Suchergebnisse

"The literature dealing systematically with the connections between change and conflict is hardly extensive, and that directly dealing with precise relationships between change and conflict resolution is even sparser. In a way, this is surprising - for many writers make implicit, and in some cases explicit, connections between some form of change and the formation of conflicts, while others discuss conflict 'dynamics' as well as those changes that are needed before any kind of resolution of a conflict can realistically be sought. A recent and completely unsystematic search of one university's modest library revealed over 420 entries combining the words 'change' and 'conflict' in their title, while a similar search of a data bank of dissertation abstracts produced over 3,500 such citations. Nonetheless, there seem to be few works that focus in general terms on connections between the two concepts, or on the process of conflict resolution as a phenomenon involving change from the relationship of enemies or adversaries into something else. This chapter endeavors to make some contribution to filling this gap in the literature by discussing the relationship between 'change' and 'conflict' in very general terms, rather than focusing on particular changes that have either created conflict between particular communities, societies and countries, or changes that have led towards a resolution of any specific conflict which has protracted and become violent. It can be considered, therefore, as a small contribution to the development of a general theory of change and conflict - or, more particularly, conflict resolution. An understanding of the dynamics of conflict formation and perpetuation should have implications for methods of resolving (or at least coping with) even the most intractable of conflict relationships. As such, the chapter may be a starting point for the development of a set of theories of conflict dynamics as well as a practical set of guidelines concerning modes and timing of 'resolutionary' interventions." (excerpt)

The author analyzes the use & rhetoric of 'conflict prevention' in Africa. In the post-cold war era the notion of conflict prevention, became a popular one among politicians as well as political scientists. The notion was then picked up by African policy makers & diplomats as a way to garner outside support to fight continental conflict. However, the structure of African government made it relative ineffective. In this chapter, the author analyzes the concept of conflict prevention & how it has been used in Africa, focusing on the work of the continent's inter-governmental institutions. These institutions, run by political elites, represent some of the more powerful institutions on the continent. The author prefaces this discussion with comments on the concept of conflict prevention & mediation.

A study of ethnic conflict's impact on women's traditionally gender-bound subjugation uses specific examples from the Sinhala & Tamil districts of Sri Lanka. Ceylonese patriarchal underpinnings, recent changes in women's duties, & the political coopting of women's activism are cited. A review of Sri Lankan colonization, ethnic & religious composition, independence, & armed conflict is given, along with current ethnic & political problems. A review of attempts at conflict resolution includes the activities of the Women's Action Committee, Women for Peace, the Mothers & Daughters of Sri Lanka, & the Southern Mothers' Front. The impact of the two last organizations on protests, elections, & peace movements is elucidated. Female participation in the militant Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), along with the LTTE's exploitation & subsequent abandonment of the Mothers' Front is described. A recapping of post-1994 tensions includes information on populist involvement, women's potential impact on conflict resolution, & female survivors' reactions to the need for assistance, organization, & restructuring. M. C. Leary

"Wibke Manson, Oliver Ramsbotham and Tom Woodhouse highlight the importance of peacekeeping both for violence control and for enhancing capacities for peacebuilding. The authors argue that peacekeeping can serve as an important instrument as long as its practice is sufficiently reformed. New thinking about peacekeeping has evolved in response to changing environments of conflict, and places emphasise primarily on the strengthening of enforcement powers while at the same time reinforcing peacebuilding capacities. The new doctrine sets for itself the dual goal of controlling violence while simultaneously maintaining consent and rebuilding co-operative relationships. According to the authors this dual goal can only be achieved if current approaches developed in the academic field are thoroughly integrated with the practice of peacekeeping. Moreover the article points out where knowledge developed in conflict resolution theory can be of relevance for peacekeepers, as well as commenting on perspectives for application and addressing the question of the future needs for peacekeeping." (author's abstract)

Tuft considers the impact of increasingly prevalent armed conflicts within states from a gender perspective. The multiple dimensions of such wars, as well as their effects on women, are considered in the context of modern Colombian events. The history of political systems & conflict in Colombia is traced from the 1850s, with attention given to violence, elite agreements, & the shifting loci of conflict. The National Front pact, with changes in liberal, conservative, & alternative representation, is reviewed. Effects on civilians, including opposition parties & rural inhabitants caught between conflicting zones, are included. There is delineation of conflict's socioeconomic, sociopolitical, & sociopsychological alterations on individual & social life, with a focus on the challenges by which female Colombians continue to be faced. The efforts of various women's political organizations are described. M. C. Leary

There is questioning of the notion that feminine input on national security systems would necessarily translate into idealized changes. The linking of security with peace is challenged. It is asserted that "the politics of feminization" is more accurately associated with democratization & empowerment. Twentieth-century events affecting the relationship between elitist forces & the populace are cited. Women's effect on security relations between India & Pakistan is detailed & compared with those of Bangladesh & Sri Lanka. Political, nationalistic, & ideological systems are considered. A shift from expectations of national or policy change to one effected on a "people-to-people level" is imagined. The relation of internal security to social unity recounts various South Asian incidents regarding language, religion, sharing of resources, separatism, & class. Women's political actions, from populist protests through policy influence, are reviewed. Figures on South Asian government representation are given & analyzed for "masculine" components. A look at women & communalism takes India's Hindu-Muslim clashes into account. M. C. Leary