Contemporary Theories of Conflict and their Social and Political Implications (original) (raw)
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—The Great Lakes Region (GLR) of Africa has been typified by numerous conflicts over the period stretching from independence to date. However, the independent period up to 1980s seemed to have had some semblance. This study sought to evaluate the conflicts' typifications over this time period while at the same time categorizing them to bring clarity to understanding of conflicts. Again, the question of whether these conflicts are colonial or contemporary is again a concern that this study attempts to expose. Indeed, it is clearer that several conflict theorists are ever in dilemma about the linkage of the GLR conflicts thus a constant divide in opinion within this period. As the study digs into the causes of conflicts in the GLR, it is found that these causes are multi-dimensional thus include; Laxity and neglect causes, System failure causes, Economic-led and power-led causes, Racial conflicts, and Ideological conflict/ bipolarism in the world politics. This therefore indicates that the solutions to the conflicts should follow the cause and effect approach.
Introduction: Conflict and Peacebuilding in the African Great Lakes Region
Conflict and Peacebuilding in the African Great Lakes Region, 2013
kenneth omeje and tricia redeker Hepner the african great lakes region is one of marked contrasts and striking continuities. beset by destructive conflicts, it also possesses extraordinary potential for peace and development. from biodiversity to solid minerals and human talents, this geopolitical space is endowed with abundant natural and cultural resources. some of the world's most ecologically diverse freshwater systems, subtropical rainforests, savannah grasslands, and temperate highlands with immense extractive, agricultural, and touristic value are found in the great lakes region. in addition, it is culturally and linguistically diverse, comprising population groups with rich and dynamic historical, religious, economic, political, and legal traditions that have both endured and been transformed by internal and external factors. in defining what constitutes the african great lakes region, we must therefore include not only the nation-states that comprise it-burundi, rwanda, uganda, democratic republic of Congo, kenya, and tanzania-but also the historical, sociopolitical, cultural, and economic geographies that cross and complicate these constructed borders.
Conflicts in Africa: Meaning, Causes, Impact and Solutiondeoti
African Research Review, 2011
The continent of Africa has been highly susceptible to intra and interstate wars and conflicts. This has prompted the insinuation that Africa is the home of wars and instability. Most pathetic about these conflagrations is that they have defied any meaningful solution and their negative impacts have retarded growth and development in Africa while an end to them seems obscure. What then are the causes of these unending wars in Africa? How far have they weakened cohesion, unity and the potential development of the African continent? What can we do to overcome this monster? Answers to these questions form the bone of contention of this paper.
Conflicts in Africa: Meaning, Causes, Impact and Solution
The continent of Africa has been highly susceptible to intra and inter-state wars and conflicts. This has prompted the insinuation that Africa is the home of wars and instability. Most pathetic about these conflagrations is that they have defied any meaningful solution and their negative impacts have retarded growth and development in Africa while an end to them seems obscure. What then are the causes of these unending wars in Africa? How far have they weakened cohesion, unity and the potential development of the African continent? What can we do to overcome this monster? Answers to these questions form the bone of contention of this paper.
Using the Transmission Model of Conflict Analysis as an analytical framework, with data obtained from the Ibrahim Index of African Governance and the United Nations Human Development Report, this article engages in an analysis of how protracted ethnic conflicts have resulted in political instability and socioeconomic underdevelopment in Africa's Great Lakes region. Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been selected as case studies for the period between 2000 and 2010, but references are made to other countries in the region as well. The findings show that conflicts in the region are fuelled by ethnocentric tendencies. This has had negative impacts on political stability and has resulted in socioeconomic underdevelopment. Consequently, the article recommends the institutionalisation of a robust nation-building and political process that de-emphasises ethnicity and promotes political and socioeconomic justice.