National Peace Research Articles

Pengaturan Anti-Terorisme dalam Hukum Positif Indonesia dan Hukum Pidana Islam: Suatu Studi Perbandingan

Terrorism is a global threat considered illegal under various legal systems, including in Indonesia. The country has faced several acts of terrorism that threaten national peace and security. This study aims to compare anti-terrorism regulations in Indonesian positive law and Islamic criminal law, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of both. The research method used is normative legal research with a comparative approach, analyzing the similarities and differences in regulations, implementation, and effectiveness of anti-terrorism policies between the two legal systems. The results show that both Indonesian positive law and Islamic criminal law consider terrorism as a serious crime. Indonesian positive law, through Law No. 5 of 2018, provides a comprehensive legal framework with a focus on prevention and enforcement. Meanwhile, Islamic criminal law regards terrorism as jarimah hirabah with severe punishments according to the level of seriousness. The evaluation indicates the need for strengthened institutional coordination, legislative revisions, and enhancement of deradicalization programs and public education.

Brazil’s Approach to UN Peace Operations and Peacebuilding in Africa in the 21st Century

Brazil occupies a unique position compared to other rising powers regarding the maintenance of peace and security on the African continent. Since the late 1990s, Brazil has not deployed any contingents to United Nations (UN) peace operations on the continent. Nevertheless, Brazil’s recurring presence as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and its contributions to UN debates on the development of the organization’s intervention capacity make it a relevant player in international peace and security. After an introduction on the broader aspects of Brazilian foreign policy, the article is structured in two sections, with a conclusion. The article was prepared using archival documents of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as research by leading Brazilian experts on Brazilian peacekeeping in Africa. The first section focuses on Brazil’s responses to UN requests for contributions to peace operations on the African continent, including MINUSMA, UNOCI, UNAMID, MINURCAT, UNMISS, and MINUSCA cases. The second section covers Brazil’s contributions to peace operations and peacebuilding in Africa, focusing on the country’s contribution to security sector reform in Guinea-Bissau and its approach to training for participation in UN missions in Africa, including the deployment of a training team in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The author concludes by highlighting key Brazil’s engagement in UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts on the African continent.

Small States as Norm Entrepreneurs: Unveiling Ghana's Agency in Atrocity Prevention

ABSTRACT This article explores the dynamic role of small states in shaping the global discourse on atrocity prevention, spotlighting Ghana as a compelling case. It delves into Ghana's historical commitment to and advocacy for atrocity prevention as a norm entrepreneur, and the country’s efforts to institutionalize atrocity prevention at the national level through its National Peace Council. I underscore the challenges and constraints confronting small states, including shifting priorities driven by global and regional security concerns and resource limitations, as well as the significance of localizing atrocity prevention efforts, exemplified by the NPC's grassroots approach to conflict resolution and violence prevention. A central argument made here is that paying closer attention to the domestic capabilities of small states better illuminates their international posture regarding atrocity prevention. I conclude that small states like Ghana play a vital role in advancing the atrocity prevention agenda, in turn promoting a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of global efforts in the pursuit of peace and human rights.

Silencing the Guns: African Traditional Proverbs and Aphorisms for Peace and Security in 21st Century Africa

Africa is yet entangled with some Western modernity responsible for their political crises and incessant insecurity. Insecurity in Africa has historical roots from pre-colonial to post-colonial periods. The continent's hosting of the seventh United Nations Peace Support mission and over 60 percent of the UN Security Council's agenda addresses African insecurity underscore the urgent need to tackle these challenges. This paper examines insecurity in Africa and advocates for reviving African traditional methods to restore peace, utilizing proverbs and wisdom. Through analysis, criticism, and prescription, it explores the inherent insecurity problems and argues that African proverbs offer valuable insights for fostering unity. The study compares Western crisis resolution methods with African approaches, concluding that traditional African means are a more effective alternative. It highlights Africa as a potential solution to its own insecurity while recognizing the benefits of Western methods. The paper concluded that Africa has strong indigenous values and security systems capable of addressing insecurity even before colonialism. The paper recommended that African traditional security outfits are more efficient and better considered as alternative measures to solving the problems of peace and insecurity in Africa rather than adopting the Western war-war method.

The future of UN peace operations: pragmatism, pluralism or statism?

Abstract Although United Nations peace missions have played an important conflict management role for decades, a backlash against the post-Cold War model of ‘liberal peacebuilding’ and other recent developments have called their future into doubt. Some observers contend that a ‘pragmatic turn’ is now underway—a shift away from ambitious plans to transform war-torn societies into liberal democracies and towards more modest and realistic goals. Whether ‘pragmatism’ offers a viable alternative framework for peacebuilding, however, is less clear. This article challenges key assumptions of the pragmatic approach to peacebuilding, including the notion that UN missions can be ‘agnostic’ about the governance arrangements of societies that host these operations, as some proponents of pragmatism recommend. Historical case-studies show that such assumptions are integral features of collective conflict management systems, including UN peace missions. Moreover, a close examination of the pragmatist approach reveals that it, too, is based on such assumptions—namely, that building peace requires the promotion of pluralist societies and states. Pluralist peacebuilding, the article concludes, could offer a compelling foundation for future UN missions in an era of rising statist–authoritarianism, but developing this approach will first require discarding pragmatism's pretence of ideological agnosticism.

Using force to protect civilians: successes and failures of United Nations peace operations in Africa

Using force to protect civilians: successes and failures of United Nations peace operations in Africa

Examining the Impact of Regional Integration on Peace and Security in East African Community

Attempts at regionalization and integration are increasingly viewed as offering chances for guaranteeing peace, stability, and sustained economic growth in the face of Africa’s numerous security concerns. As a result, organizations dedicated to regional integration and cooperation, like EAC, are beginning to take on the role of conflict resolution experts in their particular areas. Therefore, this study’s primary goal was to evaluate how regional integration contributes to African peace and security. In particular, the study was conducted to determine the various missions that EAC members carried out to restore peace and security in member nations, as well as to assess the effects of various policies created by the EAC to address peace and security concerns among member states. Furthermore, this study exclusively used secondary data. From online books, articles, reports, conference papers, magazines other research papers and assess the effects of the various policies that the East Asian Community (EAC) established to address issues of peace and security among its member states. Additionally, the missions that the EAC members carried out to help member states that needed to regain peace and security and were affiliated with the East were reviewed. Furthermore, it was discovered that regional integration had the subsequent implications for security and peace: strengthened domestic peacekeeping forces by means of regional collaboration; provided members with monetary assistance to sustain peace and security; and made it simple to obtain support and assistance from non-member nations in emergency situations. East Africa is now united as a result of the EAC’s formation. But the EAC still has certain obstacles to the advancement of peace and security as well as regional integration. For instance, it was discovered that certain states are not fully dedicated to regional peace and security strategies, and it was also mentioned that a shortage of resources and training is one of the challenges to implementing peace. for these reasons I would recommend that members states pay on time their contribution, members states should be committed to the agenda of the community a finally, states should resolve conflicts between and among themselves.

United Nations Peace Operations and International Relations Theory Edited by Kseniya Oksamytna and John Karlsrud

A comprehensive review of the book United Nations (UN) Peace Operations and International Relations Theory, edited by Kseniya Oksamytna and John Karlsrud, helps analyze the challenging notion that International Relations (IR) theories are impersonal and abstract. The book offers insights into international conflict resolution through the practical application of various IR theories.

The Nature of the United Nations Peace Mission in South Sudan

This study delves into the nature of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and specifically explores UNMISS's key roles like violence reduction, political instability, the security situation, social cohesion, reduction of violence, protection of civilians and socio-economic development. The study was guided by two objectives; to assess the objectives and mandates of UNMISS, and to examine the effectiveness of the roles and mandates of UNMISS in addressing the underlying causes of conflict and fostering sustainable peace in South Sudan. The study was underpinned by two theories, conflict transformation and Liberalism institutionalism theory. The study adopted a mixed method design with a target of 3280 and a sample size of 354 which was determined by the Yamane (1967) formula. The study employed purposive, cluster, stratified, and systematic sampling. Primary data was collected through interview schedules and questionnaires which were supplemented by FGDs. While secondary data was collected through a review of various publications. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using SSP version 28 and thematic excerpts respectively. The study concludes that UNMISS has been in the front run to de-escalate hostilities by putting in place several strategies to create a conducive environment that supports dialogue and negotiation. This includes concerted DDR efforts that aim to reduce armed conflicts and prioritize the protection of civilians by fostering trust within the warring communities. Equally, UNMISS has played critical roles in ensuring social cohesion and political stability that are conducive to reconciliation and dialogue at the grassroots level. Peace-building initiatives have been achieved through missions’ commitment to the protection of human rights, social-economic development and availability of resources. The study recommends a substantial increase of resources to UNMISS and strengthening the SSR and DDR programs.

‘Dis Football Sef … Na Wahala’: A Continental Contest That Troubled a Nation

Football frequently evokes emotions across ethnic fissures and could threaten national peace. In 1977, at the semi-final stage of the Africa Cup Winners’ Cup, Enugu Rangers supported by Igbos in the Eastern part of the country confronted Shooting Stars of Ibadan, the most popular club among the Yorubas in Western Nigeria. After the first leg of the two-legged encounter ended 0-0 in Lagos, a heated debate emerged about the location for the final leg. There was controversy over which of the clubs’ players should be released from the national team camp for the match. A crowded football calendar emerged with the national team involved in a contest for a place at the 1978 World Cup finals. This paper employs historical method to analyze content from three newspapers – Daily Star in Enugu, Nigerian Tribune in Ibadan, and the New Nigerian in Kaduna. Using the instrumentalist theory of ethnicity, it reveals how both teams sought to gain support but came close to causing ethnic turmoil that was extinguished by intervention of the military leadership who ordered the second leg moved out of Lagos.

Understanding Bangladesh's security governance through peacekeeping assemblage: does contribution matter?

Abstract How do international peacekeeping experiences inform the security governance of contributing states from the global South? This article advances theoretical and policy arguments that international peacekeeping exposure contributes to forming multitudes of effects on domestic security affairs and shaping the contributing countries' security governance. The analysis problematizes the transformation of norms, policies, practices and institutional approaches in shaping the national security outlook of the contributing nations. Considering peacekeeping as a discursive ‘glo-cal’ affair and Bangladesh as a critical case, this study underscores how Bangladesh's contributions to United Nations Peace Support Operations (UNPSOs) inform its security governance. The article adopts a qualitative–interpretive approach to examine the assembling effects of Bangladesh's participation in such endeavours. It highlights the transformation in security institutions, new capacities in knowledge and income-generating sectors, new peacekeeping norms, and partnerships in security cooperation as the cornerstones in the national security outlook. Extending the purview of the existing literature on contributors' roles and impact, this article has offered assemblage as a dynamic conceptual lens to understand new domestic significance for the armed forces as global peace providers. Challenges related to the struggle for democracy, political stability and good governance persist in Bangladesh; nevertheless, the peacekeeping assemblage explains how the country has considered accelerating its global peace endeavours.

Guardians or disrupters? Peace discourses and politics in Tanzania

ABSTRACT The African Union declared 2010 the “African Year of Peace and Security,” with its famous slogan “Make Peace Happen.” However, the meaning of peace is contested depending on particular discursive contexts and the purpose that the peace narratives of the dominant political actors serve. This paper interrogates peace discourses in Tanzania. Drawing from desk reviews and key informant interviews, it reveals how Tanzania’s political opposition and civil society actors contest the ruling party’s rhetoric of peace and tranquility. The paper unravels critical perspectives about national peace, particularly how it can be achieved and maintained. The findings reinforce previous research on language, ideology and politics that shows how dominant political parties in Africa reproduce and maintain power through peace narratives. Specifically, the paper adds to the emerging literature on peaceocracy, where political stability and order are prioritized at the expense of democracy.

A forest peacebuilding mechanism for the world’s most fragile states

Resource scarcity within a fragile state can lead to cooperation or within-state conflict. Cooperation is more likely when local peacebuilding mechanisms are part of a national peace framework. A new local peacebuilding mechanism, shared forest cooperatives (SFC), is proposed here. Designed to stabilize peace in rural communities, SFC refers to a network of local councils. Each council manages a living bank, namely annual dividends harvested from a forest ecosystem or other perennial plants. SFC’s backbone for managing forest dividends is Elinor Ostrom’s common-pool resource principles. Each SFC group relies on the backbone when choosing its own rights, rules and obligations. Ostrom’s monitoring principle of higher-level support, or polycentrism, presents difficulty for fragile states. Outside intervention covers binding decisions, technical expertise and hosting neutral space for face-to-face dialogue initially. SFC’s design, theory and practice draws from four elements: 1) where SFC fits within the current intervention practices, 2) SFC’s reliance on shared land usage and occupancy typical for most of the world’s nine most fragile states, namely Somalia, Yemen, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Chad, Sudan, Afghanistan, Central African Republic and Syria, 3) adapting Elinor Ostrom’s common-pool resource principles for sharing each living bank’s dividends 4) better governance based on local peace council experiences. Elements are folded into a synthesis and its critique then policy implications. Socially fragile, SFC is proposed as a 2-for-1 mechanism for building peace in rural communities while minimizing forest loss.

The Resurgence of Military Coups in West-Africa States: The Case of Niger Republic and Its Implications on Peace, Security and Transnational Activities in Nigeria

Niger Republic is a country rich in mineral resources (uranium) with astounding and complex relationship with the West, a strategic country provided with supports and collaboration with the West (United States of America) when it comes to fight against terrorism in Africa. Relatively enjoying a stable civilian government before the seemingly unexpected military coup struck and pull out the roots of civilian government and short-lived the democratic government in power. This study aims at; identifying and examining the factors responsible for military coups in West Africa States and Niger republic in 2023, examining the interventions and reactions of Nigerian Government and Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) and other international organizations towards the Military Coup in Niger Republic, identifying and assessing the implications of the Niger coup on Nigeria national peace, security and socio-economic development as a neighboring State and Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) in general. In this study, the Resource Curse Theory was used as the theoretical framework of analysis. The data used in this study are primarily and secondarily sourced. The interview was tailored towards eliciting information from key informants, including historians, political scientists, peace and conflict experts, international relations experts, diplomats, staff of foreign affairs ministry and other stakeholders. Secondary data were sourced from publications, editorials, articles, textbooks, journals, newspapers, internet materials in relations to the subject matter. The research work established the fact that security and welfare of the people which is the primary purpose and responsibility of the government has not been adequately attended to due to leadership failure and indiscipline among the political class. However, because of the far-reaching implications of the coup for national life and ECOWAS States at large, the study therefore, recommended, among other things, that all parties involved must embrace peace and come together in order to resolve the matter in a manner that will further promote peace and development in the sub-region.

The Quest for Peace: Examining the Impact of Ethnic Federalism on Conflict Management in Ethiopia

The main objective of the study is to critically examine the impact of conflict management on conflict management in Ethiopia. The diverse policies that Ethiopia's previous administrations implemented have left both positive and negative legacies. In an attempt to promote national peace by addressing ethnic diversity and reducing conflict, the current regime has experimented with ethnic Federalism in a way never seen before since 1995. However, in Ethiopia, ethnic Federalism has not been able to resolve interethnic disputes. Ethnic group conflicts are become extremely widespread. People have died as a result of these wars, and other people have also been displaced and property destroyed. In addition, ethnic minorities are being driven out of different regions as a result of ethnic strife. Despite this, differing opinions persist regarding the purpose of Ethiopia's ethnic Federalism. Ethnic Federalism is seen favorably by some and is seen as a valuable instrument for resolving interethnic conflicts. However, several elites argue against ethnic Federalism as a policy and practice because they fear violence and the dissolution of the country. The study uses a qualitative content analysis design to address the paper's objective. Sociological and instrumentalist theories are also employed to address the issue. Consequently, this study has clarified how ethnic Federalism affects conflict resolution. The study implies that even if ethnic Federalism was implemented more than thirty years ago, it has not been able to resolve ethnic tensions throughout the nation.

In Pursuit of Excellence: Analysing the Indispensable Nature of Conduct and Discipline of Nepali Army in UN Peace Support Missions

Nepal is currently ranked 2nd among the Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) in United Nations Peace Support Operations. In this context, this paper examines the contribution of the Nepali Army's military conduct and discipline to the effectiveness of UN Peace Support Missions. The theoretical foundations delve into pertinent theories, particularly emphasizing Kevin S. Donohue's concepts of Discipline A (voluntary, value-based Attitudes) and Discipline B (externally enforced Behavioral responses) within the military framework. Maintaining conduct and discipline in UN peace operations is essential for ensuring the credibility and legitimacy of these missions. Therefore, prior UN reports and the Secretary General's Special Bulletin from 2015 to 2022 are comparatively analyzed to reflect on occurrences of misconduct involving peacekeepers from TCCs. Likewise, a quantitative comparative analysis assesses the status of the Nepali Army in terms of military conduct analyzing the rate of allegations of misconducts against it. The study employs descriptive statistics to analyze the status of misconduct allegations including that of serious misconduct to advocate for a stronger integration of military conduct with UN peacekeeping mandates, aiming to enhance overall effectiveness and elevate ethical standards in international peace operations. The findings underscore Nepal's exemplary practices in fostering both Discipline B and Discipline A within its peacekeeping forces. The paper concludes by demonstrating the substantial positive impact of disciplined behaviour on mission outcomes

Political Natural Law and Human Dignity: an Empiricist Perspective

Abstract This article argues that observing natural laws is crucial for preserving peace in nations across the world. Traditional natural law theories are, however, flawed and outdated. To truly modernize natural law, we propose a new concept, “political natural law” (PNL), which has the capacity of curing these flaws. We then substantiate the PNL s from the result of analyzing the institutional causes of civil wars since 1800, and link them to human dignity. Drawing partly on the Confucian scholarship on natural law and human dignity, we argue that the mutual respect of human dignity is essential to building and sustaining global peace.

Moderasi Beragama dalam Bingkai antar Umat Beragama

The Indonesian is multicultural country. It’s diversity includes differences in culture, religion, race, language, ethnicity, tradition and others. In a such multicultural society, there are frequent tensions and conflicts among cultural groups and have impacts on harmony in life. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the diversity of Indonesian culture, its religious moderation in the diversity and role of religious educators in realizing Indonesian national peace. The method used is a library research. The conclusion of this study is that multicultural life requires multicultural understanding and awareness that respects diversity, and willingness to interact with anyone fairly. A religious attitude of moderation is needed in the form of recognition of the existence of other parties, being tolerant, respecting differences of opinion and not forcing the will through violence. The role of the government, community leaders, and religious guidance is needed to socialize, develop religious moderation to the community for the sake of the realization of harmony and peace.

Illicit Activities and Border Control in Ngoma, Namibia

Ensuring border security and control is essential for maintaining national peace and stability, as it involves security forces monitoring border areas to safeguard communities. The Ngoma border faces difficulties, sharing boundaries with Zambia and Botswana. The current study explored key illegal activities, their effects on the community, and the existing border control measures and challenges. Despite the established border control efforts, significant illicit activities persist in Ngoma. Using a purposive sampling approach, the research obtained data through individual interviews and focus groups discussions with members of the Namibian Police Force, the Namibian Defence Force, Customs and Immigration officials, and community residents. The data were analysed through thematic analysis, revealing that, despite existing control measures, activities, such as poaching, illegal fishing, smuggling, and unauthorised border crossings, remain prevalent. The findings further indicate that border control in the area appears ineffective, largely due to a shortage of adequately trained personnel, limited screening equipment, and a lack of essential resources, such as patrol vehicles and aerial surveillance systems. Based on these insights, border control at Ngoma can be enhanced by integrating modern technologies, such as biometric identification, automated license plate recognition, and drones to improve efficiency and security. Furthermore, implementing training and capacity-building programmes for border law enforcement and customs officers would be advantageous. Engaging local communities through community policing also strengthens relationships between law enforcement and residents. Additionally, regional collaboration with neighbouring countries could help reduce illicit border activities and build stronger diplomatic connections.

Human Needs and Civilian Violence in United Nations Peace Keeping Operations: A Case of MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Citizens’ protests against UN Peacekeepers in Africa are on the increase. This article draws from MONUSCO's experience in DRC to address one crucial question: Why are local populations launching violent demonstrations against UN Peacekeepers in DRC? The study utilises human needs theory to reveal that unfulfilled civilian security needs manifest in violent mass protests against peacekeepers. This article argues that while civilian protection remains UN’s priority, violent demonstrations against MONUSCO in the DRC and emerging protests elsewhere in Africa put UN’s peacekeeping role into question. The study anticipates continued citizens’ protests unless there is a change in UN’s strategies to enhance the capability of peacekeeping operations. The article utilises qualitative data from key informant interviews and evidence from documentary sources. The analysis indicates that the Congolese population is frustrated with MONUSCO’s failure to protect them from a series of attacks by armed rebels. Consequently, citizens have launched violent demonstrations against peacekeepers to voice their concerns for meeting their security needs. This calls UN to review the peacekeeping strategy to ensure the relevance of peacekeeping operations for the long-term and effective protection of civilians.