The course led by Jeff Checkel at PRIO was designed to be highly student‑driven, encouraging active participation and engagement. In its first half, the course focused on research epistemology, ethics, and transparency, before moving into key methodological approaches such as case studies, case selection, and techniques for capturing processes.
The second half shifted from conceptual foundations to applied practice, examining how case and process methods are used in conflict zones and post‑conflict settings. This allowed students to see the direct relevance of research methods in real‑world contexts.
The overarching goal was to equip students with the knowledge and skills to be rigorous, epistemologically plural, and effective users of case‑based research in conflict and post‑conflict environments. By doing so, the course aimed to strengthen their ability to contribute meaningfully to both academic and policy debates.
The program also reinforced CENTREPEACE’s commitment to building a lasting culture of research excellence in European peace and security. It highlighted the importance of investing in junior scholars, recognizing them as vital contributors to long‑term innovation and policy development in the field.
