Quest For Peace Research Articles

The Interpretation of Appeal and Quest for Peace in The Fifth Book of Peace

The Interpretation of Appeal and Quest for Peace in The Fifth Book of Peace

Review: We Can Change the World: Tales from a Generation’s Quest for Peace and Justice, by Douglas L. Murray

Review: <i>We Can Change the World: Tales from a Generation’s Quest for Peace and Justice</i>, by Douglas L. Murray

Guest Editors' Introduction to Multidimensional Perspectives Addressing the Struggle for Peace and Justice

AbstractThis special issue undertakes an examination of the multidimensional perspectives authors have written to address the ongoing struggle in the quest for peace and justice. While there is an abundance of lengthy and detailed scholarly analyses available about the issues of violence, war, and peace and justice, these short, concise essays take a rather unique approach. They look at the topic from a variety of perspectives, which includes activists not in the academy, an academic playwright, a museum curator, an international relations scholar, and historians writing about parks and gardens, music, how to best understand the war in Ukraine, and the important role pedagogy can play in the classroom. These contributions not only rely on current research but also are designed to offer a blueprint on how interested readers can work to overcome present obstacles blocking the path to peace and justice. The thread tying them together is not what they say but what they do.

Reimagining Theological Anthropology: Ubuntu Philosophy, Election Violence, and the Quest for Peace and Justice in Kenya

In recent years, the intersection of theology, anthropology, and socio-political realities has garnered increased attention, particularly in Africa. This study engages with this conversation by examining human nature within the Kenyan context through Ubuntu, a philosophical tradition emphasizing communal interconnectedness, dignity, and justice. Focusing on the challenge of election-related violence in Kenya, the research explores the potential of Ubuntu-inspired theological anthropology to provide insights into addressing socio-political issues. By analyzing the historical, cultural, and socio-political dynamics of Kenya, particularly the roots and impacts of electoral violence, the study demonstrates how Ubuntu philosophy can inform theological reflections on human nature and contribute to peacebuilding efforts. Ubuntu, a Southern African concept, underscores the interconnectedness of humanity, encapsulated in the belief that "I am because we are." This perspective enriches theological reflection, offering a holistic understanding of human nature concerning the divine. Incorporating insights from African Christian theology, particularly inculturation theology, the study examines how cultural and historical factors contribute to conflict and explores indigenous approaches to peacebuilding and reconciliation. Addressing the root causes of electoral violence in Kenya, including selfish political interests, ethnic divisions, and land disputes, requires strategies promoting accountable governance, national unity, and equitable resource distribution. Ubuntu philosophy advocates for values of interconnectedness, justice, and ethical leadership, urging a theological perspective that reflects the communal nature of the Triune God and emphasizes living in harmony within a community. Integrating Ubuntu into Kenyan socio-political discourse calls for collective efforts to transcend ethnic differences, foster unity, and prioritize dialogue and reconciliation. This study highlights the significance of Ubuntu-informed theological anthropology in global discourse, advocating for a more inclusive and empathetic understanding of humanity that aligns with the principles of interconnectedness and communal well-being.

Exemplifying the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) in Fostering Peaceful Co-Existence among Christians and Muslims in Nigeria

In the last three decades, most of the major conflicts in Nigeria are centered on ethnicity and religion. Fundamental Muslims and Christians or moderate (liberal) Muslims and adherents of African Indigenous Religions have wrecked a lot of havoc in Nigeria. In many cases, religious leaders and politicians have manipulated these conflicts for political and economic gains. These conflicts have resulted in the death of several thousands of people and loss of unquantifiable amount of money and property. Various attempts by government, individuals, religious and other interest groups on resolving the lingering and hydra-headed crisis have not yielded holistic and desirable result. Some scholarly articles have been written to proffer solutions to Nigeria's ethno-religious crisis; these include research on interfaith dialogue, social integration, sustainable communal developments, the impact of ethno- religious crisis on the security, economy and sociopolitical stability of the country. However, the exemplary nature of loving, empathizing, accepting, accommodating and living with one’s known or perceived enemies have not been adequately explored with religious hindsight. This paper therefore considers the exemplary character of the “Good Samaritan” in the parable of Jesus Christ (Luke 10:25-37) as a spring board for peaceful co-existence between Christians and people of other faiths in Nigerian multicultural contexts, particularly the Muslims. Exegetical and historical methods are used; the Theoretical Framework is premised on Eisenberg Pro-social Behaviour theory, which is defined as voluntary behaviour intended to benefit another (Eisenberg, 1986). Findings reveal that Nigeria has been wracked by periodic violent clashes between political, ethnic and religious groups since the second half of the 20th century. Reasons for these clashes vary from one locality to another but they are mostly motivated by religious, social, economic and political disputes. Conclusively, exemplifying the teaching of Jesus Christ on love for one's neighbour in the parable of the "Good Samaritan" here proposed first to the Christian community gives a new hope on the quest for peace in Nigeria and re-orientation for Christians and their Muslim neighbours. It is recommended therefore that both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria should leverage on the “Good Samaritan’s” peace accord to one’s neghbour proposed by Jesus Christ without prejudice or stereotyping one another.

Spielen für den Frieden: ein Scoping-Review über Sportprogramme als Botschafter des Friedensvermittler

AbstractThe quest for peace and stability in contemporary society, particularly in conflict-affected regions, is of vital importance. In the 21st century, sport has evolved beyond its traditional role of entertainment and competition to become a powerful force for change. Its ability to bring people together, overcome cultural barriers and promote universal values makes it an effective vehicle for promoting peace and coexistence. Despite the undeniable potential of sport as a social bridge between divided communities, previous studies have not specifically addressed the concept of peace. In addition, researchers may need information on existing programs for study, replication or improvement. This study aims to provide an overview of programs that use sport to promote peace. Following the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA, databases such as Scopus, PubMed, SciELO and EBSCO were searched. Two reviewers independently performed a thorough selection, including 17 manuscripts. The predominant methodology in these studies was qualitative. Within this context, most of the experiences recovered took place in Colombia, with soccer being the most used sport modality in such programs. These programs are presented as a tool to promote peace in diverse contexts of conflict, violence and community division, and their capacity to be instrumentalized for peaceful purposes is remarkable, even surpassing the capacity of States to regulate and resolve conflicts.

Indigenous autonomy and decentralization in Colombia's quest for peace

AbstractColombia's constitution recognizes territorial autonomy as an inalienable right of its indigenous peoples, much like other countries across Latin America. Yet, for indigenous people exercising those rights, Colombia is the most dangerous country in the world. Why do states grant extensive rights to indigenous peoples and then fail to uphold them? This article approaches that question through an analysis of decentralization amid Colombia's armed conflict. It examines how crises that prompted a decentralization of governance during the conflict created political opportunities for indigenous rights in Colombia. Subsequent shifts in the conflict, however, including competition for control of extractive industries, put indigenous autonomy at odds with all the conflicting parties' interests. To resolve these challenges, the article suggests that the politics of climate change has created new political opportunities for indigenous autonomy throughout Latin America. It calls for investing in indigenous self‐governance to both protect the environment and secure peace.

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.

Re-imagining asean and the Quest for Peace: Challenges and Prospects for Peacebuilding, Conflict Prevention, and Atrocities Prevention

Abstract This introduction provides a backdrop to the contributions to the special issue of this journal. Specifically, it summarises the main arguments of authors as they addressed the main challenges and prospects for peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and atrocities prevention in Southeast Asia based on select case studies. Among the key themes that this special issue examines are: 1) asean/Southeast Asia’s norms and practices and the stickiness of the ‘asean Way’ against pressures to effectively respond to transborder security threats; 2) the transfer and localisation of global norms like the Responsibility to Protect (r2p); 3) protection of civilians, human rights, and women, peace and security (wps) and 4) regional architecture including the asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, asean Commission on Women and Children, asean Institute of Peace and Reconciliation, and the asean parliamentarians.

Towards a cosmopolitan worldview: investigating the process of de-bordering through Sarah Ladipo Manyika’s In Dependence

ABSTRACT Postcolonialism has brought forth the atrocities, violence and exploitations perpetrated by imperialism; it has also created borders between colonisers and colonised. With the passage of time and subsequent changes in the global socio-political scenario, the ‘skeptical school’ of postcolonial thoughts seems to have failed in providing any new direction towards the new conditions. In contrast, cosmopolitan theorists recognize the human connection and communication across borders, made possible after colonial dominance, as an opportunity to establish a new global political order. Unlike conservative postcolonial thinkers, cosmopolitans advocate for a global society based on human solidarity, compassion, equality, and de-bordering. Sarah Ladipo Manyika’s novel, In Dependence (2019), portrays Tayo, a young Nigerian, and Venessa, the daughter of a retired British colonial officer, as the main protagonists. The novel illustrates how the characters, through their struggles and experiences, gradually acquire a cosmopolitan attitude towards life in their quest for peace and stability. This study analyses the novel from a cosmopolitan perspective by juxtaposing the different mentalities of the characters and reflecting upon the novel’s focus on de-bordering to establish a global society based on universal brotherhood and peace.

The Quest for Peace in South Africa

The Quest for Peace in South Africa

Pacifist Prophet: Papunhank and the Quest for Peace in Early America

Pacifist Prophet: Papunhank and the Quest for Peace in Early America

Linguistic and Cultural Tenets in Africa: The Quest for Peace

Linguistic and Cultural Tenets in Africa: The Quest for Peace

The making of the citizen in Colombia: Transitional assemblages, civic education, and the long quest for peace

This article focuses on civic education and the constitution of subjects within a complex landscape of peace and war making in Colombia. Using a genealogical approach to study the manufacturing of citizens, and drawing on a document analysis of policies, curricular guidelines, and teaching resources, this paper evidences an increasing attention to students’ skills, conducts, and interpersonal relations, rather than structural inequality and injustice. Through the examination of the “integral citizen,” I argue that the development of students as skillful civic subjects has become central to the aspiration of building and sustaining peace and democracy. Such citizens are described as individually embodying the virtues and skills of problem-solving, conflict-management, autonomy, and self-regulation of emotions. This research adds to our understanding of the construction of the ideal citizen in conflict-affected settings, and how education policy intersects with larger efforts for meaningful and sustained change.

“Thinking peace into existence”: Virginia Woolf and Jessica Dismorr

ABSTRACT Virginia Woolf continued her quest for peace, resisting the brutality of war, until the end of her life. Woolf’s contemporary, the English painter Jessica Dismorr, similarly uses her art to protest patriarchal and militaristic modes of consciousness so that we might “think peace into existence.” In this essay, I suggest an interdisciplinary approach to engaging with World War II era feminist/modernist artists’ responses to the blasts of war through the lenses of Woolf’s essay “Thoughts on Peace in an Air Raid” (1940) and Dismorr’s series of paintings Related Forms and Superimposed Forms (c. 1936-1939). Both female modernists reject the aggressive, patriarchal, militaristic male roots of war in favor of creating alternatively nurturing, communal, and even utopian emblems to peace.

The Road to Justice: Lessons for Ukraine From the USSR Invasion of Afghanistan

In February 1989, the Union of Socialist Republics’ (‘USSR’) left Afghanistan following a ten-year invasion. Although an Action Plan for Peace, Reconciliation and Justice was drafted, in the quest for peace, justice for victims of the atrocities was never prioritised by authorities and the international community. Thirty-three years later, on 24 February 2022, President Putin of the Russian Federation announced the commencement of a ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine. Even as the invasion continues, questions remain as to how Ukraine will approach and implement transitional justice. Although there are clear differences between the invasions, if history is to be instructive, there is much to be learnt from the USSR invasion of Afghanistan, the response to it, and the Soviet legacy apparent in the Russian invasion of Ukraine which are of relevance to the transitional justice process in Ukraine and the international rule of law. Drawing on these historical perspectives, this paper aims to generate further discourse on peace, justice and accountability for victims, ensuring past mistakes are not repeated.

Legal Obligations within SADC to Strengthen Security on the Territory of its Member States

This paper examines legal obligations within SADC to strengthen security on the territory of its member states from two angles of analysis, that is, at the SADC and member states levels. In this regard, it highlights SADC security problems and mechanisms which are at its disposal to address them. The study then identifies those legal obligations that must be complied with for the sake of peace and security in southern Africa region and determines how they can be and are implemented in different member states facing insecurity problems. The analysis relies on a formal and comparative approach based on SADC legal instruments, other official documents and concrete cases, in combination with the perspective of international relations. The paper concludes that while SADC is a collective security system which possesses enough legal power and authority to deal with insecurity problems in southern Africa region, it faces several challenges to carry out its obligations and to guarantee the respect of obligations which its member states bear in the quest for peace. One of these challenges is financial dependance on external doners. Recommandations are made in order to improve SADC efficacy and success on the ground.

Diaspora 'leadership' in post conflict societies: Understanding diaspora influence through remittances in Liberia

While they are often considered as ‘outsiders’ or ‘far removed’ from their contexts, the reality is diaspora populations are, in fact, often intertwined in and significant to what happens in their home countries – this is especially true in many post-conflict contexts. Existing studies of the diaspora often narrowly puts them as playing two distinct roles in their homelands, either as: promoters of peace; or contributors to the perpetration of conflict. Meanwhile studies (and practice) of peacebuilding and the traditional liberal approach all but exclude them in the narrative. There is, therefore, a gap between these narratives. Additionally, thinking in terms of leadership and leadership studies, the role of the diaspora is usually not automatically thought of as that of a ‘leader’, as leadership in the traditional sense has often focused on those occupying positions of hierarchal power or indeed the individual themselves (this approach and understanding of their (lack of leadership) role is again also seen in the study of practice of peacebuilding). However, taking leadership from a relational theory perspective and adopting a leadership as process approach to leadership offers a fuller understanding of how diaspora interact with, build and sustain (or not) relationships with their homeland contexts in the quest for peace. This commentary adopts a leadership as process approach. It looks at the relationship between the Liberian diaspora and their homeland context to highlight how the diaspora attempt to influence local developmental and peacebuilding processes through the use of remittances, and the dynamics of this relationship therei

Symbolical and Metaphorical Representation of People’s Movement and Quest for Peace in Dhakal’s “Mother and the Motherland”

This article analyzes trauma in Narayan Dhakal’s “Mother and the Motherland” (Janani Janmabhumischha) by applying psychological aspects of trauma theory propagated by Cathy Caruth to study the symbolical references for the consequences of Second Movement (2006). But, it has tried to bring out the crucial facts of the Movement analyzing the symbolic and metaphoric aspects in the story. Trauma theory has been used to formalize the historical events which people after long span of time would have forgotten and the literary writing would be a testimony of this historical event. It has been used to focalize those events in the literary forms. The story as a piece of art has stood as a symbolical and metaphorical discourse to scrutinize the minor details that might have happened around two decades ago. Caruth’s classic form of trauma theory has been applied as a medium to pinpoint the painful experiences of a dutiful security person as well as to evaluate writing the past event as a testimony would resolve the issue or exasperate the situation further.

Oil Exploitation, Environmental Issues and Resource Curse in a Post-Colonial Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: The Unending Search for Peace, 1960-2009

The issues surrounding the conflict in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria can never be over-flogged. It is no doubt that so much have been written in this regard, with each paper proffering a possible solution or adding to the numerous suggestions and recommendations already on ground. In spite of these however, the quest for peace has remained elusive or unending because the government and her counterpart multinational oil companies seem not to have really made a genuine or sincere efforts in addressing the myriad of teething issues that have generated conflict in the region ever since the discovery and exploitation of oil. There is therefore the need for a lasting peace and permanent solutions to all the areas of conflicts. If not the situation of the region shall continue to attract comments from scholars, relevant authorities, public affairs commentators, social analysts and concerned or interested opinions. It is thus on this note that this paper comes in handy as modest but useful contribution of the authors to the litany of extant literatures on the lingering conflicts in the region. It is worthy of note that the post-colonial Niger Delta region has never known peace ever since the oil exploitation began in commercial quantity in 1950. The Hobbesian state has almost become the order of the day. Despite the fact that over 90% of the country’s revenue (GDP) is being generated by oil exploitation from the region, the greater majority of the people are still languishing in squalor, in addition to large scale unemployment as well as lack of basic life infrastructural facilities. These obvious denials in the midst of abundance resources coupled with environmental related issues of degradations have been fundamental causes of conflict between the people and the government on one hand, and between the people and the oil extracting companies on the other hand. In view of this ugly development, it is therefore apparent that the gift of oil is now more like a curse than the earlier perceived blessings to the people of the Niger Delta. This study thus examined all the series of failed efforts made by Nigerian government to broker a lasting peace in the region starting from 1960 when the Niger Delta Development Board (NDDB) was established through the recommendation of Sir Willinik Commision of 1957, down to the “Amnesty Program” granted by late president Umar Musa Yar’Adua’s administration in 2009 which led to a large number of the militants numbering 26,808 surrendering their arms to the government in return for technical training and monthly payment of stipends. In spite of the temporal reprieve, there was a resurgence of new militants groups in 2016 seven years down the line. Thus, there is yet to be a definite solution to the conflict in the region as there are still clamour for resource control and occasional threats of militancy activities. In view of this, this paper in addition to many other suggestions already on ground in this respect, also made a number of some useful recommendations that if adopted can bring about lasting peace in the Niger-Delta region.