This course will utilize multi-disciplinary theories, methods and perspectives as we consider the historic conflicts in the Aegean region. The Twentieth century conflicts in the Dodecanese Islands, the Cyprus Issue, the European Union candidacies of Greece, Turkey and Cyprus, and today’s hot conflicts over resources – like offshore drilling rights, continental shelf issues, and natural gas issues will take center stage. We will identify the roots of the conflicts, the contested narratives from the respective communities, social movements who both fueled conflict and fought for peace in these Aegean (and in some cases, Balkan) countries. In this respect, we will utilize historical, political, economic, social movement, and cultural sociological theories and methods. Most noteworthy will be the introduction of Conflict Resolution theories and methods.
