International Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies

Fragmenting Nationalism and Institutionalizing Conflict and Underdevelopment in Africa

John Tor Tsuwa — 2025-02-19

African nationalists had forged a unified ideology towards decolonization and development irrespective of culture, religion, and ethnicity. This helped them to gain independence and mobilized resources for collective development. Conversely, post-independent African leaders in their bid to capture, use, and retain power have destroyed the nationalist ideology and introduced fragmentalism. This paper using secondary data and analyzing the data within the arguments of the social-conflict analysis paradigm discovered that the post-colonial elite have developed religious, economic, cultural, and ethnic identities to fragment their citizens. This new strategy of divide and rule has paved the way for them to personalize governmental resources. This has affected Africa’s effective participation in the globalization process irrespective of its comparative advantage. The paper also discovered that African leaders have continued to fuel conflicts and underdevelopment to perpetually keep the fragmented people poor. Based on these realities and findings, the paper recommends that African societies should initiate strong Indigenous leadership ideologies and business sectors based on their comparative advantage. This will change the ownership of the means of production and the social relations of production from a personalized elite group to a community-based approach of inclusion that will help solve the conflicts and underdevelopment challenges that have bedeviled the African continent.

Analysis of the Effect of Compliance of International Committee of Red Cross on Armed Conflict on Female Gender in Nigeria

Adejoh Reuben — 2025-02-20

This study examines the impact of compliance with National Committee of Red Cross principles on armed conflict and its effects on the female gender in Nigeria. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. Data were sourced from primary and secondary sources, including surveys, interviews, and existing literature. The findings reveal that compliance with National Committee of Red Cross principles significantly reduces the vulnerability of women and girls to violence, exploitation, and abuse during armed conflicts in Nigeria. The study also highlights the critical role of the National Committee of Red Cross in promoting humanitarian law and principles, and in providing protection and assistance to women and girls affected by armed conflict. The research concludes that enhancing compliance with National Committee of Red Cross principles is crucial for mitigating the impact of armed conflict on women and girls in Nigeria. The study recommends that the Nigerian government, the National Committee of Red Cross, and other stakeholders work together to strengthen the implementation of humanitarian law and principles, and to provide adequate protection and support to women and girls affected by armed conflict.

Book Review: Liberal Peace: On Conflict, Gender, and Peacebuilding (Democratic Republic of Congo Case Study)

Michael Sunday Agba — 2025-03-01

Liberal Peace: On Conflict, Gender, and Peacebuilding presents a critical examination of the liberal peace model of peacebuilding, particularly its application in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The book comes in eighteen chapters and covers diverse areas of peacebuilding in the context of DRC-Chapter 1: Democratic Republic of Congo’s Conflict and Gendered Nature, Chapter 2: Interventionism and the Responsibility to Protect, Chapter 3: Ontological Underpinnings of the Conflict, Chapter 4: Addressing Gender Issues Locally and Internationally, Chapter 5: Rape, Women’s Bodies versus Resources, Chapter 6: Gender Exclusion and Exploitation as Capitalist and Colonial Hangovers, Chapter 7: No Permanent Allies but Permanent Interests, Chapter 8: The Institutionalisation of GBV, Chapter 9: Socially Entrenched Culture of Violence: Authors’ Testimonies and Congolese Women’s Peacebuilding Initiatives, Chapter 10: National and Global Politico-Economic Factors, Chapter 11: International Conspiracy against the DRC Africa’s Typical Replica, Chapter 12: Rape as the Weapon of Capitalism, Chapter 13: The Internalisation of Rape, Chapter 14: Prostitution, Chapter 15: When Liberal Peace Fails, Chapter 16: Forces Behind the Conflict, Chapter 17: Human Rights Vs Security , Chapter 18: Whose Human Rights? Interesting, each chapter of the book comes ends with discussion questions probably intended to broaden and deepen reader’s insights into the issues covered in the chapter. Students of Peace and Conflict Studies (PCS), International Relations, Political Sciences, Public Administration, Sociology, Economics, Political Economy, Social Works, Environmental and Resource Management, etc. would find the content of this book useful. Thus, the multidisciplinary content of the book makes it appealing to the social science and development discourse.

Counter-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction: Strategies against Terrorism through a Questionnaire-Based Study

Anamika — 2025-03-13

The study was conducted with an aim to address the critical issue of preventing the spread and misuse of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) in the context of the threat of terrorist attacks involving nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, their delivery systems and related materials. The study utilized a questionnaire-based research methodology to gather insights from subject matter experts and the scientific community, providing a comprehensive understanding of the motivations, capabilities, resources, and potential consequences of WMD proliferation. The study results highlighted the multifaceted motivations of potential proliferators, including deterrence, prestige, financial gain, and offensive purposes, necessitating a nuanced assessment of the risks associated with WMD proliferation. It also underscores the significance of understanding the capabilities and resources available to potential proliferators, such as scientific, technological, and industrial capabilities, as well as financial and human resources. Additionally, the study focused on the potential consequences of WMD proliferation, including its impact on regional and global security, the economy, and society. It underscored the need for robust measures to prevent and counter its proliferation. The study also highlighted the importance of nonproliferation strategies, including diplomatic, economic, and military measures, and emphasized different strategies' costs and benefits. It underscores the necessity for organizations to establish due diligence processes, policies, procedures, and training programs, and to collaborate with other stakeholders to address WMD proliferation challenges effectively. Additionally, it acknowledges the potential for technology or expertise to be misused for WMD development. It emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences and best practices to raise awareness and improve risk management. In conclusion, the study provided valuable insights into the risks of WMD proliferation for companies and institutions, highlighting the need for proactive risk management strategies, collaboration with stakeholders, and a deep understanding of the potential consequences and implications of WMD proliferation. It underscores the importance of addressing these risks through a comprehensive and collaborative approach, proactive risk management strategies, and a deep understanding of the potential consequences and implications of WMD proliferation.

Assessment of Effects of Gender-Based Violence on Women's Participation in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding in NWSW Cameroon

Shomsang Elvine Bendung — 2025-03-31

This paper explores the effect of gender-based violence (GBV) on women's participation in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts. In many conflict-affected regions, women face significant barriers that hinder their involvement in these critical processes, often rooted in the pervasive culture of violence and discrimination. In the conflict-affected areas of NWSW, most often, women and girls are considered legal minors and not invited to take part in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. This paper makes used the qualitative research methods such as the library method, unstructured interviews, Focus Group Discussion and personal observation to bring forward the effect of this violence on a group of vulnerable women and girls, and the effect of their absence from conflict resolution and peacebuilding tables. Mindful of the above, the paper explains the various types violence, before going forward to critically analyse the role they can play in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. This paper analyses case studies from various contexts and examines how GBV not only undermines women's safety and well-being but also diminishes their capacity to contribute effectively to peace initiatives. The research reveals that experiences of violence can lead to psychological trauma, reduced social capital, and limited access to resources, all of which impede women's engagement in peacebuilding activities. Additionally, the paper discusses the role of grassroots organizations in empowering women and addressing GBV as a means to enhance their participation in conflict resolution. This study advocates for legal reforms and providing support services, these organizations play a crucial role in transforming the landscape of peacebuilding. The findings underscore the necessity of integrating gender perspectives into peace processes and emphasize that addressing GBV is essential for fostering inclusive and sustainable peace. This study calls for a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of gender equality, GBV prevention, and women's active participation in peacebuilding efforts.