HILAL WANI | Sultan Qaboos University (original) (raw)
Papers by HILAL WANI
ABSTRACT: Human beings engage in conflict, aggression, warfare, and violence seemingly equate wit... more ABSTRACT: Human beings engage in conflict, aggression, warfare, and violence seemingly equate with the human condition. Equally, humans have sought, as long as there has been conflict, to handle conflict effectively by containing or reducing its negative consequences. This paper is an effort to understand some of the major theoretical perspectives of conflict resolution and conflict transformation. Since both the concepts are very important for giving us kind of understanding that ho w can we minimize the level and structures of conflicts and to create new avenues of cooperation and compatibility. This study tried to highlight the basic dichotomy between the two concepts. Any conflict c an be resolved and transformed if the structure and relationship of the two conflicting parties are fully taken into consideration. Both theories diagnoses causes and sources of conflict and both can be used as methods for resolving and transforming different conflicts. Finally, this paper is the sch...
This paper examines the concept of "diversity" as mentioned in the Qur'an and how commonalities i... more This paper examines the concept of "diversity" as mentioned in the Qur'an and how commonalities in diverse religions may be used as a model for civilizational dialogue towards achieving harmony. This study reveals that religious and cultural diversity are laws of nature which cannot be changed while the concept of "identity" is a contested issue in modern discourse. Results also show that peace may be established among diverse religions through their commonalities and the best way to exploit these commonalities and to reduce the religious divide is through civilizational dialogue. The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and other methods for changing the nature of religious differences and reaching a consensus-thus arriving at a peaceful coexistence are also discussed. It was found that people are often misguided or divided in the name of religion and culture, despite the fact that the philosophy of every religion is based on peace and harmony.
This paper examines that how significant move it would be to involve youth in the main stream dev... more This paper examines that how significant move it would be to involve youth in the main stream development and governance projects in Africa. It is obvious reality that no inclusive and sustainable development and governance can be built without involvement of youth. Successful democracy needs participation of all citizens especially the active role and participation of youth is paramount. Reviewing and re-looking the engagement of youth in some of the African nations would be the main discourse of this paper. I will be looking into the point why there is less participation of youth in main stream development and governance of the world nations in general and in particular in Africa? What are the main constraints which prevent youth in taking active participation in the political and democratic process of their specific nations? How could we motivate youth thereby they could be the part and parcel of overall development and governance of their nations in Africa? In summation, it can be said that youth engagement and voluntarism could make governance more stable and effective in African continent. Cases of youth engagement are cited from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Sudan and Ethiopia. African nations could make a big difference if the youth engagement will be taken into consideration. In today's global arena we are experiencing lack of trust of youth in governing institutions and political leaders. The modern youth who are well equipped with modern technological knowhow and skills have lot of dreams to make a difference but hardly they are getting any big chance and opportunity in mainstream development and governance of world in general and Africa in particular. There are plethora of macro and micro issues which are unfolded, for instance no higher education for youth, no scholarships, unemployment, insecurity, no major political representation in the main stream development and governance of the nation and no proper health systems and rampant corruption. 1 These are some of the major constraints which make young youth alienated. The major macro cause is that there is no reward for youth in Africa they are facing numerous challenges which make them disinterested to take active part in the development and governance of the nation. Moreover, the perception is that the issue of programme development and policy design is for experts and youth do not have the expertise, skills and the drive power still prevails. 2 In Africa, youth are often counted as a lost generation, marginalised, frustrated and suffered from decision making bodies and policy making institutions. African youth make up more than half of the continent's population, yet for generations governments had been ignoring them and silencing their voices. There is no one who can push them ahead. Politicians and political institutions have failed to fulfil the basic needs and aspirations of youth which is the main cause of alienation. These are some of macro and micro causes which makes youth marginalised in developing countries and Africa is not different case. Not only is this but there no fixed quota for youth in governance and mainstream development. These are the direct causes which make some youth involved in criminal activities when they don't find any opportunity and place in the mainstream development and governance of their nations. 3 Engaging and participating in decision making and governance is beginning to reshape the way youth in Africa are perceiving and exercising their citizenship in a powerful manner. In the words of McGee and Green half:
Democratic countries in developing world are going through transition. There are plethora and myr... more Democratic countries in developing world are going through transition. There are plethora and myriad issues related to governance problems and asymmetry in federal domain. Nigeria and India both are considered two major democracies one in African continent and one in Asian continent. Both have federal model of polity. The ethnic division and polarization in the name of religion, culture, caste, and tribe in these two nations gave birth to severe ethnic conflicts and further it has many bad repercussions and implications for the entire nation. For transforming ethnic conflict and ethnic polarization in Nigeria and India we found federal balancing, shaping and sharing of powers and segmental autonomy as better devices that can be used to transform and manage the ethnic balkanization and compartmentalization. We found that for two major democracies such as Nigeria and India federal balancing is imperative for successful functioning of democracy. We found through our research data that ethnic minorities are marginalized in both nations and therefore, we used 'ethnic power sharing approach' of 'Donald Horowitz' for managing the ethnic balkanization and ethnic division where our main emphasis is on 'guarantees 'for minorities in majority dominated democracies. The research data also shows extensively about the systematic and well organized killings of minorities in majority dominated democracies such as in India and Nigeria. A true democracy can be successful in practice only when it will work for both majority and minority communities on equal grounds but truth is always bitter when we say that in severely divided democracies minorities are always at risk. And we can say it based on our scholarly research data that communalism and religious hatred is too dangerous for multicultural democracies and diverse nations.
... Rizwan Kaiser (Jamia Millia Islamia), Swami Agnivesh, Mansi Sharma (ANHAD), Seema Duhan (ANHA... more ... Rizwan Kaiser (Jamia Millia Islamia), Swami Agnivesh, Mansi Sharma (ANHAD), Seema Duhan (ANHAD), besides it different media, social activists, journalists, peace activists, human rights activists, lawyers, editors, historians, columnists, and writers joined this Dharna.This is ...
Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2011
Religions, 2015
This paper examines the concept of "diversity" as mentioned in the Qur'an and how commonalities i... more This paper examines the concept of "diversity" as mentioned in the Qur'an and how commonalities in diverse religions may be used as a model for civilizational dialogue towards achieving harmony. This study reveals that religious and cultural diversity are laws of nature which cannot be changed while the concept of "identity" is a contested issue in modern discourse. Results also show that peace may be established among diverse religions through their commonalities and the best way to exploit these commonalities and to reduce the religious divide is through civilizational dialogue. The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and other methods for changing the nature of religious differences and reaching a consensus-thus arriving at a peaceful co-existence-are also discussed. It was found that people are often misguided or divided in the name of religion and culture, despite the fact that the philosophy of every religion is based on peace and harmony.
The desire for freedom and justice, the political fallouts from the structural adjustment program... more The desire for freedom and justice, the political fallouts from the structural adjustment programmes, and the entrenched autocratic and repressive political institutions dominant in the most of the parts of Africa. Since 1980s, Africa has been in the process of establishing the principles of good governance for making African institutions and authorities accountable enough to run their own state affairs. Research shows that the continent has made some progress in this area, but more still needs to be achieved. In this paper, we will examine the recent developments in the field of good governance and consider what is still needed in order to achieve a prosperous and progressive Africa. The research data has been taken from UNDP reports. We have tried to highlight the positive aspects of recent developments, and also the transitional aspect of good governance in the African continent. We have also tried to avoid negative dimensions on the basis research data, which definitely shows over the last two decades Africa has made real progress and is still moving towards sustainable development, effective governance, and stable growth. And it is also predicted, at some time in the near future, Africa will have achieved significant growth and economic progress, and will have effective political institutions and better leaders.
This paper examines the concept of "diversity" as mentioned in the Qur'an and how commonalities i... more This paper examines the concept of "diversity" as mentioned in the Qur'an and how commonalities in diverse religions may be used as a model for civilizational dialogue towards achieving harmony. This study reveals that religious and cultural diversity are laws of nature which cannot be changed while the concept of "identity" is a contested issue in modern discourse. Results also show that peace may be established among diverse religions through their commonalities and the best way to exploit these commonalities and to reduce the religious divide is through civilizational dialogue. The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and other methods for changing the nature of religious differences and reaching a consensus-thus arriving at a peaceful co-existence-are also discussed. It was found that people are often misguided or divided in the name of religion and culture, despite the fact that the philosophy of every religion is based on peace and harmony.
ABSTRACT: Human beings engage in conflict, aggression, warfare, and violence seemingly equate wit... more ABSTRACT: Human beings engage in conflict, aggression, warfare, and violence seemingly equate with the human condition. Equally, humans have sought, as long as there has been conflict, to handle conflict effectively by containing or reducing its negative consequences. This paper is an effort to understand some of the major theoretical perspectives of conflict resolution and conflict transformation. Since both the concepts are very important for giving us kind of understanding that ho w can we minimize the level and structures of conflicts and to create new avenues of cooperation and compatibility. This study tried to highlight the basic dichotomy between the two concepts. Any conflict c an be resolved and transformed if the structure and relationship of the two conflicting parties are fully taken into consideration. Both theories diagnoses causes and sources of conflict and both can be used as methods for resolving and transforming different conflicts. Finally, this paper is the sch...
This paper examines the concept of "diversity" as mentioned in the Qur'an and how commonalities i... more This paper examines the concept of "diversity" as mentioned in the Qur'an and how commonalities in diverse religions may be used as a model for civilizational dialogue towards achieving harmony. This study reveals that religious and cultural diversity are laws of nature which cannot be changed while the concept of "identity" is a contested issue in modern discourse. Results also show that peace may be established among diverse religions through their commonalities and the best way to exploit these commonalities and to reduce the religious divide is through civilizational dialogue. The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and other methods for changing the nature of religious differences and reaching a consensus-thus arriving at a peaceful coexistence are also discussed. It was found that people are often misguided or divided in the name of religion and culture, despite the fact that the philosophy of every religion is based on peace and harmony.
This paper examines that how significant move it would be to involve youth in the main stream dev... more This paper examines that how significant move it would be to involve youth in the main stream development and governance projects in Africa. It is obvious reality that no inclusive and sustainable development and governance can be built without involvement of youth. Successful democracy needs participation of all citizens especially the active role and participation of youth is paramount. Reviewing and re-looking the engagement of youth in some of the African nations would be the main discourse of this paper. I will be looking into the point why there is less participation of youth in main stream development and governance of the world nations in general and in particular in Africa? What are the main constraints which prevent youth in taking active participation in the political and democratic process of their specific nations? How could we motivate youth thereby they could be the part and parcel of overall development and governance of their nations in Africa? In summation, it can be said that youth engagement and voluntarism could make governance more stable and effective in African continent. Cases of youth engagement are cited from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Sudan and Ethiopia. African nations could make a big difference if the youth engagement will be taken into consideration. In today's global arena we are experiencing lack of trust of youth in governing institutions and political leaders. The modern youth who are well equipped with modern technological knowhow and skills have lot of dreams to make a difference but hardly they are getting any big chance and opportunity in mainstream development and governance of world in general and Africa in particular. There are plethora of macro and micro issues which are unfolded, for instance no higher education for youth, no scholarships, unemployment, insecurity, no major political representation in the main stream development and governance of the nation and no proper health systems and rampant corruption. 1 These are some of the major constraints which make young youth alienated. The major macro cause is that there is no reward for youth in Africa they are facing numerous challenges which make them disinterested to take active part in the development and governance of the nation. Moreover, the perception is that the issue of programme development and policy design is for experts and youth do not have the expertise, skills and the drive power still prevails. 2 In Africa, youth are often counted as a lost generation, marginalised, frustrated and suffered from decision making bodies and policy making institutions. African youth make up more than half of the continent's population, yet for generations governments had been ignoring them and silencing their voices. There is no one who can push them ahead. Politicians and political institutions have failed to fulfil the basic needs and aspirations of youth which is the main cause of alienation. These are some of macro and micro causes which makes youth marginalised in developing countries and Africa is not different case. Not only is this but there no fixed quota for youth in governance and mainstream development. These are the direct causes which make some youth involved in criminal activities when they don't find any opportunity and place in the mainstream development and governance of their nations. 3 Engaging and participating in decision making and governance is beginning to reshape the way youth in Africa are perceiving and exercising their citizenship in a powerful manner. In the words of McGee and Green half:
Democratic countries in developing world are going through transition. There are plethora and myr... more Democratic countries in developing world are going through transition. There are plethora and myriad issues related to governance problems and asymmetry in federal domain. Nigeria and India both are considered two major democracies one in African continent and one in Asian continent. Both have federal model of polity. The ethnic division and polarization in the name of religion, culture, caste, and tribe in these two nations gave birth to severe ethnic conflicts and further it has many bad repercussions and implications for the entire nation. For transforming ethnic conflict and ethnic polarization in Nigeria and India we found federal balancing, shaping and sharing of powers and segmental autonomy as better devices that can be used to transform and manage the ethnic balkanization and compartmentalization. We found that for two major democracies such as Nigeria and India federal balancing is imperative for successful functioning of democracy. We found through our research data that ethnic minorities are marginalized in both nations and therefore, we used 'ethnic power sharing approach' of 'Donald Horowitz' for managing the ethnic balkanization and ethnic division where our main emphasis is on 'guarantees 'for minorities in majority dominated democracies. The research data also shows extensively about the systematic and well organized killings of minorities in majority dominated democracies such as in India and Nigeria. A true democracy can be successful in practice only when it will work for both majority and minority communities on equal grounds but truth is always bitter when we say that in severely divided democracies minorities are always at risk. And we can say it based on our scholarly research data that communalism and religious hatred is too dangerous for multicultural democracies and diverse nations.
... Rizwan Kaiser (Jamia Millia Islamia), Swami Agnivesh, Mansi Sharma (ANHAD), Seema Duhan (ANHA... more ... Rizwan Kaiser (Jamia Millia Islamia), Swami Agnivesh, Mansi Sharma (ANHAD), Seema Duhan (ANHAD), besides it different media, social activists, journalists, peace activists, human rights activists, lawyers, editors, historians, columnists, and writers joined this Dharna.This is ...
Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2011
Religions, 2015
This paper examines the concept of "diversity" as mentioned in the Qur'an and how commonalities i... more This paper examines the concept of "diversity" as mentioned in the Qur'an and how commonalities in diverse religions may be used as a model for civilizational dialogue towards achieving harmony. This study reveals that religious and cultural diversity are laws of nature which cannot be changed while the concept of "identity" is a contested issue in modern discourse. Results also show that peace may be established among diverse religions through their commonalities and the best way to exploit these commonalities and to reduce the religious divide is through civilizational dialogue. The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and other methods for changing the nature of religious differences and reaching a consensus-thus arriving at a peaceful co-existence-are also discussed. It was found that people are often misguided or divided in the name of religion and culture, despite the fact that the philosophy of every religion is based on peace and harmony.
The desire for freedom and justice, the political fallouts from the structural adjustment program... more The desire for freedom and justice, the political fallouts from the structural adjustment programmes, and the entrenched autocratic and repressive political institutions dominant in the most of the parts of Africa. Since 1980s, Africa has been in the process of establishing the principles of good governance for making African institutions and authorities accountable enough to run their own state affairs. Research shows that the continent has made some progress in this area, but more still needs to be achieved. In this paper, we will examine the recent developments in the field of good governance and consider what is still needed in order to achieve a prosperous and progressive Africa. The research data has been taken from UNDP reports. We have tried to highlight the positive aspects of recent developments, and also the transitional aspect of good governance in the African continent. We have also tried to avoid negative dimensions on the basis research data, which definitely shows over the last two decades Africa has made real progress and is still moving towards sustainable development, effective governance, and stable growth. And it is also predicted, at some time in the near future, Africa will have achieved significant growth and economic progress, and will have effective political institutions and better leaders.
This paper examines the concept of "diversity" as mentioned in the Qur'an and how commonalities i... more This paper examines the concept of "diversity" as mentioned in the Qur'an and how commonalities in diverse religions may be used as a model for civilizational dialogue towards achieving harmony. This study reveals that religious and cultural diversity are laws of nature which cannot be changed while the concept of "identity" is a contested issue in modern discourse. Results also show that peace may be established among diverse religions through their commonalities and the best way to exploit these commonalities and to reduce the religious divide is through civilizational dialogue. The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and other methods for changing the nature of religious differences and reaching a consensus-thus arriving at a peaceful co-existence-are also discussed. It was found that people are often misguided or divided in the name of religion and culture, despite the fact that the philosophy of every religion is based on peace and harmony.