Peace and Conflict Resolution

The Question That Science Cannot Answer There is a vibration within the quantum, a shimmer beneath being. In physics we call it the zero-point field, the restless vacuum where virtual particles flicker in and out of existence. Yet nothing comes forth long enough to beuntil something happens. What was that first spark? What truly sparked it all? If we dare to say, "God is Love," we are not mouthing a sentiment but declaring a physics of the divine. Love is not an afterthought layered on to an indifferent cosmos; it is the creative energy at the heart of reality. Here, spirit and matter meet in the explosive creativity of love. At its center, a quantum engine of life, where love shatters old forms and continually births new ones. The ancient cross-so often reduced to a symbol of suffering-can be reimagined as an alchemical diagram of creation itself. The vertical line: spirit, the infinite, the transcendent. The horizontal line: matter, finitude, immanence. At their crossing: the heart, a radiant singularity of inexhaustible light.

The article offers a decolonial take on artificial intelligence (AI) as part of the burgeoning research on digital peacebuilding and peacemaking. Based on sociocybernetics and third-order reflexivity approaches, the article argues that the envisioned deployment of AI tools for the purposes of peacebuilding and peacemaking fails to take into account a great number of both the technology's pitfalls as well as the academic field's oversights. The article posits that not only is the changing character of the current international system of peace not taken into account by the burgeoning research, but that, unless and until it is, research on AI's prospects for peacebuilding and peacemaking risk being nothing more than a philosophical exercise.

This study critically examines Somalia's post-conflict governance crisis through the intersecting lenses of elitedriven reconciliation, youth exclusion, and externally imposed state-building frameworks. It argues that reconciliation efforts since the collapse of the Somali state have been dominated by elite power-sharing arrangements, lacking public participation and symbolic legitimacy. The exclusion of youth-who constitute over 75% of the population-has deepened political apathy, irregular migration, and vulnerability to extremist recruitment. International interventions, particularly those shaped by neotrusteeship and regional containment strategies, have prioritized short-term security over Somali-led recovery, often reinforcing dependency and undermining sovereignty. Drawing comparative insights from Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sierra Leone, the paper highlights the limitations of elite-centric models and the importance of civic education, emotional reintegration, and negotiated sovereignty-defined as externally supported governance under Somali-defined conditions. The study proposes a transitional framework grounded in public legitimacy, generational agency, and culturally rooted reform, emphasizing that Somalia's future depends not on imposed solutions, but on inclusive, participatory transformation.

This comprehensive case study examines the potential of football as a peacebuilding instrument in South Sudan, with particular focus on the Bhar El Ghazal region. Drawing from firsthand experience as Technical Coach for Tonj South County and founder of Red Flames FC, this analysis presents evidence from five regional football initiatives to propose a transformative mixed-team model for sustainable peace through sport. The research reveals that while traditional county-based tournaments often reinforce ethnic and regional divisions, innovative approaches that deliberately mix players across communities show remarkable promise for fostering unity. The successful implementation of the Tonj Super League in 2025, which I keenly observe concrete evidence that cross-community football initiatives can transcend traditional boundaries when properly structured and managed. The proposed Bhar El Ghazal Counties Peace Tournament (BCPT) model offers a scalable framework that could transform regional dynamics by creating 23 mixedplayer teams representing unified Bhar El Ghazal identity rather than narrow county allegiances. This approach addresses persistent challenges of corruption, bias, and violence that have undermined previous initiatives while establishing sustainable governance structures for long-term impact.

The Israeli–Palestinian conflict remains one of the most protracted and violent disputes of the modern era, demanding not short-term fixes but sustained commitment, foresight, and compromise. Building on frameworks such as the Clinton Parameters and the Geneva Accords, this article argues that peace requires a rare alignment of leadership, public support, and international engagement. Demographic realities underscore the urgency: between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean, Jews and Palestinians now live in near-equal numbers. Yet asymmetry persists, with Israel exercising military and political dominance. Gaza presents both the greatest tragedy and the greatest challenge. The October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and subsequent war devastated lives, deepened mistrust, and exposed the failures of divide-and-rule strategies. Rebuilding Gaza, preventing reoccupation, and installing a legitimate Palestinian authority are essential for stability. Innovative proposals—ranging from humanitarian frameworks to artificial islands—highlight the scale of reconstruction and the shared responsibility of Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Arab states, and the wider international community. In the West Bank, preserving the Palestinian Authority, promoting democratic processes, and halting settlement expansion are vital to any negotiated settlement. Polls reveal deep skepticism but also shifting attitudes on both sides, suggesting that opportunities for reconciliation may emerge over time. The road ahead is long and fraught with setbacks, but sustained trust-building, zero tolerance for violence, and international cooperation can pave the way toward a two-state solution and a more peaceful future.

This analysis examines the strategic implications of premature Palestinian statehood recognition absent a comprehensive political settlement. Drawing from recent recognition announcements by major Western powers and extensive scholarly literature on state-building in conflict zones, this assessment argues that diplomatic recognition without viable institutions will transform the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from a political problem into a permanently financialized system of conflict management. The paper traces potential development trajectories through 2030, analyzing how recognition-driven reconstruction efforts may inadvertently strengthen rejectionist forces, particularly Hamas and Iranian-backed militant networks. The analysis incorporates Christopher Hitchens's concept of "theocratic fascism" and examines how militant organizations exploit international legitimacy gaps to advance broader jihadist objectives. Using comparative cases from Iraq, Afghanistan, and other post-conflict societies, the assessment demonstrates how massive aid flows in institutionally weak environments typically produce corruption, economic distortion, and enhanced militant capabilities rather than sustainable peace. The paper concludes with policy recommendations emphasizing institution-building and negotiated resolution over symbolic diplomatic gestures that may precipitate rather than prevent regional conflagration.

The Southwest State of Somalia’s inaugural Peace and Culture Week, held in September 2025, served as a transformative event promoting peace, cultural identity, and social development. The week featured a blend of cultural performances, educational exhibitions, and initiatives focused on preserving the Maay language and fostering peacebuilding. Highlighting contributions from various sectors, the event aimed to unite the Somali people in their pursuit of a peaceful, prosperous future. This initiative has set a model for other regions, encouraging them to adopt similar peace-focused celebrations and deepen national unity.

It was a warm evening on 11 September 2025 when the opening ceremony of the Week of Peace and Culture was opened in Baidoa, the interim capital of the South West State of Somalia. The air buzzed with anticipation, as people from all walks of Somalia and the regions of the Southwest state gathered in a spirit of unity and hope. The event kicked off with President Abdiaziz Hassan Laftagareen taking the stage, welcoming not just the people in the Southwest but all Somalis to witness a week dedicated to peace, reconciliation, dialogue, and cultural celebration. Among the crowd were some notable figures, including Hassan Moallim. the Minister of Constitution and Justice from the Federal Government, who had come to represent the central government's commitment to supporting federal member states' s peace initiatives. Parliamentarians and council ministers from the national Federal State and South West State added their voices, ensuring that the event was as much about governance and policy as it was about peace, culture and community. The evening was filled with beautiful songs and poetry-art forms that have long been the heart of Somali tradition. Each word spoken, every note sung, was a call for peace, unity, and reconciliation. The language of the evening was Maay Somali, the dialect of the South West State, grounding the celebration in the local culture and making it all the more meaningful to those in attendance. This wasn't just a ceremony-it was a reminder that peace is a shared responsibility, a vision that requires all of us, from the grassroots to the government, to come together. It was a week that promised more than just speeches and celebrations. It was the start of something much bigger: a collective commitment to a future built on peace, trust, understanding, and unity. As I was honored to be part of this moment, I realized that the Week of Peace and Culture was not only about addressing past wounds but about celebrating the resilience of a community determined to move forward. The energy in the air was transmittable, and as the week unfolded, I could feel the seeds of a more peaceful and united Somalia being sown.

This study investigated the degree of relationship between eight psychosocial factors and their potential for creativity among undergraduates in southwestern Nigeria. Multistage sampling was used to select 651 respondents who responded to four psycho-social creativity instruments. Risk-taking behavior recorded a mean score of 40.75 (SD of 7.55). Peer pressure threshold mean score was 38.26 (SD of 6.470). Knowledge of creativity mean score was 35.33 (SD of 6.61). Attitude towards creativity revealed a mean score of 41.07 (SD of 6.45). The mean score on the Williams Creativity Test was 72.73 (SD of 7.69). Peer pressure and creativity have a significant correlation of 0.200 (p<0.05). Knowledge/awareness of creativity has a significant correlation of 0.545 (p<0.05). Correlation between attitude and creativity is 0.532 significant at p<0.05. The significant correlation between age and creativity is 0.104 (p<0.05). The correlation between gender and creativity is 0.036 which is not significant (p<0.05). Risk-taking behaviour and creativity have a correlation of 0.007 which is not significant (p<0.005). The correlation between parental influence and creativity is 0.064, and it is not significant (p<0.05), while the course of study and creativity have no significant correlation of-0.047. The results suggest implications for stakeholders in the educational system.

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ABSTRACT
This paper examines the role of faith-based leadership in a globalized world, highlighting its
influence on communities, governance, humanitarian action, and peacebuilding. In an era
marked by technological advancement, cultural interconnection, and global crises, faith leaders
serve as vital mediators between tradition and innovation. The paper explores key themes
including servant leadership, ethics and accountability, humanitarian response, social capital,
gender inclusion, and interfaith dialogue. Special attention is given to the ways faith leaders
mobilize social capital for community development and resilience, engage in peacebuilding, and
adapt leadership practices in a digitized global environment. The analysis also considers
tensions around issues of inclusion, sexuality, and cultural identity, highlighting how faith
leaders and communities navigate conflicts between traditional values and modern human rights
frameworks. A praxis-oriented GLOBE Framework (Globalized Leadership for Organizational
and Belief Engagement) is proposed to guide faith-based organizations in aligning spiritual
values with modern governance and policy challenges. Case vignettes from multiple regions
illustrate practical applications across diverse traditions. The study concludes that faith-based
leadership continues to play a pivotal role in shaping ethical, inclusive, and resilient
communities while facing the pressures and opportunities of globalization. Future research
directions are suggested, emphasizing cross-cultural comparison, technological adaptation,
gender equity, and interfaith collaboration

This short article explores how leadership failures in Africa-specifically the prevalence of constrained decision-making paradigms such as the "Fool's Choice"-impede socio-political development and perpetuate instability. Using the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a case study, the analysis demonstrates how an aversion to confronting entrenched interests sustains cycles of conflict, erodes institutional legitimacy, and hinders regional cohesion. The article argues for a reimagined model of African leadership grounded in justice, regional agency, and adaptive, values-based governance.

Perkembangan teknologi informasi dan digital di Indonesia memberikan kemudahan terhadap akses informasi, hiburan, dan transaksi keuangan. Namun hal ini juga memunculkan permasalahan baru, antara lain maraknya judi online. Di Indonesia, jumlah pemain judi online semakin bertambah dari tahun ke tahun. Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis hubungan antara praktik judi online dan terjadinya kekerasan dalam masyarakat, termasuk dalam kehidupan rumah tangga. Beberapa kasus kriminalitas, termasuk pembunuhan dan kekerasan dalam rumah tangga, dilatarbelakangi oleh judi online. Tingginya angka perceraian akibat judi online juga menunjukkan adanya dampak serius pada tatanan rumah tangga. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa judi online berdampak pada aspek ekonomi, psikologis, serta sosial di masyarakat. Komisi VIII DPR RI dapat mendorong Kementerian Sosial serta Kementerian Pemberdayaan Perempuan dan Perlindungan Anak (KemenPPPA) untuk melakukan sosialisasi dan edukasi di sekolah maupun lingkungan masyarakat terkait dampak negatif dari judi online guna mencegah dampak judi online di Indonesia.

In many African countries emerging from conflict, political transitions are intended to mark the start of a new chapter, one focused on peace, development, and democratic governance. However, these transitions often reveal deep and persistent fragilities, including weak institutions, exclusionary politics, and socioeconomic instability. This paper examines why such transitions often fail to deliver lasting change and how states can break the cycle of fragility. Grounded in the theories of social contract and accountability, the study emphasizes that sustainable peace requires more than elections or elite power-sharing deals. It calls for rebuilding trust between citizens and the state, strengthening institutions, promoting inclusive economic growth, and fostering a secure environment founded on justice and equity. The five-pillar framework, comprising social contract, governance, social cohesion, economic reconstruction, and security, guides resilient political transitions. Overcoming fragility demands an integrated approach that places people, trust, and inclusive governance at the heart of state-building.

Objectives 1. Define core terms (political economy, geopolitics, conflict). 2. Understand regional history and global linkages. 3. Apply theories to case studies in Asia 4. Critically evaluate different views 5. Design action-oriented volunteer community projects.

Buku Paradigma Salib dalam Debat: Jalan Kasih dan Kebenaran menawarkan kerangka epistemologis, etis, dan pedagogis baru untuk memulihkan makna debat dalam konteks krisis komunikasi publik kontemporer. Di era post-truth, ketika opini sering menggantikan fakta dan emosi mendominasi rasionalitas, debat publik cenderung mengalami degradasi menjadi pertarungan ego. Dengan menggunakan metafora salib sebagai paradigma konseptual, karya ini merumuskan lima dimensi praksis: orientasi transendensi (atas), kerendahan hati (bawah), empati (kiri), logos rasional (kanan), dan integrasi kasih–kebenaran (titik pusat). Pendekatan ini berakar pada tradisi filsafat Yunani (Socrates, Plato, Aristoteles), teologi Katolik (Agustinus, Thomas Aquinas, Konsili Vatikan II), serta teori komunikasi modern (Habermas, Gadamer, Freire).

Paradigma salib dipaparkan tidak hanya sebagai refleksi filosofis dan teologis, tetapi juga sebagai metodologi praktis melalui 30 langkah konkret yang dapat diterapkan dalam pendidikan, pastoral, politik, dan ruang publik digital. Buku ini menekankan bahwa debat sejati bukanlah sarana dominasi, melainkan ziarah intelektual, moral, dan spiritual yang mengarah pada bonum commune. Secara akademik, paradigma ini memperkaya studi komunikasi, filsafat ilmu, dan teologi dialogis. Secara pastoral, ia menegaskan debat sebagai ministerium veritatis—pelayanan kebenaran yang terintegrasi dengan kasih. Secara sosial-politik, ia menghadirkan alternatif terhadap budaya polarisasi dengan menekankan dialog, empati, dan rekonsiliasi.

Dengan demikian, karya ini mengusulkan paradigma salib sebagai model global untuk membangun budaya debat yang etis, rasional, dan transformatif. Integrasi iman, akal, dan kasih menjadikan buku ini relevan lintas disiplin, agama, dan budaya sebagai kontribusi untuk membangun komunikasi publik yang bermartabat dan berorientasi pada kebenaran yang membebaskan.
Keywords: debate, cross paradigm, truth, love, Catholic theology, philosophy of science, dialogical ethics

Kelangsungan perdamaian pasca konflik komunal di tanah air belum berlangsung maksimal oleh karena rekonsiliasi masyarakat mengalami kegagalan yang menyebabkan terjadinya krisis kepercayan. Karena itu, masyarakat membutuhkan trust sebagai modal sosial utama yang mesti dibangun kembali untuk membantu rekonsiliasi pasca konflik komunal. Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan kegagalan resolusi dan krisis kepercayaan serta menjelaskan upaya membangun kembali perdamaian berbasis trust. Metode penulisan yang digunakan adalah analisis kepustakaan. Hasil analisis menemukan bahwa kegagalan rekonsiliasi konflik komunal berimbas pada terjadinya segregasi sosial yang berpeluang membentuk kembali sentimen in-group dan out-group, memudarnya masyarakat corak familistik yang tergantikan corak individual, serta tumbuhnya stigma dan prasangka sosial, sehingga berpotensi menumbuhkan kembali kantongkantong potensi konflik baru. Sedangkan dalam membangun kembali perdamaian berbasis trust, di mulai dari menanamkan kembali sikap trust antar masyarakat dalam kelangsungan perdamaian. Disimpulkan bahwa masyarakat yang pernah dilanda konflik komunal seyogyanya masih membutuhkan proses perdamaian jangka panjang yang berbasis trust. Disarankan penting untuk rekonstruksi modal sosial trust pasca konflik sehingga program pembangunan sosial pasca konflik berjalan maksimal.

Abstrak : Kelangsungan perdamaian pasca konflik komunal di tanah air belum berlangsung maksimal oleh karena rekonsiliasi masyarakat mengalami kegagalan yang menyebabkan terjadinya krisis kepercayan. Karena itu, masyarakat membutuhkan trust sebagai modal sosial utama yang mesti dibangun kembali untuk membantu rekonsiliasi pasca konflik komunal. Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan kegagalan resolusi dan krisis kepercayaan serta menjelaskan upaya membangun kembali perdamaian berbasis trust. Metode penulisan yang digunakan adalah analisis kepustakaan. Hasil analisis menemukan bahwa kegagalan rekonsiliasi konflik komunal berimbas pada terjadinya segregasi sosial yang berpeluang membentuk kembali sentimen in-group dan out-group, memudarnya masyarakat corak familistik yang tergantikan corak individual, serta tumbuhnya stigma dan prasangka sosial, sehingga berpotensi menumbuhkan kembali kantong- kantong potensi konflik baru. Sedangkan dalam membangun kembali perdamaian berbasis trust, d...

Two people who have fought on opposing sides of the decadesold conflict between Palestinians and Israel have come to together through "grieving and crying" to discuss how Israeli Jews and Palestinians can live side by side in peace. Given the brutality of the recent conflict in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, it has become increasingly difficult to imagine a durable peace. Yet, that remains the aim of a remarkable grassroots organization called Combatants for Peace.
 Welcome to the United Nations- https://soundcloud.com/unradio/israel-palestine-anything-is-better-than-whats-happening-now

Kajian ini mengevaluasi kinerja Badan Kesatuan Bangsa dan Politik (Kesbangpol) di 27 kabupaten/kota se-Jawa Barat selama periode 2020-2025. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan mixed-methods dengan analisis data kuantitatif dari SAKIP, LKIP, dan laporan kinerja, serta analisis kualitatif terhadap konteks kebijakan dan implementasi program. Temuan utama menunjukkan peningkatan kinerja signifikan dengan rata-rata capaian meningkat dari 85-90% (2020) menjadi 95-100% (2025), didorong oleh transformasi digital, reformasi birokrasi, dan konsolidasi pasca-pandemi.

Namun, kajian mengidentifikasi disparitas kinerja yang tajam antardaerah, membentuk tiga kluster utama: (1) Kluster Unggul (Ciamis, Kota Bandung, Banjar) dengan skor >95; (2) Kluster Menengah (Purwakarta, Kuningan, dll.) dengan skor 70-85; dan (3) Kluster Tertinggal (Garut, Cianjur, Sukabumi) dengan skor <70. Faktor penentu disparitas meliputi kapasitas kelembagaan, infrastruktur digital, dan kompleksitas sosio-historis.

Kajian merekomendasikan strategi diferensiasi untuk masing-masing pemangku kepentingan: (a) Pemerintah Provinsi perlu mengembangkan sistem penghargaan berbasis kinerja dan program mentoring berjenjang; (b) Pemerintah Daerah harus fokus pada penguatan kapasitas sesuai kategori kinerja; dan (c) LSM dan masyarakat sipil perlu mengembangkan dashboard kinerja interaktif dan sistem peringatan dini partisipatif. Implementasi rekomendasi diharapkan dapat mengurangi kesenjangan kinerja dan memperkuat tata kelola kebangsaan yang inklusif di Jawa Barat.

Kata Kunci: Kesbangpol, Kinerja Pemerintah Daerah, Jawa Barat, SAKIP, Disparitas Daerah, Kebijakan Publik

On October 12, 2012 the Boston College Law Review and the Boston College International and Comparative Law Review held a joint Symposium entitled, "Filling Power Vacuums in the New Global Legal Order." In three panel discussions and a keynote address by Anne-Marie Slaughter, a lively discourse on the impact of globalization on state power, the law, and the law's ability to both reallocate and effectively restrain power ensued. This Introduction, and the works that follow in this symposium issue, document that discourse.

This paper explores the intersection of political conflict, sustainability, and community-based initiatives within refugee settlements, focusing on Kakuma Camp in Kenya. Refugee communities often face overlapping challenges of environmental degradation, poor waste management, and political marginalization. Drawing from political thought and conflict transformation theories, this study highlights how grassroots initiatives can address waste management crises, reduce water-borne diseases, and foster collaboration among diverse groups. The findings suggest that sustainable waste management is not only an environmental necessity but also a pathway to peacebuilding and resilience in fragile contexts.

The Northern Triangle of Central America is currently the most violent region in the world. Youth in particular are bearing the brunt of this violence, the level of which is comparable to or higher than in the armed conflict settings of Iraq, Somalia, or Sudan. Young men and women are most susceptible to armed violence, and those living in marginal areas are particularly at risk. As a result of such exposure, youth can become both perpetrators and victims of the hostile environment.

The Initiative for Peacebuilding -Early Warning Analysis to Action (IfP-EW) is a consortium led by International Alert and funded by the European Commission. It draws on the expertise of 10 members with offices across the EU and in conflict-affected countries. It aims to develop and harness international knowledge and expertise in the field of conflict prevention and peacebuilding to ensure that all stakeholders, including EU institutions, can access strong, independent, locally derived analysis in order to facilitate better informed and more evidence-based policy and programming decisions. This document has been produced with financial assistance of the EU. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of IfP-EW/Interpeace and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the EU. To learn more, visit . Interpeace is an independent, international peacebuilding organization and a strategic partner of the United Nations. Interpeace contributes to building lasting peace through inclusive and nationally-led processes of change. Since 2008, Interpeace has been implementing the "Public Policies to Prevent Juvenile Violence in Central America" (POLJUVE) programme in Central America as part of a partnership with national organisations in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. To learn more, visit

Cette étude se propose d’analyser le contenu de la pensée critique élaborée par les
élites universitaires et l'intelligencia d’avant garde arabes sur l’etat arabe. Ces penseurs, en tant
qu’agents de la construction nationale, ont été animés par le souci de théoriser un modèle
politique, culturel et social adapté aux mutations historiques, s’écartant ainsi des idéalisations
romantiques. Engagés dans les débats de leur époque, ils ont produit des analyses critiques et
approfondies solidement fondées sur l’étude des composantes historiques et des transformations
socio-anthropologiques de l'État et de la société arabes. La présente recherche sélectionnera
trois figures intellectuelles dont les travaux ont significativement contribué à la reconfiguration
du concept d’État arabe.
L’objectif est de déterminer la nature et les caractéristiques de la connaissance critique
produite sur l’État arabe par ces penseurs, ainsi que son impact sur le champ intellectuel arabe.
Les trois intellectuels étudiés se distinguent par leurs approches respectives: une perspective
postcoloniale (Mostefa Lacheraf), une analyse en termes d’économie politique (Nazih Nassif alAyoubi) et une approche culturelle et théorique (Abdelilah Belkeziz)

This article examines the United Nations’ response to the Russia-Ukraine war and explores whether the organization can remain relevant in addressing contemporary global challenges. By analyzing the UN’s institutional limitations, the geopolitical dynamics of great power politics, and the role of international law, the paper highlights both the shortcomings and the enduring relevance of the UN in shaping global governance.

Pakistan is probably is one of the few countries where hate and intolerance can be and are openly professed in public. By condoning hate language in media, school texts and places of worship; gradually we have created an environment where nothing sells like extremism. Mullahism (religious leaders) or Gadinashini (succession to the spiritual seat/throne of shrines) now largely means livelihood and economic considerations prevail in preaching what sells the best. There is an abundance of fanatically theocratic cults which glorify death and killing, expropriating metaphors from the Quran and Islamic history. Any sensible cries get lost in the shrouds of extremism in Pakistan. Instead, the apologists come out in clusters against you. Ever since Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s government bowing for its own gains to the extremists, resorted to every inane argument to carry out the murder of reason and sanity in Pakistan by declaring Ahmedis non- Muslims, Pakistan has been sliding down the path of extremism.
Peace Education in many countries has and is being used for a more tolerant and pluralistic society. Two such examples of its successful uses are US and Rwanda, where peace education has played a tremendous role in post conflict. Peace education in many countries has been effectively used to build more tolerant and pluralistic societies. Pakistan, facing escalating religious intolerance and sectarian violence, requires urgent implementation of comprehensive peace education programs across all educational institutions.

This study undertakes a human security appraisal of the effects of land grabbing and forceful eviction in Ajah, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. Land, as a critical resource, provides not only shelter and livelihood but also a sense of identity and belonging. However, the rise of urbanization and speculative development in Lagos has intensified struggles over land, leaving local communities increasingly vulnerable to dispossession. This research investigates the multidimensional consequences of land grabbing and evictions, focusing on how these practices undermine the human security of affected residents.

Using a human security framework, the study emphasizes the economic, social, and psychological dimensions of displacement. Findings reveal that families subjected to forced eviction often face sudden homelessness, loss of income sources, disruption of children’s education, and heightened social exclusion. Beyond material deprivation, the trauma associated with forced displacement fosters feelings of powerlessness, insecurity, and loss of dignity. The study also highlights the weak enforcement of land tenure policies and the complicity of power structures, which exacerbate these challenges and perpetuate cycles of vulnerability.

The research argues that land grabbing and forced evictions in Ajah are not merely physical or economic challenges but profound threats to human security. Addressing these issues requires a shift towards inclusive land governance, transparent urban planning, and the strengthening of legal protections for marginalized populations. By prioritizing human security, policymakers and stakeholders can foster sustainable urban development that balances growth with justice, equity, and respect for human rights.

Keywords: Human Security, Land Grabbing, Forceful Eviction, Sustainable Development

The Crimean crisis will lead to the strengthening of relations between Turkey and the United States in order to prevent Russian aggressiveness and access to the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It is possible it will create a relationship of interdependence between the two countries. The case of Crimea may be a small step in improving relations between the two countries, since both countries have converging interests in this sensitive geostrategic region.

This article explores the history, achievements, and future prospects of Catholic Education Services in Tivland, Nigeria. From the earliest missionary schools established in the 20th century to the present, Catholic education has been central to human formation, evangelisation, and social development in the region. Rooted in the Church’s conviction that every child has a right to education by virtue of their human dignity, Catholic schools have produced generations of leaders, catechists, priests, and professionals who continue to shape society and the Church. The article examines the successes and challenges of Catholic education—including the impact of government policies, the need for inclusive education, and the ongoing demand for teacher retraining and infrastructural support. It further highlights the importance of establishing a Catechetical Institute and a Catholic University in Tivland as essential steps toward consolidating these gains. Ultimately, it calls for renewed commitment to sustain Catholic education as a vital instrument of faith and human development.

Tulisan ini mengulas konsep "beragama dengan riang" sebagaimana dihidupi dan diajarkan oleh KH. Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur). Beragama dengan riang dipahami sebagai praktik keberagamaan yang memadukan ketaatan pada ajaran agama dengan kelapangan hati, penghargaan terhadap perbedaan, dan sikap humoris dalam interaksi sosial. Pendekatan ini relevan dalam konteks masyarakat majemuk, karena mampu menekan potensi konflik dan membangun harmoni sosial. This paper discusses the concept of "practicing faith with joy" as embodied and taught by KH. Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur). Practicing faith with joy is understood as a form of religiosity that combines adherence to religious teachings with openness of heart, respect for differences, and a sense of humor in social interactions. This approach is relevant in the context of a plural society, as it can reduce potential conflicts and foster social harmony.

Peace negotiations are customarily held exclusively between political elites and in secret. Whilethis confidentiality may be essential to the delicate process of negotiating peace, the fact thatpeace negotiations take place behind closeddoors prevents cooperation between politicalrepresentatives, and progress in the negotiations, from being known to the public. Existing research has shown the negative impact of secrecy and explored what motivates political elites to retain adversarial public discourses during peace negotiations, but not their opposites. To fill this gap, this research project explored why progress in peace negotiations is disclosed to the public through the in-depth study of the negotiations between the Santos government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) (2012-2016). The central research question of the project was: Why is progress in peace negotiations disclosed to the public? With the ultimate aim of uncovering why they are disclosed or not, it explored what negotiation progress is disclosed to the public and what is not; when in the timeline of the negotiations they are disclosed or not; and how they are disclosed. The concept of ‘negotiation progress’ is defined broadly as any sort of agreement, or step towards agreement, such as confidence building measures, and any kind of agreement on procedure or substance, such as framework, partial, or comprehensive agreements.
In order to understand why negotiation progress is disclosed to the public, and to uncover when, how, and why this takes place in a peace process, a qualitative in-depth study of a peace negotiation process was needed. It was critical to uncover the decision-making process behind the release of information to the public. To shed light on this, interviews were conducted with members of negotiation delegates, and both documental (official reports and communiqués from the negotiations, memoirs, news articles) and interview data analysed through a qualitativecontent analysis. The findings and publications of this project have contributed to existing academic debates on the need for secret versus more open and inclusive peace negotiations and inform peace mediators on how to balance the need for confidentiality with that for transparency and public information. Ultimately, this can prevent public opinion manipulation and help promote societal reconciliation during peace negotiations.
Four key reccomendations are made to negotiators and mediators: first, the confidentiality of the negotiations needs to be balanced with public information and education through an effective public communication strategy agreed by the parties at the table; second, piecemeal negotiations can be particularly useful in allowing smaller agreements to be communicated to the public and provide enough information to
prevent the exploitation of information vacuums; third, including political opposition to some capacity in the negotiations can help prevent their emergence and manage their impact on public opinion; and lastly, mediators can assist the parties in the design and delivery of acommunications strategy geared to communicating progress to the public.

This paper examines the relationship between populism and post-conflict power-sharing frameworks. Focusing on Bosnia and Herzegovina, it explores how populism challenges existing power-sharing arrangements, while also considering how these may foster different forms of populism. By proposing that populism in BiH should be understood as a discursive strategy that politically constructs a division shaped by different ethnic dynamics toward the dominant socio-political landscape, the paper identifies three distinct but interconnected forms of populism: inter-ethnic, intra-ethnic, and cross-ethnic.

As we have discussed and analysed via multiple contributions in our journal over the years—and as we do in some contributions in this 2024 volume—we continue to face endemic crises in the world, ranging from domestic and ritual violence to (repressions of) often violent protests, low-intensity conflicts and full-scale wars and their aftermaths. A typical example of endemic conflict is the one in and about Nagorno-Karabakh, which ostensibly ended in an “apparently definite Azeri victory” in late September 2023 (Ten Dam 2023: 10 (quote); see esp.).  As I have indicated in the Editorial of the preceding 2023 volume, the question remains whether manifestations of “public and private violence are truly on the wane globally, or can ever be” (Ibid 2023: 8).

The key question with regard to the Black Sea region's military security evolution is how the standing of the three pillars Türkiye, US/NATO and Russia will transform, and how the main military actors in the region may look in the future. Türkiye, by progressively increasing its military potential and pragmatically performing the role of mediator, is strengthening its credibility as a major regional power. The question remains in what form. Cautious position of the USA during the Russo-Ukrainian War would likely precipitate the decline of the US role in the region. NATO would maintain its standing but its particular components would be rearranged among the European actors and Turkey. Russia will remain aggressive, but this can be deterred. Ukraine is determined to restore its borders, and it is supported by Türkiye, the US/NATO and the EU, though with certain reservations. Three options at the end of the war will be assessed on the premise that the main challenge of current military security is control over Crimea. The paper highlights the key challenges, which need to be mitigated, and the promising trends, which need to be reinforced for achieving the stable peace and security in the region.

This academic note provides a comprehensive analysis of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi's philosophy and application of Satyagraha within the context of the Indian independence movement. It argues that Satyagraha, or "truth force," was not merely a political tactic but a profound ethical and spiritual framework that fundamentally reshaped the struggle against British colonialism, acting as a veritable "torchlight" that illuminated a new path for mass mobilization and moral confrontation. This paper traces Gandhi's arrival onto the Indian political stage, details the timeline and mechanics of his major Satyagraha campaigns, and evaluates their impact through the lens of contemporary and modern academic reports. It explores the conceptual underpinnings of Satyagraha-Satya (Truth), Ahimsa (Non-violence), and Tapasya (Self-suering)-and examines its successes, limitations, and the critical perspectives it has attracted. The note concludes that while subject to valid critiques, the Gandhian method of Satyagraha was the single most influential force in galvanizing the Indian populace and establishing the moral high ground that ultimately rendered British rule untenable.

This paper explores how women’s bodies have historically and contemporarily been used as sites of violence in the context of Manipur, a conflict-ridden state in Northeast India. Framed within a subaltern-missiological methodology, the study interrogates systemic patriarchy, militarization under AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act), and communal-ethnic violence where sexual violence is employed as a tool of domination and discipline. Drawing upon historical events, including the 2004 protest following the rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama, and recent ethnic violence, the paper emphasizes the symbolic use of women's bodies as instruments of power, control, and community honor.

The study traces global parallels from the Partition of India to conflicts in Rwanda, Syria, and Bosnia to demonstrate how sexual violence is used in warfare and political conflicts. It critically assesses the role of the state, patriarchal structures, and militarism in perpetuating such violence. Theologically, it contrasts this with biblical accounts of violence against women, highlighting Jesus' countercultural stance of dignity and compassion toward women.

The paper proposes a missiological response that emphasizes prophetic witness through collective resistance and solidarity with victims. It calls the church and Christian mission to confront systemic injustice, affirm the sacredness of women’s bodies, and engage in life-affirming action against gender-based violence. Ultimately, the study advocates for a reimagination of mission that is rooted in justice, compassion, and dismantling patriarchal oppression.

As a ‘hyper-problem’ that makes political and social challenges harder to resolve, polari­sation is both a barrier to addressing a violative past and a leading indicator of future risks of conflict and violence. Polarisation can decrease social cohesion, contribute to a culture of violence and impunity, and eventually incite mass atrocity, making it a pressing concern for transitional justice – a field designed to address such violations. Yet, transitional justice actors have largely, and dangerously, ignored polarisation to date.

This IFIT discussion paper compares transitional jus­tice and depolarisation, identifying correlations between their respective objectives and tools. It examines ways in which transitional justice and polarisation act as mutual risk multipliers, creating negative feedback loops that produce additional harms and make future attempts at transition more difficult.

The paper proposes backward-, present- and future-looking approaches for ensuring transitional justice interventions account for polarisation, ranging from technological tools to narrative interventions and policy chang­es. It provides a conceptual framework for think­ing about this critical but underexamined relationship, opening the door for polarisation-sensitive transitional justice.

The purpose of this paper is to show if there are any differences between pilgrim and resident motivations in selection of tourism destination. Data were collected from tourists using a questionnaire which included ten Likert-scale questions inquiring about motivation of tourists in the choosing intended place. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test was conducted to determine which motivations of tourists (pilgrims and residents) are different. The analysis indicated that there were differences between pilgrim and resident motivation in selection of destination in two factors. Differences were identified between historic and heritage wealth and Climate comfort. The t-test analysis of the study indicates that there is no significant difference between attitudes of two cities' tourists in all factors.

This article presents conceptual results from the Interfaculty Research Cooperation "Religious Conflicts and Coping Strategies" at the University of Bern. Since 2018, researchers from various academic disciplines-theology, psychology, law, religious studies, social anthropology, jewish studies, islamic studies, political sciences, history, communication studies, philosophy, gender studies and german studies-have been comparatively investigating past and present conflicts with religious dimensions. Conflicts involving religion often intensify, elude resolution or lose their constructive and socializing potential, because strong emotional, factual and interpretive aspects are interwoven. Established strategies of conflict resolution therefore often reach their limits in such conflicts. We show that the concept of coping has the advantage of focusing on the process rather than on the resolution of conflicts. It does not aim at solving a conflict that may not be solved, but it aims at looking for ways to shape and manage conflicts with religious dimensions. Coping as a concept originates from psychologists, who describe individuals as active beings who are able to deal with stressful situations on emotional, factual and interpretative-evaluative levels. The different types of coping correlate with three essential dimensions of religion. Therefore, coping as a travelling concept can be particularly fruitful for the interdisciplinary study of conflicts with religious dimensions. It fosters a context-sensitive and differentiated analysis of the dynamics of religious conflicts and Personal Websites of the Authors Prof. Dr. Katharina Heyden (Theologische Fakultät)

''The SDF regards its integration into the Syrian state as a distinct matter, separate from the peace process in Türkiye. In contrast, Turkey draws a direct and inseparable connection between the SDF’s incorporation into the Syrian army and the success of its peace process. This fundamental divergence in perspectives threatens to undermine the peace process initiated by Ankara.''

Ethnic conflicts represent complex socio-political phenomena that profoundly impact societies, often leading to heightened levels of criminality. This article examined the intricate relationship between ethnic conflicts and criminal behavior, drawing on theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence to explore how ethnic tensions contribute to various forms of crime. Theoretical perspective of Quinney's Pluralistic Conflict Theory illuminate mechanisms such as breakdowns in social order, power struggles, and the weaponization of ethnic identities that exacerbate criminal activities. Gender-sensitive analyses reveal nuanced perspectives on how ethnic conflicts influence criminality, highlighting differential impacts and vulnerabilities among diverse populations. Policy implications emphasize the importance of conflict prevention, security sector reform, and community engagement in mitigating the impact of ethnic conflicts on crime rates and fostering sustainable peacebuilding efforts. This article contributes to understanding the complexities of ethnic conflicts and offers insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers striving to address the challenges of criminality in conflict-affected regions.