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Security and Development: Stages of Analysis and Intervention

Code: 41714
Credits: 15
2026/2027
Degree programme Type Course
International Relations, Security and Development OP 1

Contact lecturer

Name :
Alessandro Demurtas
Email :
alessandro.demurtas@uab.cat

Teaching staff

Gebrael Abou-Askar Molina
Claudia Cristina Jimenez Cortes
Ana Ayuso Pozo
Dúnia Camps Febrer
Oriol Barba Suñol
Barbara Loreto Diaz Santis
Sergio Maydeu Olivares
Rafael Grasa Hernández

Teaching staff (external to UAB)

Laia Serra

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

The same requirements for the master's degree are requested. Additional bibliography will be offered by the coordinator to students who request it or to students that, according to the coordinator, need additional help.

Objectives

The objectives are:

- Become familiar with the approaches, theories, concepts and practical instruments realted to international security, development, conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

- Get a deep understanding of the various concepts, theoretical models and methodological and practical instruments existing in the fields of study of security, conflict resolution and development.

- Know and be able to apply and critically evaluate the theory and practice of human development, conflict resolution and human security.

- Acquire the necessary knowledge to prepare intervention proposals on the main aspects related to security, development, peacebuilding and development cooperation policies and strategies.

- Apply the analytical tool of international order to contemporary nuclear security.

The module specifically aims for students to become familiar with:

(a) The general framework of the post-Cold War system, in terms of agenda, actors, concepts, dynamics, and instruments of analysis and intervention, based on the convergence of the security and development agendas.

(b) The main concepts, approaches, policies, strategies and existing instruments in the field of security studies and conflict analysis and conflict resolution methods, with particular emphasis on peacebuilding.

(c) The main concepts, approaches, policies, strategies and existing instruments in the field of development studies and practice and development cooperation, as well as related issues such as trade, environment and human rights.

(d) The main intervention tools and instruments used in development cooperation, conflict analysis, prevention of violent behavior and peacebuilding in general and in a particular region.

Learning outcomes

  • CA05 (Design guidelines for intervention in matters of security and development, particularly in the context of peace processes and peacebuilding, from different theoretical perspectives.) Design guidelines for intervention in matters of security and development, particularly in the context of peace processes and peacebuilding, from different theoretical perspectives.
  • CA06 (To draw up proposals for taking action within the scope of the main aspects of security, development, peacebuilding and cooperation for development policies and strategies.) To draw up proposals for taking action within the scope of the main aspects of security, development, peacebuilding and cooperation for development policies and strategies.
  • CA07 (To formulate judgements based on information that, though incomplete or limited, includes reflections on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of knowledge and judgements.) To formulate judgements based on information that, though incomplete or limited, includes reflections on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of knowledge and judgements.
  • KA04 (To properly integrate relevant concepts, theoretical models and methodological tools from the fields of security, conflict resolution and development into a study.) To properly integrate relevant concepts, theoretical models and methodological tools from the fields of security, conflict resolution and development into a study.
  • KA05 (To recognise security, development, peacebuilding and cooperation for development policies and strategies in relations between two or more international actors.) To recognise security, development, peacebuilding and cooperation for development policies and strategies in relations between two or more international actors.
  • SA04 (To draft reports, scientific articles and proposals for action on specific matters of security and development.) To draft reports, scientific articles and proposals for action on specific matters of security and development.
  • SA05 (To critically assess the theory and practice of human development, conflict resolution and human security based on the results of an empirical study on matters of security and/or development.) To critically assess the theory and practice of human development, conflict resolution and human security based on the results of an empirical study on matters of security and/or development.
  • SA06 (To analyse the impact that a country's political system and social structures have on its security and development policies.) To analyse the impact that a country's political system and social structures have on its security and development policies.

Contents

General contents of the subject

The module aims to familiarize students with and enable them to use:

(a) The general post-Cold War framework, in terms of agenda, actors, concepts, dynamics and instruments of analysis and intervention, based on the convergence of security and development agendas.

(b) The main concepts, approaches, policies, strategies and instruments in the field of security studies and conflict analysis and resolution methods, with particular emphasis on peace building.

(c) The main concepts, approaches, policies, strategies and instruments existing in the field of development studies and practice and development cooperation, as well as related topics such as trade, environment and human rights.

(d) The main intervention tools and instruments used in development cooperation, conflict analysis, prevention of violent behavior and peace building in general and in a particular region.

During the first semester and complementary to the subject Analysis in International Relations (ARI), students will read the manual by Esther Barbé (2020). Relaciones internacionales, 4th Edition, Madrid, Tecnos. This reading is also essential for the Security and Development module.

In the practical exercise (seminar) on the contemporary international nuclear order, students will apply the approach adopted by Barbé to a specific case study.

Organization in modules of the general contents of the course

Module 1. Conceptual and contextual framework: the post-Cold War framework, agendas, actors, and concepts and instruments in security and development.

Module 2. The security and development agenda from the perspective of North-South relations and from a gender perspective.

Module 3. Instruments and policies of intervention in security and development: security strategies, peacemaking, development cooperation and peace building. Seminar on the contemporary international nuclear order (one session).

Module 4. Development and international development cooperation system and international human rights law: concepts, approaches, policies and strategies, intervention instruments.

Learning activities and methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Study activities at home 188 7.52 CA05, CA07, KA04, KA05
Expositions 75 3 CA05, CA06, CA07, KA04, KA05, SA05, SA06
Practical assignments and activities 112 4.48 CA05, CA06, CA07, KA04, KA05, SA04, SA05, SA06

Methodology combines traditional lectures and the use of the academic material available on the virtual campus.

Each class will preferably be dedicated to a specific topic within each block and will have specific readings available to students on the virtual campus.

A presentation or a guide will be offered per module or session/sessions. At least half an hour of each session will be dedicated to commenting on the texts, with scheduled contributions and other spontaneous ones.

Only exceptionally will there be dossiers on paper. All the material will be available in the virtual campus.

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title Weight Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Final exam 40% 0 0 CA05, CA06, CA07, KA04, KA05, SA04, SA05, SA06
Individual paper on a Seminar topic 25% 0 0 CA05, CA06, CA07, KA04, SA04, SA06
Mid-term exam 25% 0 0 CA05, CA06, CA07, KA04, KA05, SA04, SA05, SA06
Assistance and participation 10% 0 0 CA05, CA06, CA07, KA05, SA05, SA06

The grade, the final responsibility of Professor Demurtas, will consist of:

1. Class attendance and participation: 10% of the final grade

2. Partial exam on the compulsory readings of the module: 25% of the final grade

3. Individual work during a Seminar: 25% of the final grade

4. Individual final exam in class: 40% of the final grade

The individual final exam will include all the mandatory readings and topics covered during the course.

To pass the course, students must take the three compulsory tests/exams and obtain a minimum final grade of 5 out of 10.

Bibliography

All required and recommended readings are available to students on the Virtual Campus. From the beginning of the semester, it is highly recommended the reading of the reference manual for the International Relations Analysis (IRA) module:

Barbé, Esther (2020). International Relations. Madrid, Tecnos. 4th edition.


Reference texts on the main topics covered in class:

Collins, Alan (Ed.) (2025). Contemporary Security Studies. Oxford University Press. 7th edition.

Dauncey, Emil. Desai, Vandana. Potter, Robert. B. (2024). The Companion to Development Studies. Routledge. 4th edition.

Guerrero, Isabel. Rivera, Johanan (2023). Scaling Innovation In Development: The Experience of IDB Lab. Inter-American Development Bank. https://publications.iadb.org/publications/english/document/Scaling-Innovations-in-Development- The-Experience-of-IDB-Lab.pdf

Kaldor, Mary (2012). New and Old Wars: Organized Violence in a Global Era. Cambridge: Polity Press. 3rd edition.

Kaldor, Mary (2018). Global Security Cultures. Cambridge: Polity Press.

Software

Use of Artificial Intelligence

Restricted use. In this course, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is allowed for very limited purposes, such as grammar and stylistic correction or translations. In no case can AI be used to generate new content or ideas.

Students should indicate which parts of the work have been generated with AI tools, identify the tools used, and include critical reflection on the role and impact of these technologies in the learning and assessment process.

Failure to disclose the use of AI will be considered a lack of academic integrity and will result in the complete loss of the activity's grade, or other academic sanctions, as applicable.

It is advisable for students to contact teachers before making any submissions using AI. Teachers are solely responsible for establishing whether there has been misuse of AI.


Class calendar.

Classes take place between 4 and 8 p.m., on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, between October and January. The professor publishes the final calendar in the Moodle Classroom (Virtual Campus) during the month of September.

Indicative distribution of classes during the semester

OCTOBER

  1. Alessandro Demurtas: introduction to the course, explanation of the teaching guide, the contents and the evaluation system; The Evolution of the Concepts of Security and Armed Conflict in the Post-Cold War - [4 hours]
  2. Alessandro Demurtas: The Evolution of Development and Peace Concepts in the Post-Cold War Era - [4 hours]
  3. Alessandro Demurtas: The Contemporary International Nuclear Order: Practical Exercise Explained – [4 hours]

NOVEMBER

  1. Gebrael Abu Askar Molina: fifth-generation hybrid warfare. Case Study: Iran – [3 hours]
  2. Alessandro Demurtas: midterm exam in class (25% of the grade) [3 hours]
  3. Laia Serra: development and environment – [4 hours]
  4. Laia Serra: safety and environment – [4 hours]
  5. Laia Serra: Role-Playing Game – [4 hours]
  6. Laia Serra: Case analysis: biodiversity loss and climate change + closure and resolution of doubts – [4 hours]

DECEMBER

  1. Dunia Camps: gender and safety – [4 hours]
  2. Dunia Camps: Gender and Development – [4 hours]
  3. Sergio Maydeu: Experiences of international cooperation: between practice and analysis. Case Studies: Honduras, El Salvador, and Ecuador – [3 hours]
  4. Rafael Grasa: conflicts and direct violence – [4 hours]
  5. Oriol Barba: the strategic planning of Spanish development cooperation – [4 hours]

JANUARY

  1. Anna Ayuso - Claudia Jiménez: development cooperation, International Criminal Law – [4 hours]
  2. Bárbara Díaz: International protection of human rights – [4 hours]
  3. Anna Ayuso: development cooperation – [4 hours]
  4. Alessandro Demurtas: practical exercise on the contemporary international nuclear order (25% of the grade) – [3 hours]
  5. Anna Ayuso - Claudia Jiménez: development cooperation, ICC and universal jurisdiction –[4 hours]
  6. Alessandro Demurtas: final exam in class, 40% of the grade - [3 hours]


Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE

Type of teaching Group Language Semester Shift
(TEm) Theory (master) 1 Spanish first semester afternoon