Federalism and decentralisation are crucial mechanisms to share power and limit power abuse. Since federalism and decentralisation combine shared action for specific purposes (e.g. defence, external relations, economic development) with autonomous action for other purposes (e.g. education, culture, health), more and more people see some form of vertical power-sharing as the closest institutional approximation to the multinational reality of contemporary societies. Federalism and decentralisation are not only seen as tools for power sharing, minority accommodation and inclusive state-building but also as a means for ensuring good governance, fostering democracy and contributing to development. It does therefore not come as a surprise that theories and practices of federalism and decentralisation are discussed and put to the test throughout the world.

Vertical power sharing is topical in both stable as well as conflict-ridden societies, and can play a decisive role in post-conflict situations. During the last three decades, federalism and decentralisation have become important instruments for conflict transformation and resolution. Especially in countries characterised by state failure or fragility and/or inter-group conflicts, federalism and decentralisation are more and more often used to guarantee autonomy to marginalised groups and to provide access to power at the centre. Peace treaties typically provide for some form of power sharing between the conflicting groups and their territories. Linking federalism and decentralisation to peace-making and transition processes has therefore become an important research field.

The Chair of Swiss and Comparative Constitutional Law in cooperation with the Institute of Federalism of the University of Fribourg reacts to the ever increasing interest in federalism, decentralisation and conflict resolution by offering a three-week course on Federalism, Decentralisation and Conflict Resolution. The course enables students to enhance their knowledge about federalism, decentralisation and other forms of power sharing, especially when it comes to the chances they offer and the limits they face with regard to the transformation and resolution of intra-state conflicts.

During the course, participants will study theories of federalism and decentralisation and their links with good governance, democracy, development and conflict resolution. They will examine a variety of power sharing arrangements in established federal states and newly federalising and decentralising ones, and will discuss the situation of those using power sharing mechanism to resolve or mitigate internal conflicts. Case studies will include Belgium, Ethiopia, Great Britain, India, Iraq, Italy, Nepal, Spain, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Syria, Switzerland, the USA and Yemen. The course combines lectures, group works and presentations by international guests and participants.

Successful participants will be credited 5 ECTS. Additional 5 ECTS can be made by writing a paper on a relevant topic.

A written exam will take place at the end of the Course and successful students will receive a Diploma in Federalism, Decentralisation and Conflict Resolution by the Institute of Federalism and the University of Fribourg. Students registered at the University of Fribourg at the Faculty of Law and exchange students will be eligible for obtaining ECTS credits towards their Master’s Degree. All participants will receive a certificate of participation.

The course enables students to enhance their knowledge about federalism, decentralisation and other forms of power sharing, especially when it comes to the chances they offer and the limits they face with regard to the transformation and resolution of intra-state conflicts. Students are provided insights into methodological and practical knowledge on conflict resolution and in writing a research paper.

Documents and reading materials will be uploaded on Moodle.