Course syllabus Proxy Wars and Covert Interventions in International Politics

180 credits, of which 90 credits must be in War Studies or another similar subject. In addition, a level of proficiency in the English language, corresponding to English 6/English level 2 or equivalent (for example, IELTS level 6.5 and above) is required.

This course aims to support and challenge the student to build comprehensive knowledge of proxy wars, particularly their characteristics, and the political and military consequences of the military and political processes.

Drawing on current research on proxy warfare the student analyses contemporary as well as historical proxy wars from an actor-centric approach using theoretical concepts from current research on the topic. The course is structured around a set of key questions: What is proxy warfare? Why do states use proxies? How are partnerships between governments and armed groups formed? What type of support is provided, and what is central in the decision-making process? How do states control their proxies? What determines whether support to proxy groups is overt or covert? What are the consequences of these types of interventions? Is war by proxy an effective way to achieve political goals?

Except for the introductory lecture, the course is entirely seminar-based with a strong emphasis placed on active student learning. Learning activities include independent study, scenario-based exercises, and the use of AI-based tools and a policy relevant presentation. Through these learning activities, the student develops their ability to analyze proxy wars on the basis of current research while the individual written assignment deepens this knowledge through systematic application of relevant theories on an empirical case. In the written assignment the student actively reflects on the use of AI-based tools in relation to their own analysis.

Type of instruction 

Independent study

Lecture

Seminars

Scenario-based exercises

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• problematize key actors and processes of importance for cooperative arrangements between states and armed groups

Competence and skills 

• independently analyze historical and contemporary proxy wars using theoretical concepts and relevant empirics
• critically evaluate arguments, theories and methods in current research on proxy wars, interventions and covert operations
• present and structure a policy-relevant briefing

Judgement and approach

• critically reflect on the use of AI-based tools in relation to the independent analysis

Assessment is based on a written assignment and an individual oral presentation.

The examiner may decide to request supplementary assignments for the student to be able to achieve a passing grade on the course. A supplementary assignment shall be submitted no later than three working days after the result and the supplementary assignment for the examination in question have been notified. Examination papers submitted late will not be graded unless special circumstances exist that are acceptable to the examiner.

Grading

The student is graded on a three-point grading scale: Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with Distinction (VG).

To obtain the grade Pass (G) for the course, the student must achieve the grade Pass (G) on both the written assignment and the oral presentation. To obtain the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) for the course, the student must earn a grade of Pass with Distinction (VG) on both the written assignment and the oral presentation.

Grading criteria are reported at the latest at the start of the course.

Restrictions in number of examinations

There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.

When the course is no longer offered or when the course content has changed substantially, the student has the right to be examined once per semester during a three-term period in accordance with this syllabus.