GST312 — Peace and Conflict Resolution: Lecture Note

About this lecture note

This is the complete lecture note for GST312 Peace and Conflict Resolution. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.

Preview: opening of the note

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS • Course code: GST 312 • Course title: Peace and Conflict Resolution • Course credit load: 2 Series 1: Foundations of Peace and Security Series outline • 1.1 Concept of Peace o 1.1.1 Definitions and perspectives o 1.1.2 Dimensions of peace (positive and negative peace) • 1.2 Concept of Conflict o 1.2.1 Definitions and perspectives o 1.2.2 Conflict as a social process • 1.3 Concept of Security o 1.3.1 Traditional security (state-centred) o 1.3.2 Human security (people-centred) • 1.4 Interrelationship of Peace, Conflict, and Security o 1.4.1 Peace and security in multi-ethnic nations o 1.4.2 Conflict as both a threat and opportunity Introduction Peace and security are central to the stability and progress of any society. In a multi-ethnic nation such as Nigeria, the presence or absence of peace and security directly influences development, social harmony, and the well-being of citizens. Conflict, when unmanaged, can undermine these foundations, yet when properly understood, it can also serve as a catalyst for positive change. This Series sets the stage for your journey into peace and conflict resolution by introducing the core concepts that underpin the entire course.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS The aim of this Series is to equip you with a clear understanding of the fundamental concepts of peace, conflict, and security, and to show how they interrelate in shaping the dynamics of societies. We shall commence this Series by examining the concept of peace, including its definitions and dimensions. Next, we will explore the concept of conflict, considering its nature as a social process. Following that, we will turn to the concept of security, distinguishing between traditional and human-centred perspectives. Finally, we will wrap up by analysing the interrelationship of peace, conflict, and security, with particular attention to multi-ethnic nations. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • SLO 1.1 define the concept of peace and explain its dimensions, • SLO 1.2 describe the concept of conflict and analyse its role as a social process, • SLO 1.3 explain the concept of security and differentiate between traditional and human-centred perspectives, • SLO 1.4 evaluate the interrelationship of peace, conflict, and security in multi-ethnic nations. 1.1 Concept Of Peace 1.1.1 Definitions and perspectives The term peace refers to a condition in which individuals, groups, and nations coexist without violence, hostility, or fear. It is more than the mere absence of war; it encompasses harmony, justice, and the presence of conditions that allow people to thrive. Scholars and practitioners often describe peace from different perspectives, such as political, social, cultural, and psychological. For example, political peace may emphasise the absence of armed conflict between states, while social peace focuses on the relationships among communities and individuals. Cultural perspectives highlight traditions and values that promote harmony, and psychological perspectives consider the inner calm and stability of individuals. Fill in the blank: Peace is not only the absence of ________, but also the presence of justice and harmony. 1.1.2 Dimensions of peace (positive and negative peace) The concept of negative peace refers to the absence of direct violence, such as war or physical conflict. It is often seen as a temporary or fragile state, since underlying tensions may still exist. In contrast, positive peace involves the presence of justice, equality, and structures that support

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS long-term harmony. Positive peace addresses root causes of conflict, such as poverty, discrimination, and inequality. For instance, a society may enjoy negative peace if there is no war, yet still experience injustice and marginalisation. Positive peace, however, requires deliberate efforts to build fair institutions, promote inclusivity, and ensure that all groups feel secure and valued. Fill in the blank: Negative peace is the absence of ________, while positive peace is the presence of justice and equality. Pilot questions 1.1 1. Peace can be defined as more than the absence of war. True or False. 2. Which perspective of peace focuses on traditions and values? 3. Negative peace refers to the absence of what? 4. Positive peace requires the presence of what key element? 5. Which perspective of peace considers inner calm and stability? 1.2 Concept Of Conflict 1.2.1 Definitions and perspectives The term conflict refers to a situation in which two or more parties perceive their interests, values, or goals as incompatible. It may occur between individuals, groups, or nations, and can range from minor disagreements to large-scale violence. Conflict is not always destructive; it can also stimulate change, innovation, and growth when managed constructively. Different perspectives help us understand conflict more deeply. From a psychological perspective, conflict may arise from frustration or unmet needs. From a sociological perspective, it may stem from structural inequalities within society. Politically, conflict often reflects struggles for power, resources, or recognition. Fill in the blank: Conflict occurs when parties perceive their ________ as incompatible. 1.2.2 Conflict as a social process Conflict is a dynamic social process that evolves over time. It often begins with latent tensions, which may escalate into open confrontation if not addressed. The process can involve stages such as emergence, escalation, stalemate, de-escalation, and resolution. Recognising these stages helps in designing strategies for effective conflict management.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS For example, a dispute over land may start with quiet resentment, escalate into verbal arguments, and eventually lead to violence if left unresolved. However, through dialogue and negotiation, the conflict can be de-escalated and resolved peacefully. Fill in the blank: Conflict often begins with ________ tensions before escalating into confrontation. Pilot questions 1.2 1. Conflict arises when parties perceive their interests as incompatible. True or False. 2. Which perspective of conflict focuses on unmet needs and frustration? 3. Name one stage in the social process of conflict. 4. Structural inequalities are emphasised in which perspective of conflict? 5. Conflict can be constructive when it stimulates what? 1.3 Concept Of Security 1.3.1 Traditional security (state-centred) The term security refers to the condition of being protected from danger, risk, or threat. In traditional terms, security is often understood as the protection of the state from external aggression, invasion, or military threats. This perspective is state-centred, focusing on safeguarding territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political authority. Traditional security measures include maintaining strong armed forces, securing borders, and forming alliances with other states. While this approach has been dominant for centuries, it tends to prioritise the survival of the state over the well-being of individuals. Fill in the blank: Traditional security is primarily concerned with protecting the ________ of the state. 1.3.2 Human security (people-centred) The concept of human security shifts the focus from the state to individuals. It emphasises freedom from fear, freedom from want, and the dignity of life. Human security recognises that threats such as poverty, disease, environmental degradation, and social injustice can be as harmful as military aggression. For example, a country may be militarily secure yet face widespread hunger or unemployment. Human security calls for policies that address these issues, ensuring that people live safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Fill in the blank: Human security emphasises freedom from fear and freedom from ________.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Pilot questions 1.3 1. Traditional security focuses on protecting the state. True or False. 2. Which type of security emphasises freedom from fear and want? 3. Name one measure associated with traditional security. 4. Human security highlights the importance of what key value? 5. Which perspective of security prioritises individuals over the state? 1.4 Interrelationship Of Peace, Conflict, And Security 1.4.1 Peace and security in multi-ethnic nations In multi-ethnic nations, the concepts of peace and security are closely intertwined. Peace provides the environment in which diverse groups can coexist harmoniously, while security ensures that individuals and communities are protected from threats. When either peace or security is absent, tensions may rise, leading to instability. For example, in societies where ethnic groups feel excluded from political or economic opportunities, insecurity may emerge, undermining peace. Conversely, when governments promote inclusivity and fairness, peace and security reinforce each other, creating conditions for development. Fill in the blank: In multi-ethnic nations, peace and security are essential for ________ coexistence. 1.4.2 Conflict as both a threat and opportunity Conflict can be seen as both a threat to peace and security, and an opportunity for transformation. When unmanaged, conflict disrupts social harmony, weakens institutions, and creates insecurity. However, when addressed constructively, conflict can highlight injustices, stimulate reforms, and strengthen relationships. For instance, disputes over resources may initially generate hostility, but through negotiation and dialogue, they can lead to fairer distribution and improved governance. Recognising conflict as a potential opportunity encourages societies to adopt proactive strategies for resolution. Fill in the blank: Conflict can be destructive if unmanaged, but constructive if ________ effectively. Pilot questions 1.4

This is the opening of the note. Read the full note or download the PDF to continue.