Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 6, No. 2, February 2015 | pp. 442–450

DOI: 10.46882/2015/GJPCS/000071

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Economic Interdependence and Conflict Deterrence: Analyzing Trade Relations Across Volatile Borders

Names of Authors: Rajesh Kumar¹, Yusuf Al-Kazi²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Economics, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India; ²Department of Economics, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract: Abstract: The liberal peace thesis posits that deep economic interdependence acts as a powerful structural deterrent against militarized interstate disputes. This study tests this hypothesis by analyzing bilateral trade volumes and border conflict incidents across three volatile regions from 1995 to 2013. Utilizing panel data regression analysis, we modeled the relationship between trade asymmetry, joint democracy indices, and the frequency of border skirmishes. The statistical outputs demonstrate that high bilateral trade volume significantly decreases the probability of militarized disputes (Beta = -0.45, p < 0.001). However, further breakdown shows that asymmetrical trade interdependence—where one nation relies disproportionately on the other—can actually amplify structural tensions and political vulnerabilities. The findings reveal that economic ties only deter conflict when the costs of trade disruption are equally distributed and catastrophic for both nations. The study concludes that regional trade blocks must incorporate equitable resource distribution rules to successfully function as peace stabilization mechanisms. This empirical insight challenges simple trade-peace assumptions and offers a nuanced framework for cross-border economic integration policies.

Keywords: Economic Interdependence, Liberal Peace, Trade Relations, Conflict Deterrence, Panel Data, Border Disputes, Asymmetric Trade

Manuscript Timeline: Received: September 02, 2014; Revised: November 11, 2014; Accepted: December 14, 2014; Published: February 18, 2015

Citation: Kumar, R., & Al-Kazi, Y. (2015). Economic Interdependence and Conflict Deterrence: Analyzing Trade Relations Across Volatile Borders. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 6(2), 442–450. DOI: 10.46882/2015/GJPCS/000071

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2015 | pp. 433–441

DOI: 10.46882/2015/GJPCS/000070

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Media Framing and Ethnic Polarization: A Comparative Analysis of Conflict Coverage in Divided Societies

Names of Authors: Kenji Takahashi¹, Ousmane Diallo²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan; ²Department of Sociology, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal

Abstract: Abstract: Mass media channels can function either as tools for peace journalism or as drivers of severe ethnic polarization during political crises. This study presents a comparative content analysis of conflict coverage across mainstream print media outlets in two ethnically divided societies. We analyzed 800 newspaper articles published during periods of heightened political tension between 2009 and 2013 using standard content analysis. Media framing was categorized into war journalism markers (escalation-oriented, state-centric) and peace journalism markers (de-escalation-oriented, human-centric). The empirical results show a heavy systemic reliance on sensationalized war journalism framing, which constituted 74% of the total sampled text. Quantitative tracking reveals that an increase in inflammatory editorial frames correlates with a rise in negative out-group perceptions among readers (r = 0.62, p < 0.01). The study highlights how media ownership structures and corporate survival mechanisms push journalists toward polarizing narratives to maximize readership. The paper concludes that establishing independent media regulatory oversight and widespread training in conflict-sensitive reporting are crucial for transforming media into an instrument of peace.

Keywords: Media Framing, Ethnic Polarization, Peace Journalism, Content Analysis, Divided Societies, Conflict Escalation, Responsible Reporting

Manuscript Timeline: Received: August 01, 2014; Revised: October 10, 2014; Accepted: November 15, 2014; Published: January 05, 2015

Citation: Takahashi, K., & Diallo, O. (2015). Media Framing and Ethnic Polarization: A Comparative Analysis of Conflict Coverage in Divided Societies. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 6(1), 433–441. DOI: 10.46882/2015/GJPCS/000070

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 5, No. 12, December 2014 | pp. 424–432

DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000069

Article Type: Case Study

Title: Restorative Justice vs. Retributive Justice: A Case Study of Community Accountability in Post-Conflict Jurisdictions

Names of Authors: Emmanuel Jean-Pierre¹, Ricardo Silva²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹School of Law, National University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda; ²Institute of Social and Political Studies, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract: Abstract: The sheer scale of domestic mass atrocities often overwhelms traditional formal judicial systems, prompting the innovative implementation of community-led court systems. This case study evaluates the restorative and retributive dynamics of these community courts in balancing transitional accountability with community reconciliation. Field research was conducted across four sectors, utilizing observations of court proceedings, focus group discussions, and archive analysis. The data reveal that community courts successfully expedited the processing of hundreds of thousands of cases, a feat impossible within conventional courts. Restorative indicators showed high rates of truth disclosure and community service integration among perpetrators. However, the study identifies significant legal and psychological challenges, including a lack of formal legal representation and secondary traumatization among survivors during public testimonies. Quantitative assessments from local surveys indicate that 68% of survivors felt justice was served, though systemic anxieties regarding regional reintegration persist. This research concludes that while localized court systems serve as milestone models for community justice, their restorative benefits require ongoing mental health frameworks to prevent cyclical trauma.

Keywords: Restorative Justice, Retributive Justice, Community Accountability, Post-Conflict Reconciliation, Transitional Accountability, Judicial Systems

Manuscript Timeline: Received: July 11, 2014; Revised: September 15, 2014; Accepted: October 12, 2014; Published: December 08, 2014

Citation: Jean-Pierre, E., & Silva, R. (2014). Restorative Justice vs. Retributive Justice: A Case Study of Community Accountability in Post-Conflict Jurisdictions. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 5(12), 424–432. DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000069

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 5, No. 11, November 2014 | pp. 415–423

DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000068

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Gender Dynamics in Peace Negotiations: Evaluating Female Participation in Diplomatic Mediation Frameworks

Names of Authors: Siti Nurhaliza¹, Agnes Arach²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of International Relations, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines; ²Faculty of Peace and Strategic Studies, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda

Abstract: Abstract: Formal peace negotiations have historically marginalized female stakeholders, excluding unique perspectives on human security and post-conflict community rebuilding. This study examines the structural barriers and direct contributions of female negotiators within regional peace processes. Adopting a qualitative case study design, we conducted 22 semi-structured interviews with peace advocates, negotiators, and civil society leaders. The thematic analysis shows that while formal peace tables remain heavily male-dominated, female civil society coalitions consistently bridged communication gaps between warring factions during deadlocks. The research reveals that peace agreements with active female input contain 35% more provisions dedicated to structural health, education, and community rehabilitation. However, cultural biases, institutional insecurity, and a lack of formal recognition continue to hinder meaningful female leadership at higher diplomatic tiers. The study demonstrates that female inclusion is not merely a normative necessity but a practical asset that increases agreement durability. The paper argues for mandatory gender quotas within formal mediation teams to systematically enhance the long-term viability of peace accords.

Keywords: Gender Dynamics, Peace Negotiations, Female Inclusion, Conflict Mediation, Human Security, Civil Society, Diplomatic Frameworks

Manuscript Timeline: Received: June 01, 2014; Revised: August 04, 2014; Accepted: September 10, 2014; Published: November 22, 2014

Citation: Nurhaliza, S., & Arach, A. (2014). Gender Dynamics in Peace Negotiations: Evaluating Female Participation in Diplomatic Mediation Frameworks. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 5(11), 415–423. DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000068

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 5, No. 10, October 2014 | pp. 406–414

DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000067

Article Type: Policy Analysis Paper

Title: Small Arms Proliferation and Urban Insecurity: Designing Policy Interventions for Transnational Border Contraband

Names of Authors: Carlos Fuentes¹, Jean-Baptiste Remy²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Public Policy, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia; ²Faculty of Human Sciences, State University of Haiti, Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Abstract: Abstract: The unmitigated flow of illicit small arms and light weapons remains a primary catalyst for violent crime and community insecurity across developing urban centers. This policy analysis evaluates the design, implementation hurdles, and structural gaps of contemporary firearm control initiatives in three capital cities. By analyzing regional homicide databases, border seizure reports, and policy briefs from 2005 to 2013, this paper evaluates the efficacy of weapon buyback programs and legislative bans. The policy assessment indicates that isolated municipal gun control laws yield minimal results due to highly porous national borders and unregulated illicit supply chains. Quantitative trend analysis revealed that a 10% increase in illicit firearm seizures correlates with a temporary 2% drop in weapon-related crimes, indicating a weak short-term deterrent effect. The analysis identifies key structural gaps, including inadequate cross-border intelligence sharing and widespread systemic corruption within local law enforcement registries. The paper recommends transitioning toward an integrated regional tracking framework backed by standardized ballistic databases. Ultimately, a successful disarmament strategy requires combining strict border enforcement with targeted community youth development programs.

Keywords: Small Arms Proliferation, Urban Insecurity, Policy Intervention, Disarmament, Border Control, Homicide Prevention, Transnational Contraband

Manuscript Timeline: Received: May 11, 2014; Revised: July 12, 2014; Accepted: August 14, 2014; Published: October 19, 2014

Citation: Fuentes, C., & Remy, J. B. (2014). Small Arms Proliferation and Urban Insecurity: Designing Policy Interventions for Transnational Border Contraband. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 5(10), 406–414. DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000067

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 5, No. 9, September 2014 | pp. 397–405

DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000066

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Transitional Justice and Social Cohesion: Assessing Truth Commissions in Post-Conflict Townships

Names of Authors: Thabo Mbeki Smith¹, Manuel Rodriguez²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; ²Department of Psychology, Central American University, San Salvador, El Salvador

Abstract: Abstract: Transitional justice mechanisms are frequently implemented with the assumption that exposing historical truths automatically fosters community reconciliation. This study empirically examines the long-term impact of truth and reconciliation commissions on local social cohesion within selected post-conflict townships. Data were gathered using a multi-stage cluster sampling approach, surveying 600 respondents alongside 15 focus group discussions. Quantitative indicators measured interpersonal trust, institutional legitimacy, and perceptions of justice on a 5-point Likert scale. The statistical findings reveal a complex reality: while institutional truth-seeking was highly valued, actual social cohesion scores remained modest (Mean = 2.8 ± 0.6). Correlation matrices indicated that unresolved economic disparities had a strong negative correlation with community reconciliation scores (r = -0.58, p < 0.01). The empirical evidence demonstrates that legal amnesty without corresponding economic reparations undermines the perceived legitimacy of transitional justice. This research concludes that truth commissions must be strictly integrated with structural socio-economic reforms to achieve deep-rooted reconciliation. These insights provide a cautionary framework for designing future transitional justice programs in nations transitioning away from systemic institutional oppression.

Keywords: Transitional Justice, Social Cohesion, Truth Commissions, Reconciliation, Economic Reparations, Post-Conflict Reconstruction

Manuscript Timeline: Received: April 10, 2014; Revised: June 15, 2014; Accepted: July 20, 2014; Published: September 06, 2014

Citation: Smith, T. M., & Rodriguez, M. (2014). Transitional Justice and Social Cohesion: Assessing Truth Commissions in Post-Conflict Townships. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 5(9), 397–405. DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000066