LFU:online

Distributional conflict is a global and multifaceted problem. Recent years have seen a marked rise in fatalities from political riots, civil wars and interstate wars. Violent conflict imposes enormous social and economic costs; even non-violent disputes over the distribution and redistribution of resources can constitute a huge challenge to society.

Students will learn to systematically analyze incentives and behavior in conflicts over the allocation and redistribution of resources. They will gain a deeper understanding of the causes and mechanisms shaping conflict outcomes, strengthen their ability to conduct quantitative analyses of one of the most pressing global problems, and derive both normative and positive policy conclusions based on state-of-the-art economic methods. 

The course covers recent topics in the economics of conflict and redistribution, including questions about the causes of resource-wasteful conflict and its economic consequences. Models of conflict are used to analyze violent and military conflict such as interstate or civil war but are also applied to less violent forms of conflict, including distributional conflict within organizations. 

The course develops a theoretical framework for analyzing distributional conflict, examines selected strategic and dynamic aspects, and discusses recent empirical research on distributional conflict and war. It also introduces key political economy approaches to the analysis of redistribution outcomes.

Lecture with interactive elements; student discussions of selective topics and research articles; independent application of state-of-the-art methods in economics.

Written exam, problem sets, student presentations, active participation.

There is no specific textbook for the course. Much of the course will be based on research articles and surveys. Required readings will be announced during the introductory lecture.

As stated in the curriculum. Knowledge of fundamental concepts in game theory as well as basic econometric methods is highly recommended.

Please check the OLAT page of the course for the most recent information on the course organization.