Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 15, No. 4, April 2024 | pp. 28–36

DOI: 10.46882/2024/GJPCS/150401

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: The Logistics of Transnational Light Weapons Trafficking: Tracking Illicit Maritime Distribution Hubs in the Malacca Strait

Authors: Kumari M. Perera¹, Marcus T. Vance²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹International Centre for Ethnic Studies, Colombo, Sri Lanka; ²Center for Development and Emergency Practice, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom

Abstract:
The unchecked proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) across porous maritime checkpoints remains a primary structural driver of state fragmentation and insurgent violence across Southeast Asian littoral zones. This article tracks the clandestine distribution networks through which illegal weapons shipments are introduced into localized conflict zones, tracking how these operations adapt to state border controls. Utilizing a border-tracking framework combined with seized weapons classification data collected from 2021 to 2023, we examine the logistical networks connecting international syndicates to local rebel militias. The empirical evidence demonstrates that transnational criminal networks exploit gaps in inter-state intelligence sharing and weak frontier aerial radar security to traffic military-grade equipment. Quantitative indicators reveal that border districts where customs patrols are uncoordinated between neighboring states face a 68% higher rate of localized insurgent incursions and black-market arms accumulation. The paper highlights the failure of unilateral, militarized border shutdowns to dismantle decentralized supply networks. We conclude that curbing illicit arms proliferation requires establishing a joint, synchronized intelligence clearinghouse alongside automated weapon serialization tracing protocols.

Keywords: Maritime Arms Proliferation; SALW Logistics; Malacca Strait; Border Security; Transnational Crime; Supply Networks

Manuscript Timeline: Received: February 12, 2022; Revised: April 22, 2022; Accepted: June 10, 2022; Published: April 18, 2024

Citation: Perera, K. M., & Vance, M. T. (2024). The Logistics of Transnational Light Weapons Trafficking: Tracking Illicit Maritime Distribution Hubs in the Malacca Strait. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 15(4), 28–36. DOI: 10.46882/2024/GJPCS/150401

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 15, No. 3, March 2024 | pp. 19–27

DOI: 10.46882/2024/GJPCS/150301

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Evaluating Gender-Inclusive Peace Operations: The Strategic Efficacy of Grassroots Women-Led Mediation Networks in South Sudan

Authors: John L. Deng¹, Claire M. Dubois²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Institute for Peace, Development and Security Studies, University of Juba, Juba, South Sudan; ²Department of War Studies, King's College London, London, United Kingdom

Abstract:
While international peacebuilding theories heavily emphasize the necessity of gender inclusivity, formal peace processes routinely relegate women's organizations to informal, track-two diplomacy platforms. This paper evaluates the long-term structural impacts of women-led civil coalitions on the stability and institutional resilience of the peace architecture in post-conflict South Sudan. Utilizing a mixed-methods research framework, we combine comprehensive archival qualitative analysis of political agreements with semi-structured interviews of 54 prominent community mediators. The empirical findings indicate that the early inclusion of grassroots women's networks was critical for integrating long-term human security indicators—such as integrated housing and victim support—into local governance frameworks. Quantitative metrics establish that localized peace monitoring councils featuring active women-led leadership configurations report a 38% lower incidence of recurring sectarian street violence. The study demonstrates that top-down, elite-centric negotiation models fail to heal deep-seated community polarization when they exclude grassroots civil networks. We conclude that sustainable political transitions require institutionalizing binding gender quotas within all national security sector reform (SSR) committees.

Keywords: Gender-Inclusive Peace; Women Mediation Networks; South Sudan; Human Security; Grassroots Networks; Security Sector Reform

Manuscript Timeline: Received: January 05, 2022; Revised: March 18, 2022; Accepted: May 02, 2022; Published: March 15, 2024

Citation: Deng, J. L., & Dubois, C. M. (2024). Evaluating Gender-Inclusive Peace Operations: The Strategic Efficacy of Grassroots Women-Led Mediation Networks in South Sudan. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 15(3), 19–27. DOI: 10.46882/2024/GJPCS/150301

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 15, No. 2, February 2024 | pp. 10–18

DOI: 10.46882/2024/GJPCS/150201

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: The Political Ecology of Transboundary Aquifer Depletion along the Indus Basin: Assessing Sub-National Resource Friction

Authors: Siddharth K. Nair¹, Ranil S. Jayawardene²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹School of Global Studies, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden; ²Department of Political Science, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Abstract:
The rapid extraction of deep transboundary groundwater reserves along the shared borders of the Indus Basin has introduced profound ecological disruptions and altered transboundary geopolitical relations in South Asia. This study examines how unilateral subterranean water management policies affect downstream food security and localized community stability within bordering nations. Utilizing hydropolitical game theory models integrated with remote-sensing environmental data, we evaluate the socioeconomic impacts of altered aquifer pressure gradients. The empirical data reveals that uncoordinated upstream tubewell operations have reduced downstream aquifer levels by 45%, leading to severe soil desiccation and lower agricultural yields in critical delta farming areas. Our statistical simulations establish that the resulting reduction in agricultural productivity correlates directly with a 32% rise in household economic insecurity and localized resource disputes among farming communities. The paper demonstrates that existing transboundary water treaties lack specific legal mechanisms to enforce groundwater compliance. We argue that preventing interstate hydropolitical conflict requires establishing a binding multilateral governance framework that treats deep water basin preservation as a shared regional asset.

Keywords: Indus Aquifers; Groundwater Depletion; Hydropolitics; Subterranean Resource; Food Security; Political Ecology

Manuscript Timeline: Received: December 10, 2021; Revised: February 20, 2022; Accepted: April 15, 2022; Published: February 14, 2024

Citation: Nair, S. K., & Jayawardene, R. S. (2024). The Political Ecology of Transboundary Aquifer Depletion along the Indus Basin: Assessing Sub-National Resource Friction. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 15(2), 10–18. DOI: 10.46882/2024/GJPCS/150201

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 15, No. 1, January 2024 | pp. 1–9

DOI: 10.46882/2024/GJPCS/150101

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Deepfake Architectures, Automated Synthetic Propaganda, and the Erosion of Institutional Trust in Post-Conflict Elections

Authors: Sarah L. Bernstein¹, Amanuel T. Mengistu²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; ²Institute for Peace and Security Studies, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract:
The rapid global deployment of generative deepfake model architectures and highly automated algorithmic synthetic propaganda networks has structurally altered contemporary political discourse and accelerated identity-based polarization in fragile states. This paper investigates the digital mechanisms through which synthetic audiovisual campaigns manipulate public sentiment and amplify ethno-political divisions during electoral cycles. Employing a cross-national quantitative content analysis of approximately 1,150,000 localized political posts, we track the spread of automated, micro-targeted alternative narratives across digital spaces during recent constitutional transitions. The empirical results demonstrate that social media algorithms engineered to maximize user engagement disproportionately prioritize emotionally volatile, AI-generated multimedia content, creating isolated ideological echo chambers. Statistical correlation modeling establishes that a 20% increase in localized network exposure to verifiably false, deep-fake political media precedes spikes in urban civil unrest by a predictable 24-hour window (r = 0.71, p < 0.01). The study highlights how traditional civil society organizations are systematically marginalized within these digital architecture frameworks. We conclude that mitigating digital radicalization requires shifting from reactive content moderation toward imposing legally binding transparency requirements on algorithmic design models.

Keywords: Deepfake Architecture; Synthetic Propaganda; Algorithmic Polarization; Digital Warfare; Civil Discourse; Democratic Trust

Manuscript Timeline: Received: November 15, 2021; Revised: January 18, 2022; Accepted: March 02, 2022; Published: January 12, 2024

Citation: Bernstein, S. L., & Mengistu, A. T. (2024). Deepfake Architectures, Automated Synthetic Propaganda, and the Erosion of Institutional Trust in Post-Conflict Elections. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 15(1), 1–9. DOI: 10.46882/2024/GJPCS/150101

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 14, No. 12, December 2023 | pp. 100–108

DOI: 10.46882/2023/GJPCS/141201

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: The Geopolitics of Critical Infrastructure Concessions: Assessing Sovereign Vulnerabilities in Central Asian Logistic Hubs

Authors: Aigul N. Sadykova¹, Alexei V. Volkov²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of International Relations, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan; ²Department of Information Security, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia

Abstract:
This study investigates the structural dynamics linking foreign commercial transport investments, strategic equity-debt swaps, and the incremental reduction of sovereign political autonomy within landlocked Central Asian states. Utilizing a political economy framework integrated with transit cargo metrics and transnational commercial transaction registries from 2021 to 2023, we analyze how bilateral debt leveraging alters regional security architectures. The empirical field observations indicate that the strategic conversion of unpayable infrastructure debts into long-term dry-port leases fragments local municipal administrative oversight and heightens cross-border friction. Quantitative modeling shows that landlocked nations characterized by high infrastructure credit dependency face a 45% reduction in sovereign frontier tracking capacities and a marked rise in local civil demonstrations regarding traditional land access right exclusions. The study highlights the systemic failure of regional multilateral coalitions to enforce equitable financing metrics or offer independent state credit alternatives. We conclude that sustainable regional stabilization requires establishing transparent, multilateral debt-restructuring panels that prioritize local ecological preservation and community asset protections over structural foreclosure actions.

Keywords: Infrastructure Concessions; Central Asian Logistics; Debt Leveraging; Political Economy; Sovereign Autonomy; Transit Hubs

Manuscript Timeline: Received: October 12, 2021; Revised: January 05, 2022; Accepted: March 18, 2022; Published: December 15, 2023

Citation: Sadykova, A. N., & Volkov, A. V. (2023). The Geopolitics of Critical Infrastructure Concessions: Assessing Sovereign Vulnerabilities in Central Asian Logistic Hubs. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 14(12), 100–108. DOI: 10.46882/2023/GJPCS/141201

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 14, No. 11, November 2023 | pp. 91–99

DOI: 10.46882/2023/GJPCS/141101

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Evaluating Demobilization, Disarmament, and Reintegration Frameworks: The Role of Community-Led Agro-Cooperatives in Reintegrating Former Combatants in Bougainville

Authors: Kumari M. Perera¹, Siddharth K. Nair²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹International Centre for Ethnic Studies, Colombo, Sri Lanka; ²School of Global Studies, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden

Abstract:
Formal Demobilization, Disarmament, and Reintegration (DDR) strategies frequently encounter intense friction within civil communities following long-term, identity-based armed conflicts. This paper evaluates the operational efficacy of traditional, community-led psychosocial support mechanisms compared to state-administered vocational programs in supporting former combatants in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. Utilizing a longitudinal tracking methodology, we monitored 310 former insurgent fighters across a three-year post-conflict window ending in late 2022. The quantitative metrics reveal that ex-combatants integrated into rural agricultural cooperatives featuring strong grassroots community support systems recorded a 44% lower score on clinical psychological trauma indexes than those placed in individual urban environments. Furthermore, qualitative focus group assessments show that local cooperative models are more successful at rebuilding inter-communal trust and reducing retaliatory violence because they prioritize shared economic survival over individual legal compensation. The study demonstrates that centralized state DDR kits isolate returning combatants by neglecting community-wide healing dynamics. We argue that ensuring long-term democratic stability requires formally embedding localized cooperative structures into national peace implementation frameworks.

Keywords: DDR; Bougainville Peace Process; Ex-Combatants; Psychosocial Reintegration; Community Cooperatives; Trust Building

Manuscript Timeline: Received: September 15, 2021; Revised: December 02, 2021; Accepted: February 20, 2022; Published: November 18, 2023

Citation: Perera, K. M., & Nair, S. K. (2023). Evaluating Demobilization, Disarmament, and Reintegration Frameworks: The Role of Community-Led Agro-Cooperatives in Reintegrating Former Combatants in Bougainville. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 14(11), 91–99. DOI: 10.46882/2023/GJPCS/141101