Explores the politics of civil conflict, peace-building, and the role of education in promising violence or peace. Explores the role of external actors (international organizations, bilateral donors, non governmental organizations), local actors (civil society associations, nationalist and ideological state factions), and their influence on education systems during was and emerging peace. Readings and discussion will focus on humanitarian action, human rights and development, nationalism and ethnic conflict, the political economy of post-conflict education, and the politics of promoting education in early reconstruction and peace-building. Case studies will include Afghanistan, Colombia, Sierra Leone, Pakistan, and West Bank/Gaze, but students will be encouraged to explore cases of their choosing.