Peace and Conflict Resolution

At the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. analyse the concepts of peace, conflict and security; 2. list major forms, types and root causes of conflict and violence; 3. differentiate between conflict and terrorism; 4. enumerate security and peace building strategies; and 5. describe roles of international organisations, media and traditional institutions in peace building.

Concepts of Peace, Conflict and Security in a multi-ethnic nation. Types and Theories of Conflicts: Ethnic, Religious, Economic, Geo-political Conflicts. Structural Conflict Theory. Realist Theory of Conflict. Frustration-Aggression Conflict Theory. Root causes of Conflict and Violence in Africa. Indigene and settlers’ phenomenon. Boundaries/border disputes. Political disputes. Ethnic disputes and rivalries. Economic Inequalities. Social disputes. Nationalist Movements and Agitations. Selected Conflict Case Studies – Tiv-Junkun; Zango Kartaf, Chieftaincy and Land disputes and many others. Peace Building, Management of Conflicts and Security: Peace & Human Development; Approaches to Peace & Conflict Management (Religious, Government, Community Leaders and many others). Elements of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution: Conflict dynamics assessment Scales. Constructive & Destructive Justice and Legal framework: Concepts of Social Justice. The Nigeria Legal System. Insurgency and Terrorism. Peace Mediation and Peace Keeping. Peace & Security Council (International, National and Local levels). Agents of Conflict resolution – Conventions, Treaties. Community Policing: Evolution and Imperatives. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR); a.) Dialogue, b.) Arbitration, c.) Negotiation, d.) Collaboration and many others. Roles of International Organisations in Conflict Resolution a.) The United Nations (UN) and its Conflict Resolution Organs. b.) The African Union & Peace Security Council c.). ECOWAS in Peace Keeping. Media and Traditional Institutions in Peace Building. Managing Post- Conflict Situations/Crisis: Refugees; Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The role of NGOs in Post-Conflict Situations/Crisis.