Dynamics Of Conflict Research Articles

THE HEADLINES OF NEWS WEBSITES ON WOMEN OF GAZA: A TEXT ANALYSIS STUDY

The contemporary news websites are dedicated to attract the largest number of the audience through their professional, interactive designs. The current study adopts Carter, Goddard, Sanger, Reah, and Bowring’s (2001) model of text analysis. The model is utilized to analyze three headlines from different news websites; from Aljazeera English, CNN, and BBC. The main topic of the headlines is the conditions and states of women in Gaza during the ongoing conflict; Hamas-Israel (2023) war. The study shows that the headlines illuminate the diverse array of challenges confronting women in Gaza, ranging from fundamental deprivations to hazardous quests for security and existential dread. They present a nuanced depiction of the intricate interplay between gender dynamics, conflict dynamics, and the resilience exhibited by women in Gaza, emphasizing the pressing necessity for acknowledgment, compassion, and intervention to alleviate their predicament at regional and international levels.

Uncovering the sources of revolutionary violence: the case of Colombia’s National Front (1958-1964)

ABSTRACT Scholars often explain political violence by highlighting factors such as state weakness. This article shifts the analysis to a focus on state character. More specifically, the article analyses how the growth of revolutionary violence in 1960s Colombia was shaped by the earlier period of the National Front (1958–1964). This earlier period is crucial to understanding the outbreak of revolutionary violence because it gave rise to a project of state reorganization which refashioned the relationship between dominant and subaltern groups. The reorganization of alliances under the National Front helped to significantly reduce inter-party violence, but because of the way in which the form of state was reorganized, the National Front produced new conditions of conflict, which culminated in the growth of revolutionary violence. In making this case it is argued that the birth of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC), reflected through the military offensive against Marquetalia in 1964, can only be effectively captured by appreciating how dominant forces implemented a state reorganization project, which produced new dynamics of conflict and ultimately failed to incorporate key subaltern groups.

Genital evolution in the dark: characterization of male and female genitalia in cave mollies and their surface ancestors (Poecilia mexicana, Poeciliidae)

Abstract Animal genitalia evolve rapidly because of coevolution between male and female traits. However, how the ecological context in which mating occurs might modulate the evolution of genital traits remains poorly understood. We investigated how a change in the sensory environment (the absence of light upon cave colonization) impacted the expression of genital traits in a live-bearing fish, Poecilia mexicana (Poeciliidae), with populations in adjacent cave and surface habitats. Quantifying characteristics of the female urogenital aperture and the male gonopodium (a modified anal fin used for copulation), we found significant differences in genital traits of both sexes. Females from cave populations exhibited larger and more rounded genitalia. Males from cave populations exhibited a significantly enlarged palp, a fleshy gonopodial appendage that has been hypothesized to have sensory functions. Our results suggest that genital traits can diverge rapidly among closely related populations exposed to different environmental conditions. The absence of light could impact genital evolution directly, if some genital structures have sensory functions that compensate for the lack of visual information during copulation, or indirectly, if the absence of light impacts dynamics of sexual conflict or cryptic female choice that arise through the interaction between the sexes.

The impact of boundary spanning activities and resource orchestration in improving performance of Indonesian state-owned bank branches

State-owned enterprises have responsibilities to conduct head office’s strategies to make profits, to execute public programs and obligations, to maintain their viabilities, to serve customers, and to manage employees. Those prompt their branch managers not only to explore their environment but also to face a goal conflict situation. This study is to investigate the effects of branch managers’ boundary spanning activities and resource orchestration on the performance of branch offices in the dynamics of environmental uncertainty and goal conflict. This study employs structural equation modeling on one of the most prominent state-owned banks in Indonesia, with 201 branch offices as the unit of analysis, and 186 branch managers as respondents. The results of this study show that boundary spanning activities have a positive and significant relationship with resource orchestration. Meanwhile, both boundary spanning activities and resource orchestration are to influence the performance of branch offices. However, the influence varies widely, depending on environmental uncertainty and goal conflict experienced by branch managers. Furthermore, this study delves into an interesting phenomenon, that goal conflict situation, instead of reducing boundary spanning activities, it increases them but has no impact on resource orchestration. This closely relates to the culture of Indonesia as a nation with high power distance, low individualism, low masculinity, and low indulgence which represent preferences to prioritize workplace harmony, obey supervisors, and be loyal to the workplace.

When Monument Battles Go Digital: Russian–Ukrainian Conflicts over Material Heritage on Telegram

In the context of increasing conflicts over material heritage around the world, this article examines the role digital media play in battles over monuments. The rise of digital media brought significant changes to the cultural dynamics of heritage conflicts, which have not been adequately addressed in existing literature. Bringing together work on monuments, (digital) memory conflicts, and digital activism, we identify three key dimensions of monument battles in which the impact of digital media is most clearly visible: (a) participation, democratization, and deterritorialization; (b) reframing and contestation; and (c) mobilization and the online-offline movement of heritage battles. We illustrate these arguments drawing on a critical discourse analysis of monument battles on the messaging application Telegram in the context of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, using a sample of 940 posts from both pro-Ukrainian and pro-Russian channels. We demonstrate that despite potentially providing space for alternative memory interpretations, online memory contestations over heritage contributed to the construction of polarized and mutually exclusive worlds.

Empirical Evaluation of Farmer-Herders’ Conflict in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria

The conflict between crop farmers and cattle herders has become a persistent issue in many regions of Nigeria, including the Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State. This study evaluates the nature of such conflict in the state and how it is managed using a multistage sampling technique to select 120 arable crop farmers in the state. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires. The study findings show that poor communication, crop destruction, and cattle theft are the primary causes of conflict between the crop farmers and cattle herders in Kwara State. Of all these causes, 84.4% of the study participants ranked poor communication as the first major cause of conflict, 67.5% ranked crop destruction as the second major cause of conflict, and 53.1% ranked cattle theft as the third major cause of conflict. These conflicts result in detrimental effects, such as property damage and loss of life. This study reveals that negotiation (83.1%), mediation (3.2%), and sanctioning (3.3%) are the conflict management strategies employed in addressing conflicts among the farmers and herders in Kwara State. Despite the use of negotiation, mediation, and sanctioning as conflict management strategies, conflicts persist between arable crop farmers and cattle herders in the study location. This persistence shows there is a need for improved education and communication between stakeholders to address this issue. The study recommends educational programs and enhanced communication channels to foster peaceful coexistence. Overall, the findings underscore the complex dynamics of farmer-herder conflicts and the importance of sustainable conflict resolution approaches. Keywords: Farmer-herder conflict, conflict management, communication, sustainable coexistence.

An Appraisal of the Social- Legal Dynamics of Conflicts in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

The peculiar position and significance of the Niger Delta region to the economic and political stability of Nigeria is self-evident. As the region with the largest deposit of crude oil and gas which is the mainstay of the economy, the Niger Delta necessarily occupies a central place in the economic destiny of the country. It is pedestrian that the exploration and exploitation of crude oil is now a common phenomenon in the area and the presence of numerous oil locations and gas flare points all over the region is a clear confirmation of the prevalence of oil related activities in the Niger Delta. This paper examines the various types and causes of conflicts pervading the Niger Delta Region till date and notes that unless there is equitable distribution of the proceeds of the petroleum sector and a buy-in of the relevant stakeholders, the drivers of the conflict ravaging the region will continue to thrive.

A user study on regulating upset emotion in workplace through HELMO

The rising prevalence of emotional distress resulting from mental health pressures constitutes a paramount issue within the context of a rapidly evolving work environment. The detrimental consequences experienced by those affected by this phenomenon are of considerable magnitude. In order to address these issues, it is possible to design relevant applications that can assist individuals in identifying workplace disputes and devising effective strategies to alleviate emotional strain. Previous research has predominantly focused on investigating the potential of robots to exert a positive influence on conflict dynamics within a team-based problem-solving context through their ability to address interpersonal violations post-conflict. Consequently, there is a limited understanding regarding the specific criteria via which robots may contribute to conflict resolution. This study encompasses user research, analysis of essential elements, and the proposal of a high-fidelity prototype named HELMO. This prototype provides a range of daily functions that can assist individuals in recognizing conflicts and mitigating the danger of experiencing negative emotions. The findings indicate that individuals have a high demand for detecting conflicts and releasing emotional pressure in many subject matters. The mental health application known as HELMO shows promise in addressing the difficulties associated with emotional discomfort that may arise during or following workplace confrontations.

The Threats of Climate Change in Nepal: Natural Catastrophes and Global Conflict Frontiers

Nepal, nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, is uniquely positioned with its delicate geological makeup. This renders it vulnerable to escalating environmental threats, primarily driven by global climate change-induced adversities. These climatic adversities not only disrupt the ecological balance but also create a space for multiple conflict frontiers. The primary objective of this research is to delve into the multifaceted conflicts that include competition for scarce resources, decision-making process, and vested interest of foreign powers that may arise from the climatic challenges especially flash floods, glacier lake outbursts, droughts, landslides, and other catastrophic disasters. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of climatic-induced disaster events and their significant role in the origin of conflicts. Employing a qualitative research design using the tool of comparative analysis, the study investigates the conflicts triggered by these disasters of the past two decades. The study will draw insightful parallels between Nepal's unique situation and other global regions. I will spotlight regions like South Sudan, Rwanda, Syria, and, South and Southeast Asia where climate-induced factors, such as acute water and food shortages, have ignited community tensions and other resource-based conflicts in the historical review and analysis. Within Nepal's borders, I will undertake a detailed historical analysis of the specific cases due to climate change. The study aims to bridge the knowledge gap between climate change and conflict dynamics, offering actionable insights for holistic resource management, disaster risk mitigation, and proactive conflict prevention.

К вопросу освещения СМИ Азербайджана и Армении подписания Бишкекского протокола (1994-2021 гг.)

The article analyzes the information confrontation and the influence of the media of the South Caucasus states on the evolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and its settlement on the example of the Bishkek Protocol of May 5-12, 1994. The activity of regional media in the conditions of the formation of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia as independent subjects of the world political process in the post-bipolar period is considered. The peculiarities of the functioning of mass media in the conditions of the active phase of the conflict and in the post-conflict period are revealed. The information concepts, strategies and ideological features of the media of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Armenia, which were used by the conflicting parties when covering the signing of the Bishkek Protocol and subsequently, are studied in detail. The role and significance of the media, their influence on the dynamics of the ethnopolitical conflict and the formation of geopolitical stability in the South Caucasus are investigated. Based on the analysis of publications in the main state print media of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia, regional electronic mass media, the author comes to the conclusion about the urgency of the problem – the negative influence of the media on the peaceful settlement and post–conflict situation in the region. The characteristic principles, approaches, ideological concepts and information strategies that were used by the Azerbaijani and Armenian media when covering the signing of the Bishkek Protocol are identified. A differentiated approach is noted in the process of covering the peace treaty. The main trends in the information policy of the parties in the period under review – from 1994 to 2021 are identified. The destructive role of the media, which acted as a tool of manipulation within the framework of long-term information and propaganda campaigns to discredit the Bishkek Protocol, is pointed out. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that on the basis of the studied publications, trends have been identified to belittle the historical significance of the Bishkek Protocol in order to resume the armed conflict and its “unfreezing” already in the first quarter of the XXI century.

Генезис и динамика развития этнополитического конфликта в Республике Судан

The aim of this article is to investigate the genesis and dynamics of ethno-political conflict in the Republic of Sudan focusing on three main regions: the South, the West, and the East. The study uses various scientific methods such as historical, descriptive, and cognitive approach to analyse the dynamics of ethno-political con-flict in Sudan through identifying the key elements of identity in different societies. Understanding the specificity of local conditions, motives of the conflicting parties’ actions and decision-making on conflict resolution in Su-dan, identifying common causes of ethno-political conflict in South, West and East Sudan, and developing rec-ommendations for conflict resolution in Sudan. The findings of the study highlight the politicisation of religious and ethnic factors as well as fomentation of divisions as one of the major causes of worsening conflicts in the said regions. In addition, the study revealed that conflicts in Sudan have deep historical roots and are driven by complex socio-economic and political factors.

Towards Improved Gender Inclusive Peacebuilding in Africa: Policy Implications

Purpose: Although several earlier studies have looked at peacebuilding and its limiting aspects, research on gender-inclusive peacebuilding dimensions remains limited, especially in Africa. Global events have continued to emphasise the inextricable pertinence of the interconnectedness between peace, conflict and gender. This reinforces how masculinity crises cause violence against some other genders. This study sought to examine gender- inclusive peacebuilding gaps in Africa and provide policy suggestions for improvements. Methods: Qualitative research methodology was employed through an analysis of secondary data gleaned from available work obtained from academics, peace experts, research reports, international agencies and various organizations. Results & conclusion: The study shows that conflict dynamics are essentially gendered and made out of gendered identities. Developing gender-inclusive peacebuilding processes, exclusively being attentive to intersectionality, involves bringing different views into peacebuilding processes. For improvement, some strategies and opportunities should involve altering power imbalances within structures to promote peace. Originality/Value: This is one of the few studies that establishes gender inclusive peacebuilding in the African continent and provides cross-cutting policy implications rather than those that are country specific. Moreover, gender inclusive peacebuilding is a topical issue that occupies the peacebuilding global agenda.

Remaking the Urban: International Actors and the Post-war Reconstruction of Cities

Abstract The postwar reconstruction of cities has become an arena of international actors who mobilize different narratives of power and reshape conflict using other means. This article highlights how international actors use urban reconfigurations as a tool for intervening in the broader postconflict reconstruction of societies. First, it shows that the postwar reconstruction of cities is not only a set of spatial and economic processes of remaking the urban environment, but also a discursive practice of highlighting hegemonies through space. The article argues that reconstruction entanglements in inter-imperial space reflect both the endurance and the emergence of hegemonies of power. Second, urban reconstruction and other spatial interventions in contested urban space often prolong the tensions originating from war. In cities where destruction was caused by a mixture of internal and external actors, and where previous warring factions have to coexist in the postwar arrangements, like in Sarajevo and Beirut, domestic and international agendas reinforce and redirect one another. The article shows that the entanglement of local, national, and international actors in reconstructions play a role in transforming both place and conflict dynamics after peace treaties are signed.

Internal Conflict of Syria in The Construction of Al-Jazeera

This study aims to analyze Al-Jazeera's contribution on the dynamics of the internal conflict in Syria. The method used in this study is qualitative descriptive method with Nicholas Onuf's constructivism approach. Researchers collected primary data by interviewing a number of relevant informants and secondary data through documentation studies, archival, document-based research, and internet-based research. This study found that the media not only functions as a monitor, but can also be used as a driving force by state actors. In addition, it was found that there were actions taken by al - Jazeera as an agent and information service provider which encourages the Syrian people to move and ultimately stimulates the internal conflict between the Syrian regime and the Syrian people. This study has limitation in concern to the dynamics of the conflict in the Middle East extensively, which also participate to provide settings to the internal conflict in Syria. However, this study is able to contribute to the development of the repertoire of International Relations Studies, especially in the understanding of the contribution of global media to the socio-political dynamics of a country.

Conflict, COVID-19, and crisis response: shifting from 'pivoting' to preparedness.

This paper assesses the extent to which the COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic directed the attention and resources of the international community away from peacebuilding, and the potential impact of this on conflict-affected environments. It draws from a global survey, interviews, and conversations with peacebuilding practitioners, publicly available information on peacebuilding funding, and real-time data on conflict events from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project. The paper argues that resources and attention have 'pivoted' away from peacebuilding to tackle the threat presented by COVID-19, and that this can-but does not always-adversely affect conflict dynamics. It contends that this pivoting belies the interconnectedness of crises, leads to 'forgotten crises' and escalating threats, and exposes deficiencies in peacebuilding funding and, more broadly, preparedness and crisis response. Crises do, however, provide opportunities for reflection and change, including how to address these deficiencies and, in so doing, advance more efficient, effective, and ethical practice.

Misunderstanding Myanmar through the lens of democracy

Abstract This article takes the 2021 military coup in Myanmar and its violent aftermath as a starting point for analysing the dominant lens through which western observers commonly narrate the country's politics as a struggle for democracy. It shows how focusing on questions of the political system is insufficient for explaining political processes and conflict dynamics, and how it risks sanitizing the country's past and presence of nationalism, ethnic conflict and genocide. A postcolonial reading suggests that finding solutions to conflict and authoritarianism in Myanmar demands questioning the role of the modern nation-state itself. This analysis contributes to recent research which has found that Conflict and Peace Studies develops theories from some conflicts over others, reflecting how western interests shape academic choices in a field that aims to inform policy and practice worldwide. This article contributes to this debate on knowledge production by arguing that this selectivity bias is not simply a function of general western interest (or lack thereof). It is also linked to the frames that govern our interest in and understanding of countries and regions worldwide. Studying ‘forgotten conflicts’ in the global South not only necessitates a turn to specialist literature, but also demands moving beyond Eurocentric frames of reference.

Examining the Coopetition Relationships in Renewable Energy Trade among BRI Countries: Complexity, Stability, and Evolution

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has significantly transformed the traditional energy market and reshaped international cooperation and conflict dynamics through its expanding trade in renewable energy resources. This study focuses on examining the complex and evolving nature of coopetition relationships in the renewable energy trade among BRI countries from 2013 to 2020. Understanding the interplay between cooperation and competition in this sector is crucial for comprehending the dynamics and stability of these trade relationships. Using a signed network approach, the findings of this study reveal that the countries predominantly exhibit a cooperative relationship. However, as time progresses, a notable pattern emerges, characterized by the coexistence of “competitive cooperation” and “cooperative competition”. In addition, coopetition group clustering is strongly influenced by geographical location. China, as a key player in the BRI, demonstrates a coopetition group characterized by a high inflow and low outflow pattern. Furthermore, the implementation of the BRI has greatly improved the overall stability of trade along the route. However, the coexistence of competition and cooperation among nations has increased the uncertainty of trade relations, thereby exerting a certain level of influence on their stability. Based on these findings, this study proposes policy recommendations to strength renewable energy trade relationships along the BRI route.

Green Criminological Dialogues: Voices from Africa

This is the third special issue of the IJCJSD seeking to engage in global Green Criminological Dialogues, previously presenting ‘Voices from the Americas and Europe’ (Goyes et al, 2019) and then ‘Voices from Asia’ (Goyes et al, 2022). The focus for this collection is Africa, a continent of enormous diversity—in Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (hereafter IPLCs), environments, non-human species, and resources—that has fuelled the dynamics of exploitation, conflict, crimes, and harm for centuries.

Emotions and social conflicts: mobilisations against animal husbandry in Brittany, France

Social conflicts have been largely studied according to their rational aspect, looking at arguments and strategies mobilised by rationally engaged actors. However, land-use conflicts over animal husbandry in Brittany have shown that a pre-reflexive element comes into play, motivating action before justification. Emotions are a ‘forgotten variable’ of individual and collective action that can be fruitfully grasped in a relational approach, as a component of any social relations. In this article, we propose a theoretical framework to understand the role of emotions in social conflicts. The focus is on situations where people engage in conflict rather than avoid it. We base our framework on Dewey’s account of emotions as a ‘disruption in routine’ and rational thinking as an effort to readjust. To fully grasp the dynamics of conflict, we also suggest that the processes of emotional revision, routine, trust and values are essential components of collective action in situations of conflict.

THE DIAGNOSTIC MODEL OF THE MOTIVATION OF MILITARY SERVICEMEN WITH AN EMPHASIS ON THE VALUE SPHERE

The article analyzes the motivational sphere of military personnel, on the basis of which a motivation diagnosis model was developed with an emphasis on the value sphere. It was found that the motivational and value aspect in the professional activity of military personnel is a key element of their mental activity, which contributes to the balanced development of personal and professional qualities. Understanding the problems of professional motivation within the framework of the relationship “motivation ‒ personality ‒ activity” allows us to reveal the key importance of this component in the process of forming the personality of each military person. The main components of the model, which include the orientation of the individual, which depends on psychological and social conditions, have been determined. It is proposed to take into account the value orientations of the individual, which are divided into personal, prestige-egoistic and social-social values, which help in determining the level of adaptation and professional growth. The importance of integrating meaningful orientation into professional activity, which allows to evaluate life satisfaction and perception of personal responsibility, is substantiated. In addition, a diagnostic toolkit is proposed for each component, so in order to study the orientation of the personality, it is necessary to use the methodology of diagnostics of the orientation of the personality, which was developed by V. Smekal and M. Kucher; The Connor-Davidson-10 resilience scale and J. Rotter՚s “Diagnosis of the level of subjective control” method. For the purpose of studying value orientations ‒ the value questionnaire of Sh. Schwartz. And for the diagnosis of meaningful life orientations, the “Meaningful Life Orientations” test was proposed by D.A. Leontiev and “Morphological test of vital values” (V. Sopovoy and L. Karpushyna). Conclusions regarding the importance of an integrated approach in the diagnosis of motivational and value aspects, including both theoretical and empirical methods of analysis, are substantiated and formed. Prospects for further research are focused on the expansion and refinement of the model, taking into account the dynamics of military conflicts and psychosocial factors affecting individual motivation.