Peace and Conflict Resolution

At the end of this 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/boarder 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. Peace building. Management of conflicts and security. Peace and human development. Approaches to peace and conflict management (religious, government, community leaders). Elements of peace studies and conflict resolution. Conflict dynamics assessment scales. Constructive and destructive. Justice and legal framework. Concepts of social justice. The Nigeria legal system. Insurgency and terrorism, peace mediation and peace keeping. Peace and security council (international, national and local levels). Agents of conflict resolution, conventions, treaties, community policing. Evolution and imperatives. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Dialogue, arbitration, negotiation and collaboration. Roles of international organizations in conflict resolution, the United Nations, (UN) and its conflict resolution organs, the African union and peace security council, 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. 208