Department of Conflict, Peace and Development Studies Tribhuvan University

The Department of Conflict, Peace and Development Studies at Tribhuvan University, Nepal, stands as a unique academic center focused on understanding and transforming conflicts, building sustainable peace, and promoting equitable development. Since its inception, the department has been at the forefront of introducing critical peace and conflict studies to the Nepali academic landscape, offering a platform for in-depth research, rigorous education, and meaningful dialogue. The department aims to equip students with the analytical tools, practical skills, and ethical perspectives necessary to navigate the intricate dynamics of conflict and contribute effectively to peacebuilding and development initiatives.

CPDS is distinguished by its interdisciplinary approach, drawing insights from political science, sociology, anthropology, economics, psychology, and international relations. This broad perspective allows students to gain a holistic understanding of the root causes of conflict, the processes of peacebuilding, and the challenges of sustainable development. The department offers a Master's degree program that delves into various aspects of conflict analysis, peace theories, human rights, transitional justice, security studies, humanitarian intervention, and development policy.

Theory-practice interface

One of the key innovations of the CPDS program is its comparative approach. Cases from a wide range of conflicts and peace processes in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe are examined to elicit both the universal as well as the historically particular lessons in the interconnected dynamics of conflict, peace, and development.

The department began CPDS classes with the first batch of 38 students in September 2007 . Besides the regular teaching, the program has held several workshops and exercises by bringing together academics, experts, and students. Several CPDS students interned as observers during the historic Constituent Assembly elections in April 2008.

In May 2008, the program successfully operated its field research laboratories in Beldangi, Jhapa district, Shaktikhor, Chitwan district, and the border villages of Kapilbastu. The students assigned to each of the three field sites pursued their individual research projects on various aspects of Bhutanese refugee camp life, cantonment and reintegration of Maoist PLA troops, and the causes and impact of communal violence by employing a variety of field research methods and techniques.