MPSE-006 IGNOU Solved Assignment 2026-27

Course Scope & Syllabus Overview for MPSE-006: Peace and Conflict Studies

IGNOU’s MPSE-006: Peace and Conflict Studies is a core course under the Master of Arts (Political Sciences) (MPS) curriculum, designed to critically examine the theoretical foundations, dynamics, and resolution mechanisms of conflicts—both traditional and contemporary. This course bridges Political Science and International Relations by analyzing peace as a structured concept, conflict as a systemic phenomenon, and the role of institutions, ideologies, and nonviolent frameworks in mitigating violence. Students explore the interplay between statecraft, diplomacy, and grassroots movements, with a strong emphasis on empirical case studies (e.g., UN peacekeeping, Gandhian nonviolence, and disarmament treaties). The syllabus integrates interdisciplinary perspectives, preparing students to evaluate conflict theories, assess regional and global security architectures, and propose evidence-based solutions—skills critical for careers in diplomacy, policy, or conflict mediation.

Key Syllabus Units & Topics

• Nature and Scope of Peace and Conflict Studies: Examines the philosophical and disciplinary roots of peace studies, distinguishing between negative peace (absence of violence) and positive peace (justice and equity), while critiquing realist and liberal paradigms through case studies of post-conflict reconstruction.
• Nature and Forms of Conflict: Intra-state, Inter-state, and Global: Differentiates between zero-sum rivalries (e.g., Cold War blocs), asymmetric conflicts (e.g., insurgencies), and transnational threats (e.g., terrorism), using frameworks like structural realism and constructivism to analyze their escalation triggers and resolution pathways.
• Theories of War and Disarmament: Evaluates classical (e.g., Clausewitz’s "continuation of politics by other means") and modern theories (e.g., democratic peace theory, nuclear deterrence models) alongside the UN’s role in arms control treaties (e.g., NPT, CTBT), emphasizing ethical dilemmas in arms proliferation.
• UN System: Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding: Analyzes the evolution of UN peace operations from traditional blue-helmets to hybrid missions (e.g., MINUSCA in CAR), assessing their mandates, limitations, and the role of civil society in post-conflict governance.
• Gandhian Approach to Peace and Conflict Resolution: Decodes Mahatma Gandhi’s satyagraha and nonviolent resistance strategies, comparing their application in decolonization (e.g., South Africa) and modern movements (e.g., Rwandan reconciliation), while critiquing their feasibility in high-intensity conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the word limit and marking scheme for MPSE-006 Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) in the 2026-27 session?
A: TMAs for MPSE-006 adhere strictly to IGNOU’s guidelines: Section A requires 500 words per question (20 marks each), while Section B demands 250 words per question (10 marks each). Each question carries 30% weightage in the final grade; partial credit is awarded for structured analysis, theoretical application, and adherence to academic referencing (APA/IGNOU format).

Q: Are there any mandatory case studies or primary sources students must reference in assignments for MPSE-006?
A: While no single source is mandatory, IGNOU’s syllabus prioritizes UN documents (e.g., Our Common Future, UNSC Resolutions on peacekeeping), Gandhian texts (Hind Swaraj, The Story of My Experiments with Truth), and academic works by scholars like Johan Galtung (Peace by Peaceful Means) or Kenneth Waltz (Theory of International Politics). Citing these strengthens answers, especially for Unit-7 (UN Pacific Settlement) and Unit-13 (Gandhian Approach).