ABSTRACT Through a collaborative autoethnographic dialogue this article seeks to challenge hierarchical structures of teaching, learning, research, activism, and development through the lens of practitioners who work toward social justice and building a culture of peace through higher education in Somaliland. The main question guiding the article is, how does one HEI in Somaliland transform and embed indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms and peacebuilding processes to engage the communities that they serve, locally and globally? Lederach’s ([1997]. Building Peace: Sustainable reconciliation in divided societies. Washington, DC: United States Institute of Peace Press.) ‘actors and approaches to peacebuilding framework’ is operationalized to analyze and discuss how the HEI and university educators pay careful attention to local contexts in unique and particular ways, and how they work to disrupt colonial and Western hegemonic normative educational paradigms. The paper further contributes to understanding indigenous methods and grassroots concerns for HE research and pedagogical praxis, as well as restructuring global priorities to directly impact the communities they serve, locally and globally.

This study examines the relationship between peace building, conflict management, and national development in Nigeria. Despite abundant natural and human resources, Nigeria continues to experience persistent conflicts that undermine social cohesion, economic growth, and political stability. Using a descriptive survey design, the study assessed how peace building initiatives and conflict management strategies influence sustainable national development. The study population consisted of 500 stakeholders, including government officials, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academics, and community leaders. A stratified sample of 200 respondents was selected using Yamane’s formula. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews, complemented by secondary sources such as official reports and peer-reviewed literature. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were employed for data analysis. Findings indicate that peace building significantly reduces conflict intensity, promotes national unity, and enhances social cohesion. Conflict management strategies—particularly mediation, dialogue, and reconciliation—were found to be effective but constrained by weak institutions, corruption, and limited political will. The study further reveals that sustainable peace creates conditions for investment, infrastructure development, and democratic consolidation, all of which are critical to national development. The study concludes that effective peace building and conflict management are indispensable for Nigeria’s long-term development and recommends strengthening institutions, promoting inclusive governance, integrating grassroots peace mechanisms, and addressing structural inequalities.

Women have continued to play significant roles in peace building throughout the world. The South Sudanese women in particular have participated in various peace building processes in South Sudan that led to signing of various peace agreements including the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and the 2013 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS). Despite making immense contributions during Sudan’s civil wars, South Sudanese women have continued to be underrepresented and excluded in the peace processes in South Sudan. South Sudan conflict has been devastated by civil wars that have displaced over 1.7 million South Sudanese since 2013. The successive local, national and international peace agreements to settle the South Sudan conflict have not provided durable peace to the country. Consequently, diaspora women refugees have been engaging in peacebuilding processes aimed at restoring peace in South Sudan. The main objective of this paper was to examine the role of South Sudanese women refugees living in Eldoret in navigating the spaces of peace in South Sudan. This paper argues that women in the diaspora can contribute immensely to peace processes in their countries and recommends an all-inclusive approach to peacebuilding in South Sudan, and further examines the approaches employed by women in restoring peace. The data for this case study was collected through in-depth interviews with participants, focus group discussions and observation. The findings indicate that South Sudanese women were actively engaged in promoting peace among the South Sudanese refugees in Kenya and those in South Sudan. This included economic empowerment, education of South Sudanese children and cultural events aimed at promoting patriotism among the South Sudanese from various ethnic divides. For lasting pace in South Sudan, the paper recommends that the South Sudan government should implement the peace agreements in order to end conflicts in South Sudan. This will encourage the refugees to return home and rebuild their country. In addition, the international community should support women refugees in their quest for peace by allocating funds to them. This is due to the fact that most host countries do not allocate funds to refugees.

ABSTRACT This Special Collection explores the evolving relationship between the island of Ireland and the European Union (EU) against a backdrop of profound political, economic and geopolitical change. Brexit, shifting EU security priorities, growing global trade uncertainty and other challenges have disrupted long‐standing patterns of Irish engagement with Europe, with distinct consequences for both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Addressing themes ranging from crisis governance and external relations to peacebuilding, taxation and identity politics, the contributions highlight the diverse ways in which Ireland's European future is being reshaped. Organised around the dual contexts of the Republic and Northern Ireland, and complemented by cross‐border analyses, this Special Collection highlights the importance of an all‐island perspective. Collectively, the articles shed light on broader questions concerning small states in the EU, the management of crises, the long and demanding journey of building peace and the interplay between domestic and European change, while emphasising both Ireland's vulnerabilities and its agency as it navigates an uncertain European and global order.

This study investigates the mental health impacts of war in Libya, with a focus on the prevalence and severity of PTSD symptoms. It aims to understand how PTSD manifests across different sociodemographic groups, examining symptoms such as re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal. The research sampled 652 individuals aged 18 to 65 from various Libyan cities, using electronic questionnaires over 18 months. Results indicate significant differences in PTSD symptoms by gender, with women reporting more avoidance symptoms than men. Additionally, individuals in major conflict zones exhibited more severe re-experiencing and avoidance symptoms compared with those in less affected areas. The study also found that highly educated individuals showed higher levels of hyperarousal, which suggests a complex relationship between education level and stress responses. The findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive social work interventions in mental health tailored to the diverse needs of different demographic groups. Such interventions should leverage local resources and traditional family institutions to enhance resilience and recovery. The study emphasizes the importance of targeted social work interventions in postconflict scenarios to facilitate long-term societal integration and peace building in regions dealing with the psychological aftermath of conflict.

ABSTRACT In recent decades, Latin America has encountered significant challenges in strengthening democracy, commemorating past violence, and building peace. Universities have not been exempted from these pressures. Historical and current manifestations of violence – from dictatorships and armed conflicts to resurgent authoritarian and denialist movements – have resulted in censorship and suppression of teaching and research. This paper examines the institutional achievements and limitations of universities in Colombia, El Salvador, Peru, and Uruguay; while addressing the challenges they face in teaching, research, and community engagement. Drawing upon the authors' extensive teaching experience, it presents four case studies that explore how these institutions respond to the legacies of violence. The analysis highlights theoretical gaps in understanding the role of universities in peacebuilding. Overall, the study underscores that universities are pivotal, yet underexplored, spaces for advancing democracy, fostering inclusive education, and generating contextually grounded knowledge to counter denialism and authoritarianism, and inspiring social progress.

Nigeria is a multi-religious country whose multi-religious make up has been crossed over with ethnic, political, and socio-economic tensions resulting in most occasions conflict. These narratives in the media and popular conversation have occasionally articulated religion as a source of division disregarding its communicative capacity to build peace. This paper addresses the concept of interfaith initiatives as a way of building peace in Nigeria using the strategies of public relations and peace communication. It evaluates the application of strategic communication by religious actors to promote dialogue, trust and social cohesion by a multi-religious society. The study will be based on a qualitative research design, in which the content analysis of documents on interfaith programs, public communiques, media information, policy documents, and online resources will be conducted regarding the interreligious engagement in Nigeria. The patterns of communication, stakeholder participation, and message framing in the chosen interfaith initiatives are explored on the basis of a case-based approach. The findings found that interfaith initiatives employ basic PR practices of dialogic communication, management of stakeholder relationships, strategic message formulation, and media involvement to then foster harmonious living. These measures can be used to combat misinformation, diminish the effect of religious stereotyping, and communicate the importance of common values of unity and tolerance in both the traditional and digital media. The research drawing comes to the conclusion that the effectiveness of interfaith initiatives in Nigeria is determined by the role of PR and peace communication. Religious communication carefully utilized can make religion a source of tension to one that will bring sustainable peace and social integration in multi-religious societies.

The article explores Christian education in the context of the kerygma, highlighting the need to shape a Christian mindset as a prerequisite for mature faith, authentic apostolic engagement, and the building of peace. It presents the historical connection between educational ideals rooted in classical Greek culture and Christian pedagogy. The kerygma is shown as an integrative principle in religious education, deeply influencing the formation of Christian identity. In light of both the educational ideals of antiquity and contemporary challenges, the article refers to the 1946 UNESCO Constitution and its educational principles. Special attention is given to the kerygmatic teaching of Pope Francis, with an emphasis on his new pastoral approaches and renewed theological language.

The persistence of terrorism in northeastern Nigeria remains one of the gravest challenges to peace, governance, and human development in West Africa. Despite extensive counterterrorism efforts, the Boko Haram insurgency continues to destabilize Borno State, the conflict’s epicenter. This study explores public perceptions of the root causes of Boko Haram terrorism, focusing on socio-economic, political, and ideological factors shaping the insurgency’s emergence and resilience. Using a mixed-method approach, data were collected from 420 respondents across Maiduguri, Bama, and Gwoza Local Government Areas through questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Findings revealed that 76% of respondents attributed the rise of Boko Haram to poverty and youth unemployment, 68% linked it to corruption and government neglect, and 54% identified religious manipulation and ideological extremism as central drivers. Qualitative narratives further emphasized the role of governance failures, marginalization, and the erosion of social trust as underlying catalysts of radicalization. The study concludes that Boko Haram’s roots are deeply embedded in structural deprivation, perceived injustice, and ideological exploitation of socio-economic grievances. Addressing these root causes requires a multidimensional peace building strategy that prioritizes inclusive governance, youth empowerment, interfaith dialogue, and social justice. The paper contributes to the theoretical understanding of terrorism by linking Relative Deprivation Theory and Frustration–Aggression Hypothesis to the lived perceptions of affected populations. It also offers critical insights for policymakers seeking to design sustainable counterterrorism and radicalization frameworks grounded in local realities.

The Konso community has been practicing indigenous conflict resolution systems and mechanisms to maintain the values of peace, justice, tolerance, cohesion, and respect since time immemorial. This paper centers on the significant components of the socio-cultural milieus of the Konso community that are in any way linked to conflict and the indigenous conflict resolution mechanism. It examines the process of conflict resolution, its value, and its principles. It highlights the importance of the conflict resolution mechanism, some of its weaknesses, and the need to subsume the usage of surrogate conflict resolution by all contestants. It finds that the Arrara mechanism of the Konso people is the most effective cultural method of dispute resolution, though it is not inclusive in terms of gender. The study thus suggests the reinforcement, support, and promotion of indigenous conflict resolution institutions and mechanisms based on the principles, norms, and values of conflict resolution and peace building.

The purpose of the research was to conclude how cricket promotes peace and cooperation between India and Pakistan through sports diplomacy and its economic incentives. The research used a qualitative exploratory approach. A semi-structured interview design was employed in this study. Former international cricket players from both nations were considered the population while the sample included ten experienced players five from Pakistan and five from India selected. To collect data online photographic sessions and voice-recorded interviews were conducted from April to July 2025. The transcribed data were analyzed using thematic, content, narrative and comparative analysis techniques to ensure depth and credibility of results.Findings of the study revealed that cricket plays a significant role as an informal diplomatic tool, fostering trust, dialogue and cultural exchange between the two nations. Results further indicated cricket’s role as a soft power instrument shaping the global image of India and Pakistan while reducing stereotypes and improving shared identity. Moreover cricket was found to be a key economic connector, generating revenue through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, tourism, infrastructure development and job creation. The findings also highlighted cricket’s contribution as a peace building mechanism particularly by humanizing adversaries, creating symbolic unity and engaging youth in cross-border initiatives. Research implications suggest that cricket diplomacy supported by economic ties can serve as a sustainable tool for promoting long term peace and regional cooperation. Based on the recommendations of the study policymakers, cricket boards and regional organizations such as SAARC should promote bilateral cricketing ties to strengthen diplomacy, economic collaboration and mutual understanding between India and Pakistan.

The European Union has long aspired for a leading role in peacekeeping operations, conflict prevention and the strengthening of international security. It actively engages in crisis management and peace building efforts to pursue security and stability, while promoting multilateralism and the respect of democratic values. To this end, the CSDP provides the Union with the operational capacity to deploy both civilian missions and military operations. Since 2003, the EU has conducted more than 30 CSDP missions. The on-going ones in and regarding the region of the Eastern Partnership include those in Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine; the mission in Ukraine set up in October 2022; the mission in Armenia announced in January 2023, and the mission in Moldova established in April 2023. Meanwhile, in December 2022, the EU Council reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen civilian CSDP through a new Civilian Compact to be adopted by mid-2023. Taking into account the most recent developments in the field, the aim of the article is to analyse the peculiarities, the legal and political aspects of EU missions in countries of the Eastern Partnership, as well as their contribution to regional/international security.

The aim of this paper is to examine the effect of ethno-religious conflict and political instability on the performance of MSMEs in Adamawa state of Nigeria. The population of the study is 3075 registered MSMEs in Adamawa north senatorial district out of which the sample of 354 were computed using Taro Yamane formula and selected using convenience sampling technique. Accordingly, the study collects data using primary method with structured questionnaire based on the respondents’ willingness and ability to participate. The collected data was analyzed and hypotheses were tested using Structural Equation Modeling with SmartPLS software. The finding revealed that ethno-religious conflict and political instability have significant negative effect on the performance of SMEs in Adamawa state of Nigeria. Based on the finding, it is conclude that MSMEs in Adamawa state are finding it challenging to operate across regions divided by ethnic or religious conflict because it creates barriers between ethnic and religious groups, fragmenting markets and limiting the MSMEs access to broader customer base of other regions with different religious or ethical ideology. In view of that, it is recommended that Adamawa MSMEs should diversify their customer base by exploring markets in the regions that are less prone to ethnic or religious conflict. This might involve exporting products, establishing an online sales channel or partnering with suppliers outside the crisis prone areas. Also the enterprise should build customer-centric strategies that are vital in continuance support even during the period of uncertainty. Lastly Nigerian government should enhance security measure in the conflict prone areas as well as providing financial incentives to MSMEs that actively participate in, or support peace building efforts within their communities to encourage businesses to support social harmony.

Intercommunal conflict is a challenge to social, economic and political development in Kenya. The Tana Delta region has been experiencing conflicts over the years despite the efforts put in place by various stakeholders in peace building and conflict management among the Pokomo and Orma communities. Hence the need to evaluate the effectiveness of the various approaches employed in conflict management and peace building in the region such as the customary approach, hard power approach, NGOs empowerment model and the community-based approach. This article explores the various strategies employed by stakeholders and peace actors in attaining sustainable peace in Tana Delta, Tana River County, Kenya. The objective of the article is to examine the conflict mitigation strategies used in Tana Delta and assess their effectiveness in peacebuilding and conflict management. It attempts to answer the question, ‘how effective are the tools of conflict management employed in the mitigation of the perennial conflict in Tana Delta region?’ The article uses the Conflict Theory as developed and applied by Dahrendorf (1959) and Bartos and Wehr (2002). It relies on data collected through qualitative research design comprising of In-depth interviews and FGDs conducted on 83 respondents. The article argues that the most sustainable approach in managing intercommunity conflict was the community-based approach through the development of peace committees followed by hard power approach through the deployment of security forces, then the NGOs empowerment model and the customary approach. Sustainable peace is best achieved through an integrated approach that combines traditional, security, and developmental strategies tailored to local contexts. The study concludes that, the success of such approaches depends on contextual factors, community participation, and the integration of cultural practices, all of which are vital for addressing conflicts in areas like the Tana Delta and beyond.

This article deals with spiritual philosophy and its implication for conflict resolution and peace building in awakening astha chakras through physical and emotional dimensions of human body. Being empathetic, compassionate, cooperative and feeling equal to be oneness, can be defined as Sahridayata. The concept Sahridayata comes from the word ‘Saha’ means a quality characteristics or state of being and ‘hridaya’ refers to names a person of that faculty. So, etymologically Sahridaya refers to ‘one with a shared heart’ or ‘like hearted’. Similarly, Chakras are the energy centers of human body through which physical, mental and spiritual functions take place.

This article investigates the dynamics of insecurity and the involvement of local non-state actors in Kogi West Senatorial District of Nigeria between 2015 and 2023. Using qualitative interviews, surveys, and documentary sources, the study identifies multiple drivers of insecurity, including geographical change and social reactions, social deviance and disorder, weak administration of justice, governance deficits, manpower shortages in state security institutions, and ongoing debates about state police. The research further highlights the roles of hunters, vigilante groups, traditional leaders, age-group and trade associations and other community actors in addressing security gaps. While some of these actors complement state institutions through intelligence gathering, community policing, and peace building, others undermine security through extra-legal practices and political manipulation. The study concludes that effective security governance in Nigeria must strengthen formal institutions while constructively engaging credible non-state actors to achieve sustainable peace, stability, and community development.

This study examines the current realities of Yemen’s education system amid ongoing conflict, economic deterioration, and fragmented governance. Using student surveys, teacher interviews, and lessons learned from Rwanda's post-conflict reconstruction experience, this study analyzes the impact of educational disruptions, the politicization of curricula, and the resulting decline in opportunities for women and girls, all of which contribute to sustainable peace in the country. The findings indicate that a unified, non-politicized, and gender-inclusive education system can be a key driver of national stability and social cohesion. The study concludes with supporting targeted teachers and reforming the educational process, from curricula to achieving equal educational opportunities. All of this will enhance the educational reality in Yemen and contribute to building peace.

War and peace have been extensively researched in Colombia over the past decades. However, little is said about the role that research can play as a driver of change in the transition from war to peace when research is carried out with those who have been part of the dynamics of the conflict or have found themselves in the middle of the crossfire. In this article, we discuss the experience of the "School, Territory and Post-Conflict: Grounding a Local Peace Culture in South Tolima, Colombia" project working with eight community organisations between 2018 and 2022 studying their experiences building peace during the armed conflict between the Revolution Armed Force of Colombia (FARC) and the Colombian government, and after the 2016 peace agreement. We discuss the transdisciplinary journey of the project and of transformations we have witnessed as a result with the hope that the lessons learned can inform ongoing discussions about how to widen further the research and methodological frontiers of New Areas Studies and beyond.

ABSTRACT This study assesses the impact of both formal (government-led) and informal (traditional) peace structures on social cohesion in the Gidda Ayana cluster of the East Wallaga Zone, Ethiopia, a region experiencing ongoing ethnic and political tensions. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research combined qualitative data from interviews with community leaders and residents and focus group discussions with quantitative surveys to evaluate community perceptions. The mapping exercise identified key structures, including formal government institutions and traditional systems such as Jaarusummaa and Shimglina. The assessment of their impact reveals a complex picture: traditional structures are highly respected for their cultural legitimacy and effectiveness in localized conflict resolution, but their influence is diminishing among younger generations due to modern governance and resource constraints. Conversely, while formal structures are better resourced, they often suffer from a lack of community trust due to perceived political bias and a reliance on top-down, often militarized, interventions. The study recommends developing hybrid peace building models that integrate the strengths of both traditional and formal mechanisms, investing in capacity-building for local structures, and actively working to depoliticize ethnic identities to foster more inclusive and effective social cohesion.

This systematic literature review investigates the integration of peace education within English as a Second Language instruction in Pakistan. It addresses three objectives that include exploring research gaps, evaluating theoretical frameworks that can be integrated with ESL instruction, and exploring innovations for peace education integration at the grassroot level. Findings reveal that there are several gaps in the existing researches. Big cities such as Lahore and Karachi dominate research in this area while rural and conflict affected regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan remain unexplored. There is a limited adaptability of theoretical frameworks such as Critical Pedagogy and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) with ESL instruction in the conservative educational contexts. A few adaptations such as SEL infused with Islamic values exist and have limited impact. Certain initiatives taken at the grassroot level, such as the mediation of seniors or debates created to resolve conflict, highlight that innovative practices exist but teacher led innovative practices are rare and also not documented. The existing education system creates certain barriers such as exam oriented curricula, ideological resistance, and limited resources to handle conflict. All these issues highlight that there is a need for significant policy reforms, teacher training, and participatory research. In Pakistan’s complex sociolinguistic landscape, the study recommends that hybrid models should be adopted to facilitate the integration of theoretical frameworks of peace education with ESL instruction keeping in view local traditions. This can help develop linguistically and socially transformative ESL classrooms.