GST 312: Peace and Conflict Resolution

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

  1. analyze the concepts of peace, conflict and security;
  2. list major forms, types and root causes of conflict and violence;
  • differentiate between conflict and terrorism;
  • enumerate security and peace building strategies; and
  • describe roles of international organizations, media and traditional institutions in peace building.
Course Contents

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’ phenomena; boundary/boarder disputes; political disputes; ethnic disputes and rivalries. Economic inequalities; social dispute. Nationalist movements and agitations. Selected conflict case studies – Tiv-Junkun; Zango Kartaf. Chieftaincy and land disputes, etc. Peace building, management of conflicts and security. Peace and human development. Approaches to ease & conflict management – (religious, government, community leaders etc.). elements of peace studies and conflict resolution.

Conflict dynamics assessment scales. Constructive and destructive, justice and legal framework. Concepts of social justice; the Nigerian 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, collaboration, etc. Roles of international organizations in conflict resolution – (a). the United Nations (UN) and its conflict resolution organs; the African Union and Peace Security Council. ECOWAS in peace keeping. The media and traditional institutions in peace building. Managing post-conflict situations; refugees. Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS). The role of NGOs in post-conflict situations.