1. Is the use of violence ever justified?

Topic Outline

STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

Violence is a part of human nature and can be present in both times of peace and conflict

GLOBAL CONTEXT

Identities and Relationships (Human nature and human dignity) - Students will explore identity; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities and cultures; what it means to be human.

KEY CONCEPT

Time, Place and Space - The intrinsically linked concept of time, place and space refers to the absolute or relative position of people, objects and ideas. Time, place and space focuses on how we construct and use our understanding of location (“where” and “when”).

RELATED GLOBAL POLITICS CONCEPT(S)

Violence - Violence is often defined as physical or psychological force afflicted upon another being. In the context of global politics, it could be seen as anything someone does that prevents others from reaching their full potential. This broader definition would encompass unequal distribution of power that excludes entire groups from accessing resources essential for improved living standards or well-being, and discriminatory practices that exclude entire groups of people from accessing certain resources.

1. What is peace, conflict and violence?

Peace and conflict studies is a relatively new academic discipline that seeks to diagnose the causes of conflict in order to better discover how to stop it. Yet the first issue analysts face is in how to define the concepts. What is peace, conflict and violence and why so contested?

2. What forms can armed conflict take?

Wars and armed conflicts are the most visible forms of violent conflict in global politics. But are all wars and armed conflicts the same? How do we distinguish between them? This lesson explores the various types and major causes of current global conflicts.