Conflict Management Mechanisms Research Articles

Conflict management mechanism in contemporary Nigeria; problems and prospects

Conflict management mechanism in contemporary Nigeria; problems and prospects

Reproductive males are effective at managing conflict in captive Sulawesi crested macaques (Macaca nigra).

Group size, density, and composition significantly influence the expression of agonism and, as demography is frequently manipulated in captivity, natural mechanisms of conflict management may be disrupted. Here, we examine how changes to the social and physical environment of a captive group of Sulawesi crested macaques, Macaca nigra, influenced mechanisms of conflict management. The initial group was comprised of females, juveniles, and castrated males; under a series of management interventions, the group was moved to a new enclosure, 75% of the castrated adult males were removed, 67% of the females were contracepted, a novel, intact male was introduced, and the group was allowed access to an outdoor enclosure. Despite a decreasing trend in aggression following the changes to the social group, we found no significant differences in aggression or intervention behavior in the 5-week periods immediately following changes to the social group, apart from a significant decrease in aggression following the introduction of the novel male. This decrease in the frequency of aggression was still evident 10 weeks after the interventions occurred, and was coupled with a decrease in the intensity of aggression. Moreover, the intensity of aggression as well as the frequency of aggression and intervention were significantly lower under low-density conditions. Our results highlight how management changes to the social and physical environment can influence aggressive behavior, albeit following a period of acclimation. We discuss the relative impacts of social group composition, social density, and individual reproductive status on the management of conflict behavior in a captive setting.

Developing a Measurement Scale of Opposition in Tourism Public-Private Partnerships Projects

Stakeholder opposition is reported as a central aspect of public-private partnership (PPP) failure; however, it has not gained much attention in either tourism or general PPP studies. Therefore, this study seeks to explore stakeholder opposition and develop a measurements scale of opposition in tourism PPP projects. An exploratory-sequential mixed methods approach is employed to holistically understand the subject. The results confirmed that lack of perceived value, relational strength, stakeholder management approach, and a conflict (and power) management mechanism, in addition to inadequate capabilities of stakeholders and poor experience outcomes, are antecedents of opposition to tourism PPP projects. Other notable results and their implications for theory and practice are included in the article.

Effectiveness of the Conflict Management Mechanisms in Land Use Conflicts in West Pokot County, Kenya

West Pokot County, Kenya has experienced land use conflicts for a very long time. Land is a very important resource for pastoralists and agropastoralists’ livelihood. Formal Conflict management mechanisms were established to manage land use conflict in West Pokot County however, the conflicts persisted. The Constitution of Kenya 2010, transformed the conflict management mechanisms by integrating the formal and the informal mechanisms. The judiciary system of conflict management was complimented by the alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and the traditional dispute resolution mechanisms. Despite the integration of the formal and informal conflict management mechanisms, land use conflicts have persisted in West Pokot County, Kenya. Therefore, this study explored the effectiveness of the conflict management mechanisms in transforming land use conflicts in West Pokot County. The study used the conflict transformation theory to analyze the effectiveness of the conflict management mechanisms in transforming land use conflicts in the county. It used both descriptive and explanatory research designs to give the actual picture and explanations of the effectiveness of the conflict management mechanisms in West Pokot County. The questionnaire, interview schedule, focused group discussion and observation schedules were used to collect data primary data. This study used the SPSS to analyze quantitative data while qualitative data was analyzed using qualitative analysis. The findings of the study shows that the conflict management mechanisms in West Pokot County are not effective in the transformation of land use conflicts. Complete implementation of the conflict management mechanisms will improve the transformation of land use conflicts in West Pokot County. Keywords: Conflicts, Mechanisms, Management, Land-use, County DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/11-4-02 Publication date: February 28 th 2021

Community justice as a conflict management mechanism in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Myanmar

Community justice as a conflict management mechanism in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Myanmar

Performance Evaluation of Organizational Arrangement in Irrigation Water Management at Serenta Irrigation Scheme, Northern Ethiopia

This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of organizational arrangement for irrigation water management in Serenta irrigation scheme. The different indicators considered were Water Users Association (WUA) structure, water allocation and distribution systems, water distribution fairness status, conflict management mechanisms in water use, canals cleaning and maintenance performance and organizational support service on irrigation water management. To evaluate the performance of organizational arrangement of the irrigation water management practices, questionnaire survey data collection method was used. The data generated through the household survey were analyzed using SPSS software. Eighty nine per cent of the respondents responded that the organizational performance of the current water users association in the irrigation scheme was poor. This attributed for unfair water distribution system and conflict on water use. To distribute the water fairly among users and to minimize the water loss, water users association should be strengthened and training on irrigation water management need to be arranged for the farmers. This implies that, presence of strong water users association in particular and presence of well organizational arrangement in irrigation water management is corner stone to build an effective irrigation development.

Tree-Based Conflict Management Mechanism Among Small Landholders in Agroforestry Systems of Kenya

Afforestation programs are challenged by competition for land uses. Land use conflicts arise whenever there is divergent use, access and management of the resource or due to incompatible use and inadequate policy. Agroforestry may reconcile competing interests. However, small landholdings remain a challenge due to the negative ecological and economic impacts of most economically preferred trees for agroforestry systems. Such negative impacts lead to the emergence of conflict among different land users and in most instances, slows down afforestation efforts on the farm. This study intended to explore conflicts arising from on-farm tree-planting and other land use practices, to identify the conflict resolution mechanism adopted by land users and to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses in conflict management. Mixed method approach of structured and semi-structured interviews was employed in Bobasi, Kisii County, Kenya. Content analysis, means, frequencies and cross-tabulations were done. Results indicated that small landholdings coupled with poor agroforestry practices were the main source of conflict driven by the ready market for trees of high economic values but with negative ecological impact. Conflict management mechanisms adopted were mainly cooperative methods such as voluntary negotiations between tree farmers and crop owners. These included adopting silvicultural control measures, benefit sharing of tree stems along the boundaries and compensation mechanisms for losses incurred by crop owners. Right based management mechanisms were also noted among other land users who believed that what they did with their land and compound was their business and so exhibited competitive approaches such as avoidance, coercion, and adjudication.

한일 갈등관리 메커니즘의 역사적 전개와 구조적 변용

본 연구에서는 한일 국교수립 전후 시기부터 현재까지 한일 양국이 갈등을 해소하고, 건설적인 관계를 구축하기 위해 어떠한 노력을 기울여왔으며, 이 과정에서 갈등관리메커니즘이 어떻게 형성되고, 변화해 왔는지 알아보는 것을 목표로 한다. 한일 간 갈등관리메커니즘은 소수 정부 관계자 및 고위급 관료 등에 의한 「점(点)과 점(点)의 연계」에서 ‘점(点)의 조직화’를 통한 그룹과 그룹의 「선(線)과 선(線)의 연계」, 이후 「선(線)과 선(線)의 다원적·다면적 복합연계」 형태로 변화하며 발전해 왔다. 그리고 그 과정에서 양국 간 갈등 해결의 모색은 소수의 한정된 인원에 의한 폐쇄적 형태에서 보다 많은 인원이 참여하는 공개된 형태로 변모하였다. 그러나 이와 같은 메커니즘의 변화는 시대적 흐름과 사회적 요구에 부합하는 발전적인 변화를 도모하지 못하고 있으며, 새로운 시도와 외연확장, 시대를 앞서가는 선도적 노력의 부족 속에서 그 한계를 노정시키고 있다. 수십 년간 지속되고 있는 한일갈등 속 한일관계의 발전과 갈등 사안의 궁극적 해결을 위해 갈등관리메커니즘의 발전을 위한 보다 진지한 논의를 지속해 나가야 할 것이다.

Sustainable Conflict Resolution through Community Based Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Planning in Fragile and Conflict Situations: The Case of Somalia

The study examines the nature of disputes, which are prevalent in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programming and suggests possible conflict management and resolution mechanisms. An online web-based survey, hosted on the popular Survey Monkey platform, was conducted through the Somalia WASH Cluster to 40 ‘active’ member organisations. A response rate of 73% was achieved. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo 12. The type of conflicts identified are as follows: visible versus non-visible benefits, emergency versus development focus, the young and the old, insiders versus outsiders, local versus donor priorities and men versus women. The article goes on to suggest possible conflict resolution mechanisms, which include: planning together with communities, continuum programming, setting up early warning systems, harmonisation of institutions managing WASH resources and the development of localised Memorandums of Understanding. It is recommended that the complexities of conflict and fragility require different approaches. The approaches would apply to both relief and developmental WASH programming.

Implementation of a conflict management mechanism in a company

Implementation of a conflict management mechanism in a company

Resuscitating the Age Grade Associations and Women Guilds in Igbo Land for Effective Conflict Management Mechanism and Resolution.

An insight into the history of Igbo people of southern Nigeria remarks that the people had a well-articulated socio-political system that worked very well for the people for maintenance of social relationship and peaceful co-existence. The organs in the socio-political system included the Age Grade Associations and different Women Guilds like the Umuada and Inyomdi Associations. They served as vital tools for identifying evil deeds in the society, adjudicate and enforce discipline especially in the pre-colonial Igbo period. Preliminary investigation reveals that with the advent of colonialism, the strength of these Associations declined and eventually weakened and in some cases disappeared in some areas. This is not unconnected with the colonial method of dislodging some Igbo cultures and values. The aim of this paper is to carry out research into the state of the associations today and to suggest a way of revitalization. In doing this, both normative theory and descriptive method of analysing historical events shall be adopted. Secondary and oral interviews shall be relied upon. Eye witness account shall also be utilized. This paper is of the opinion that the government shall set up an advisory committee to study the pre-colonial dispute management mechanism of various ethnic groups in Nigeria. This will enable the nation to reduce the frequent conflict explosions in the country.

Gender and Conflict Management: The Role of Women’s in Indigenous Conflict Resolutions for Peace Building in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence from around the world and across cultures showed that integrating women and gender considerations into peace-building processes helps to promote democracy, good governance, long-term stability and development . The inclusion of gender perspectives into conflict analyses can be beneficial not only to ensure better understanding of conflict dynamics, but also to highlight the linkages with development and poverty issues. Hence, the current review is aims to assess the role of women’s in indigenous conflict resolution in different regions of Ethiopia. All available materials were reviewed. The results of the review disclosed that even if women’s formal participation in the highest leadership positions were formally closed, it is documented that throughout the world, women had played critical roles in times of wars and peace as community organizers and activists. The findings further showed that the role and participation of women in the indigenous conflict management mechanisms is low and insignificant in Tigray. In indigenous system, women play an indirect role in Amhara and Tigray. In Oromia region, women have a great role in solving conflicts among Oromo clans by intervene and request for reconciliation by using the institution called Siqqe . They also have the right and power to reconcile Oromo people to their God called Waqqa by praying to God for them. In Somalia, Women’s also play multiple roles before, during and after conflicts. Women of South nations and nationality play different roles in addressing conflicts either along with men or alone and the male based institutions address conflicts in equal basis irrespective of sex. Based on the above findings, it can be concluded that, Ethiopian women’s play a pivotal role and still working to maintain peace and security across all provinces of the country. Therefore, women should be respected as they have a lion share role in indigenous conflict resolutions as well as they should be empowered to involve in peace promotion and peacemaking at regional and country level . Keywords: Gender, Indigenous, Conflict resolutions, Peace building, Ethiopia DOI: 10.7176/IAGS/80-01 Publication date: February 29 th 2020

Militärische Unterstützung aufgrund einer Ex-ante-Zustimmung: Verstoß gegen Artikel 2 (4) der UN Charta?

The current contribution explores one specific legal controversy pertaining to military assistance on request, a construct with significant political and legal implications for collective security. It examines whether general international law requires a temporal proximity between the consent issued by the inviting state and military assistance provided. In particular, it explores whether the prior consent has to be ad hoc to the specific intervention, or whether it may also be given ex ante through a so-called pro-invasion treaty clause. In Africa in particular, requests for military assistance since the end of the Cold War have at times been extended to regional or sub-regional organisations on the basis of their treaty frameworks that facilitate ad hoc as well as ex ante military assistance to member states. In as far as ex ante pro-invasion clauses are concerned, two articles within regional security frameworks merit attention. These respectively include Article 4 (h) of the Constitutive Act of the African Union (AU) of 2000 and Article 25 of the Protocol Relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peace-Keeping and Security of 1999 of Economic Community of West African States.

The Place of Human Rights in Environmental and Natural Resources Conflicts Management in Kenya

Article 19 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 provides that Bill of Rights is an integral part of Kenya’s democratic state and is the framework for social, economic and cultural policies. It further states that the purpose of recognising and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms is to preserve the dignity of individuals and communities and to promote social justice and the realisation of the potential of all human beings. The Constitution also outlines the principles of national security as including the protection against internal and external threats to Kenya’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, its people, their rights, freedoms, property, peace, stability and prosperity, and other national interests. In addition to these, the Constitution provides for and envisages the enjoyment of the right to clean and healthy environment and other environmental rights therein, realisation of sustainable development and outlines national values and principles of governance which are geared towards protection of the human rights of all persons, environmental protection and the creation of a peaceful society. This paper argues that it is possible, in the application of some of the environmental conflict management mechanisms, to achieve undesired results that violate or fail to protect the rights of the target groups in a given conflict. The author offers insight on how the conflicts may be addressed in a way that upholds the various rights of groups in a conflict. The paper argues for adoption of a rights-based approach to environmental protection and conflict management.

Hybrid dispute resolution model for migrant-host communities

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to locate, describe and analyze the differences between the way migrants from communal cultures and local communities in Western Europe resolve intra-communal and inter-communal conflicts, and to use the findings to propose a hybrid alternative model that may be able to bridge across identified differences. Such a hybrid model will facilitate enhanced integration and adaptation between host and migrant communities, contributing to improved conflict resolution outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThis paper starts with an exploration, review and analysis of existing relevant literature describing refugee/migrant–host community interactions and their consequences. The second stage includes review and analysis of relevant alternative dispute resolution (ADR) literature. The third stage undertakes an examination and analysis of the practices identified in stage two, and the fourth stage proposes a method that uses potentially “bridging” practices by incorporating useful and relevant elements from host and refugee communities’ ADR mechanisms, in a way that may help resolve inter-communal disputes.FindingsThe paper demonstrates significant differences between host and migrant communities’ dispute resolution practices and the integrability of relevant ADR approaches toward creating a usable, hybrid, bridging approach to handle inter-communal conflicts.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper proposes a hybrid “bridging” host–refugee inter-communal conflict management model. The proposed model should be tested to prove feasibility and viability.Practical implicationsShould the proposed model prove useful, the practical implications may lead to the construction and use of different (hybrid) conflict management mechanisms in appropriate communities. Such mechanisms may lead to a reduction in the number and severity of inter-communal conflicts.Social implicationsA reduction in inter-communal conflicts within the framework of a host–migrant interface may have strong positive outcome to inter (and intra) communal relations and may reduce friction, crime, marginalization, hostility and radicalization.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the challenges to both migrant and host communities when it comes to finding a common ground for resolving inter-communal disputes and offers a pragmatic hybrid model to bridge cultural and functional gaps and help promote mutually satisfactory outcomes.

A mediação de conflitos como instrumento de concretização da teoria da justiça de John Rawls

John Rawls desenvolveu sua teoria da justiça como equidade a partir da noção de que cabe aos próprios indivíduos estabelecer os princípios básicos de organização da sociedade. O autor considera que os membros devem estar numa posição original de igualdade envolvidos pelo véu de ignorância, capaz de evitar a influência de condições pessoais na escolha desses critérios. Tais princípios da justiça legitimariam uma sociedade democrática, pois fundamentados na liberdade e igualdade (ou respeito às diferenças). Entretanto, é comum que surjam divergências de interesses como decorrência natural das relações interpessoais, fator que representa um risco à manutenção do arranjo social. O presente artigo tem por objetivo mostrar que a mediação se apresenta como um mecanismo de tratamento de conflitos que melhor concretiza a teoria de Rawls, pois pretende o restabelecimento do vínculo entre as partes, permitindo aos envolvidos a construção pacífica da solução através da participação ativa na tomada de decisões.

Relevance of indigenous conflict management mechanisms: evidence from Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo and Central Gonja Districts of Northern Region, Ghana

The Northern Region is witnessing protracted and relapsed conflicts, and attempts at resolving these largely through Western models, particularly the formal court system have not been successful. As such, this study explores the relevance of indigenous conflict management mechanisms in restoring enduring peace in the Northern Region of Ghana. The study employed a multiple case study design. Data was collected from forty-three purposively selected respondents using interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. The results from thematic and cross-site analysis revealed that indigenous mechanisms have features of inclusive participatory approach at all levels of the conflict leading to acceptable outcomes. The traditional mechanisms have proven to be immediate and meaningful, accessible, and affordable. The use of local languages is well understood by all parties and processes and procedure are well attuned to local needs as they produce quick justice for the people. The development of a comprehensive programme to incorporate aspects of both the indigenous and western-centred judicial structures for the purposes of legitimacy of management outcomes is proposed. Keywords: Conflicts, Indigenous, Management, Mechanisms, Participatory, Ghana

КИТАЙСКИЕ ДИСКУССИИ ОБ ОТНОШЕНИЯХ С США И ТОРГОВОЙ ВОЙНЕ

The article analyzes the debates of Chinese researchers on the relations with the United States at the backstage of the “trade war”. The statements of the Chinese leadership about the continuation of the “period of historical chances” for national development are combined with calls to be prepared for contingencies and to pay extra attention to new trends in international environment that do not correspond with normative theses about irreversible tendencies of multipolarity, economic globalization and impossibility of a large-scale war. “Trade war” has become an incentive for understanding the reasons of deterioration in bilateral relations and searching for new sources of their stability. The most of Chinese foreign policy analysts believe that it is possible to extend the “period of historical chances” even in time of such a deterioration. However, the standard set of recommendations from Chinese experts (deepening of market reforms, participation in the reform of global governance and world order, strengthening national power while expanding cooperation with other countries for the sake of construction of a “new type of international relations”) have not offered a recipe how to prevent further worsening of Chinese-American relations. Broad positive recommendations to develop dialogue and avoid serious conflicts are useless at strategic junctures when the opposite side speaks the language of ultimatums. Chinese mainstream habitually emphasizes that cooperation between Beijing and Washington is beneficial to both countries and for the world, while no one gains from the confrontation. The proposals to the American side to “get rid of the zero-sum game mentality”, “take a more positive look at the development of China”, “constantly expand the space and prospects for bilateral win” were not able to curb constantly rising tensions in bilateral relations. Nevertheless, in a number of academic publications one can find optimistic statements that in the next couple of years, Donald Trump will surely soften the U.S. policy towards China. Realist point of view recognizes the possibility of intensifying rivalry between Beijing and Washington. Chinese researchers are increasingly turning to the analysis of the interaction of the two countries as “competition together with cooperation” or “struggle without destruction” (“dou er bu po”). The intention to establish an atmosphere of “healthy competition” in bilateral relations may not be feasible, since China does not have tools to convince Trump administration to abandon the pursuit of absolute superiority. After the bilateral trade lost its function as a stabilizer of Sino-American relations, experts felt the necessity to find new sources of stability. The main task is not focused on restoring the previous levels of cooperation. It is more important to recognize the differences between the two countries and create new effective mechanisms for conflict management by clearly defining “red lines” and communicating with other party to clarify interests and strategic intentions. In reliance on research publications in Chinese academic journals, the article demonstrates that optimistic judgments about the continual importance and strength of China-U.S. relations gradually gave way to realistic estimates based on the recognition of fundamental changes in this sphere. More notable became the efforts of Chinese researchers in comparative analysis of national strategies and consideration of alternative scenarios for further development of relations with the United States.&nbsp

Traditional Mechanisms for Resolving Aguleri–Umuleri Land Conflicts

Conflict is a natural occurrence among human beings. Whenever people gather together in family or in other social and political groups there are bound to be conflicts. According to Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa, these conflicts could lead to “struggle of various levels of intensity, extending to violent combat which could lead to the destruction of the group.” Conflict is, therefore, part and parcel of both human and nonhuman life. Every society at one time or another has been embroiled in conflict. It is part of human existence and no society can run away from it. As such, the communities of Aguleri and Umuleri have been at each others’ throats since the nineteenth century. The cause of this conflict is not far-fetched. History has shown that the piece of land, “Otuocha,” has been the cause of this feud between these two communities.Aguleri and Umuleri communities lived together peacefully, farming together and intermarrying, before the colonial masters arrived in the nineteenth century. The conflicts escalated when elders of Umunchezi Umuleri and Aguleri sold off portions of “Otuocha” land to Umuoba-Anam. As both communities are joint owners of “Otuocha” irrespective of who settled first, there is urgent need to revive our traditional mechanisms of conflict management because it is confidential, less expensive, and the outcome is usually more acceptable to disputing parties than the methods brought in by Western influences.

The Effectiveness of Traditional Somali Justice-Based Conflict Management Mechanisms Influencing Peace-Building Strategies in Garissa County, Kenya

The Somali community that inhabits northern Kenya have over the years solved their conflicts through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms that have been key in helping members of these community live together in harmony . However, modernity has made it difficult for the continual use of this method despite its traditional effectiveness. This study there aimed at shading light on the effective ness of TSJBCM in a world where the formal modes of dispute resolution such as courts have taken over. The study was conducted in Dujis constituency in Garissa county where the respondents were mainly ethnic Somalis. The results of the study indicated that TSJBCM had proved effective especially in cases where the formal modes of conflict resolution had failed.