, environmental challenges, and the role of international organizations like the United Nations in conflict resolution.
Cyberwarfare and Modern Threats: Understand the emergence of cyberwarfare as a new domain of conflict, with a focus on how states and non-state actors use technology to disrupt economies, governments, and societies.

Learning Objectives of HIS 5006: History of Global Conflict

By the end of this course, students will:

Gain a deep understanding of the major conflicts in world history, including their causes, dynamics, and impacts.
Analyze the political, economic, and social factors that contribute to the outbreak of war and the continuation of conflict.
Understand the evolution of military tactics and technology, from ancient warfare to modern strategies, including the use of cyberwarfare.
Explore the human and societal costs of war, including displacement, trauma, economic disruption, and cultural loss.
Develop the ability to critically assess the role of global powers, international organizations, and non-state actors in resolving or exacerbating conflicts.
Examine the historical consequences of conflicts, particularly how wars and revolutions have shaped borders, economies, and international relations.
Understand the connections between past and contemporary global conflicts and the continuing challenges faced by international diplomacy and peace-building efforts.