Learning Outcomes
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 peacebuilding strategies; and
5. describe roles of international organisations, 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, Geopolitical 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, etc. Peace Building, Management of Conflicts and Security:
Peace & Human Development. Approaches to Peace & Conflict Management — (Religious,
Government, Community Leaders, etc.). 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. Dialogue b). Arbitration, c).
Negotiation d). Collaboration, etc. 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
