Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 5, No. 8, August 2014 | pp. 388–396

DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000065

Article Type: Review Paper

Title: Resource Scarcity and Transnational Water Conflicts: A Theoretical Re-examination of Hydropolitics

Names of Authors: Amina El-Sayed¹, Ekuam Ekitala²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Political Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt; ²Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract: Abstract: The nexus between environmental degradation, hydropolitics, and transboundary water governance remains a contentious arena in international relations. This review paper critically re-examines the theoretical frameworks underlying transboundary water conflicts, focusing specifically on the structural dynamics of shared river basins. By synthesizing literature from hydro-hegemony theories and environmental security paradigms published between 2000 and 2013, this paper maps how upstream infrastructure developments intersect with downstream existential anxieties. The analysis reveals that traditional neo-Malthusian scarcity models fail to fully capture the complex, state-led diplomatic maneuvers that define contemporary hydro-relations. Instead, water conflicts are driven more by institutional asymmetric power relations and historical legal treaties than by physical water shortages alone. The synthesis shows that institutional resilience indicators have a strong inverse correlation with treaty non-compliance rates across regional water basins worldwide. The paper underscores the urgent need for a shift from zero-sum security frameworks to benefit-sharing cooperative mechanisms. Ultimately, this review establishes an integrated theoretical matrix combining environmental diplomacy with human security indicators to guide future empirical research on water resource disputes.

Keywords: Water Governance, Hydro-hegemony, Hydropolitics, Resource Scarcity, Environmental Security, Transboundary Disputes

Manuscript Timeline: Received: March 20, 2014; Revised: May 18, 2014; Accepted: June 22, 2014; Published: August 14, 2014

Citation: El-Sayed, A., & Ekitala, E. (2014). Resource Scarcity and Transnational Water Conflicts: A Theoretical Re-examination of Hydropolitics. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 5(8), 388–396. DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000065

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 5, No. 7, July 2014 | pp. 379–387

DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000064

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Evaluating the Impact of Local Mediation Committees on Post-Election Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa

Names of Authors: John A. Mensah¹, Musa Ibrahim²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; ²Department of Political Science, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria

Abstract: Abstract: Local mediation committees play a pivotal role in mitigating community-level violence following disputed elections. This study evaluates the structural effectiveness of these grassroots committees across three post-election flashpoints between 2007 and 2013. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, we analyzed quantitative survey data from 450 community members alongside qualitative data from 30 key informant interviews. The empirical findings indicate a statistically significant reduction in localized violent incidents where active mediation frameworks were established. Specifically, communities with active committees reported a lower incidence of retaliatory violence (Mean = 2.1 events/month) compared to unmediated control areas (Mean = 5.4 events/month), yielding a statistically meaningful difference where p < 0.05. Regression analysis demonstrates that trust in local leaders accounts for 43% of the variance in successful dispute resolution metrics (R² = 0.43). However, the long-term sustainability of these committees is heavily compromised by inconsistent funding and political interference from regional elites. The study concludes that neutralizing political manipulation and embedding local committees into national peace architectures are vital steps for structural resilience.

Keywords: Local Mediation, Post-Election Violence, Grassroots Peacebuilding, Sub-Saharan Africa, Conflict Resolution, Community Resilience

Manuscript Timeline: Received: February 14, 2014; Revised: April 05, 2014; Accepted: May 12, 2014; Published: July 04, 2014

Citation: Mensah, J. A., & Ibrahim, M. (2014). Evaluating the Impact of Local Mediation Committees on Post-Election Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 5(7), 379–387. DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000064

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 5, No. 6, June 2014 | pp. 370–378

DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000063

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Analyzing the Geopolitical Dynamics of Gas Pipeline Security and Sovereignty Disputes in Eastern Europe

Names of Authors: Viktor Kovac¹, Mirela Hasanovic²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of International Relations, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic; ²Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract: Abstract: The strategic dependency of European states on external natural gas infrastructures has increasingly transformed transit pipelines into key levers of geopolitical coercion. This research examines the structural mechanisms of pipeline diplomacy and the sovereign vulnerabilities arising from transit pricing disputes within Eastern Europe. Using game-theoretic strategic modeling, maritime export tracking data, and regional energy policy declarations from 2008 to 2013, we analyzed state behavior during supply interruptions. The empirical models confirm that an asymmetrical reliance on a single energy exporter increases state vulnerability to diplomatic coercion by 55% during winter heating seasons. The study indicates that transit infrastructure vulnerabilities create strong structural incentives for state suppliers to pursue alternative, bypass transit routes. The findings demonstrate that regional energy integration and reverse-flow pipeline capabilities significantly decrease the success rate of geopolitical coercion attempts (Beta = -0.38, p < 0.01). The paper concludes that establishing a unified European energy procurement framework is essential for insulating economic networks from regional security vulnerabilities.

Keywords: Energy Infrastructure, Pipeline Diplomacy, Gas Disputes, Eastern Europe, Asymmetrical Dependency, Geopolitics, Sovereign Vulnerability

Manuscript Timeline: Received: January 15, 2014; Revised: March 22, 2014; Accepted: April 18, 2014; Published: June 08, 2014

Citation: Kovac, V., & Hasanovic, M. (2014). Analyzing the Geopolitical Dynamics of Gas Pipeline Security and Sovereignty Disputes in Eastern Europe. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 5(6), 370–378. DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000063

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 5, No. 5, May 2014 | pp. 361–369

DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000062

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: The Psychosocial Legacies of Forced Conscription: Assessing Rehabilitation Networks in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone

Names of Authors: Sahr Mathew Kamara¹, Ousmane Diallo²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Psychology, Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone; ²Department of Sociology, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal

Abstract: Abstract: The successful long-term reintegration of ex-combatants into post-conflict communities remains a critical factor in preventing urban social instability. This study presents a longitudinal evaluation of psychological rehabilitation outcomes among 300 former conscripts five years after completing formal disarmament programs. Mental health and social adaptation scores were measured using standardized clinical tracking profiles measuring post-traumatic stress symptoms, economic self-sufficiency, and community acceptance metrics. The empirical findings reveal that high levels of trauma remain persistent, with 44% of participants meeting clinical thresholds for chronic PTSD (Mean Score = 47.8 ± 5.4). Regression analysis demonstrates that persistent community stigmatization and a lack of formal education access are the strongest predictors of prolonged psychological distress (R² = 0.54, p < 0.001). Conversely, structured participation in traditional community cleansing ceremonies was significantly associated with positive social adjustment scores. The study demonstrates that short-term disarmament frameworks fail to resolve lifelong trauma, highlighting the necessity of embedding long-term psychosocial support into regional public health networks.

Keywords: Forced Conscription, Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Ex-Combatant Reintegration, PTSD, Sierra Leone, Longitudinal Study, Community Healing

Manuscript Timeline: Received: December 10, 2013; Revised: February 14, 2014; Accepted: March 20, 2014; Published: May 24, 2014

Citation: Kamara, S. M., & Diallo, O. (2014). The Psychosocial Legacies of Forced Conscription: Assessing Rehabilitation Networks in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 5(5), 361–369. DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000062

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 5, No. 3, March 2014 | pp. 343–351

DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000060

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Economic Interdependence and Territorial Disputes: Analyzing Asymmetric Trade Flows in East Asian Seas

Names of Authors: Ling Wei¹, Priya Nair²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹School of International Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China; ²Department of Sociology, Delhi School of Economics, New Delhi, India

Abstract: Abstract: The liberal peace thesis suggests that deep economic integration acts as a powerful structural deterrent against the escalation of militarized border disputes. This study evaluates this claim by analyzing bilateral trade flows and maritime confrontation frequencies across volatile shipping lanes from 1998 to 2012. Utilizing panel data regression analysis, we modeled the relationship between shipping insurance premium fluctuations, maritime trade volume indices, and coast guard interactions. The statistical models confirm that high total trade volume significantly decreases the probability of conventional militarized disputes (Beta = -0.47, p < 0.001). However, further interaction analysis reveals that highly asymmetric trade relationships—where one nation depends disproportionately on the other for critical resources—can amplify political vulnerabilities. Quantitative tracking shows that states facing extreme trade asymmetry exhibit higher rates of defense infrastructure mobilization (R² = 0.44, p < 0.05). The study concludes that economic ties only stabilize relations when the costs of disruption are distributed symmetrically. The paper recommends building multilateral maritime management treaties to decouple trade infrastructure from territorial disputes.

Keywords: Economic Interdependence, Territorial Disputes, Asymmetric Trade, Maritime Safety, Panel Data Regression, Liberal Peace, East Asian Security

Manuscript Timeline: Received: October 11, 2013; Revised: December 15, 2013; Accepted: January 20, 2013; Published: March 05, 2014

Citation: Wei, L., & Nair, P. (2014). Economic Interdependence and Territorial Disputes: Analyzing Asymmetric Trade Flows in East Asian Seas. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 5(3), 343–351. DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000060

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 5, No. 2, February 2014 | pp. 334–342

DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000059

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Media Ownership Structures and Ethnic Polarization: A Comparative Content Analysis of Crisis Framing

Names of Authors: Kenji Takahashi¹, Alisa Milosevic²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan; ²Department of Journalism, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

Abstract: Abstract: Mass media platforms can function either as objective pillars of peace journalism or as significant drivers of social polarization during deep ethno-political crises. This study presents a comparative content analysis of crisis framing across print and digital media networks under different ownership structures. We analyzed 900 news reports published during periods of heightened political tension between 2010 and 2012 using standard content analysis software protocols. Media framing was categorized into war journalism markers (escalation-oriented, elite-centric) and peace journalism markers (conciliatory, citizen-centric). The empirical results demonstrate that media channels owned directly by political elites rely significantly on sensationalist war journalism framing, which accounts for 78% of their total content. Quantitative analysis reveals that increases in exclusionary media frames correlate with measurable spikes in out-group hostility scores among targeted readers (r = 0.61, p < 0.01). The paper concludes that political control over media funding streams systematically compromises journalist independence. The study recommends establishing decentralized, community-funded media platforms to promote inclusive peace narratives.

Keywords: Media Ownership, Ethnic Polarization, Crisis Framing, Content Analysis, Peace Journalism, Information Manipulation, Divided Societies

Manuscript Timeline: Received: September 05, 2013; Revised: November 12, 2013; Accepted: December 15, 2013; Published: February 18, 2014

Citation: Takahashi, K., & Milosevic, A. (2014). Media Ownership Structures and Ethnic Polarization: A Comparative Content Analysis of Crisis Framing. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 5(2), 334–342. DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000059