Questions of minority protection, separation of powers, or inclusion through power-sharing are crucial to current conflicts in many states around the world – from Belgium to Ethiopia, Iraq to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and from Nepal to Syria. Therefore, federalism and decentralisation continue to be discussed as instruments for the resolution of violent and non-violent conflicts, for dealing with state failure, and for contributing to democratisation. However, federalisation processes are neither linear, nor do they always result in a fully functional federal system.
These are some of the questions that will be tacked at the next Summer University on Federalism, Decentralisation and Conflict Resolution to be held in 2022:
- How can federal and decentralised structures contribute to peace-building and democratisation?
- What do the cases of Nepal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Iraq teach us about the advantages and disadvantages of federal structures?
- Which other factors contribute to ending violence and to ensuring a transition to democratic governance in conflict-affected regions?
- How do federal systems -- including in countries such as Switzerland -- adapt to new challenges?
- What is the future of federalism and decentralisation in the 21st century?
Theories and practices of federalism and decentralisation are debated and put to the test throughout the world. The different forms of power- and resource-sharing between the centre and the territorial units of a state are increasingly recognised as effective mechanisms for the accommodation of minorities and inclusive state-building. Federal and decentralised structures are also a promising means for ensuring good governance, fostering democracy and contributing to economic development.
During the last three decades, federalism and decentralisation have also become important instruments for conflict transformation and resolution and are often on top of the agenda in peace negotiations. The International Research and Consulting Centre at the Institute of Federalism and the Chair for Constitutional and Administrative Law at the University of Fribourg are offering a three-week course on Federalism, Decentralisation and Conflict Resolution. The course aims to provide a series of lectures, held by the Institute’s staff and renowned guest lecturers, covering theoretical perspectives and analyses of specific case studies from all over the world.
- Federalism and Decentralisation as Concepts
- Power-sharing in Theory and Practice
- Multilevel Governance, Intergovernmental Relations and Fiscal Federalism
- Conflict Resolution and Imposed Federalism
- Fundamental Rights and Diversity Management
Evaluation and exams:
Graduation from the Summer University requires a written paper on a selected case study (to be submitted in June 2022) as well as a presentation of the paper during the course. At the end of the Summer University, participants will take a written exam. Participation in discussions and regular attendance are also evaluation criteria.
Application:
The online application form as well as information on required documents are available . The application deadline is Monday, 28 February 2022 at midnight Central European Time.
The fees include tuition, course material, excursions, board and accommodation (half-board), access to the library of the Institute and Internet access on campus. The fee does not include costs for travel, visa, health insurance and personal expenses. Special fees apply to BeNeFri-students.
Covid-19:
The requirements of the Confederation for entry into Switzerland apply. The course will be held in a Covid-19 safe environment and participants will be asked to follow all the rules and regulations that are in place at the time. Necessary and required protective measures will be taken. ¸£ÀûÔÚÏßÃâ·Ñ will follow in due course.
Heads of Programme:
Prof Eva Maria Belser, Chair for Constitutional Law, Co-Director of the Institute of Federalism, University of Fribourg
Dr Soeren Keil, Academic Head of the International Research and Consulting Centre, Institute of Federalism, University of Fribourg
Contact:
Yvonne Heiter-Steiner
Institute of Federalism | Avenue Beauregard 1, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
summeruniversity@unifr.ch |
More information is available through the course .
