Question
This paper can be any topic pertaining to contemporary conflict and development discourse as long as it demonstrates a critical thinking and analysis of the subject matter and related materials. The analysis should demonstrate a good comprehension of the materials I give to you, and indicate a critical evolution of current trends in the contemporary conflicts and development challenges and its socio-cultural, political and historical dimensions. The paper must cite at least 8 scholarly works, such as books and peer-reviewed articles to support or frame their argument.
Solution
International Relations
The occurrence of conflicts is a global phenomenon that cuts across geographical boundaries and cultures. While traditional causes of conflict persist, new threats are emerging over time, and they require the attention of the world. Přívara & Přívarová, (2019) notes that the world has to contend with new risks such as climate change that threated peace and can result in conflict. Recent times have also seen increased internationalization of conflict, adding to the complexity of sustaining global peace (World Bank, 2018). This paper delves into conflict and proposes sustainable development as a long-term cure for the world’s conflicts. It begins by providing a working definition of conflict that is applicable to this particular context. The following section delves into recent trends in conflict globally, providing insights into the changes seen today. After that, the paper explores how sustainable development can help in preventing and reducing conflict. The paper thus proposes various sustainability measures that state and non-state actors can implement to guarantee long-term peace.
It is necessary to understand what conflict entails to have an idea about its implications. According to Fisher & Rucki, (2016), a conflict situation is one in which parties perceive that their needs, positions, or interests are at odds with each other. Not all conflicts involve war or violence as some may be latent where the parties involved do not act on their differences while also failing to acknowledge their incompatibility. On the other hand, the parties may actively express their conflict in a number of ways ranging from political debates to large-scale violent confrontations. Whatever the case, conflict occurs as a response to underlying incompatibilities (Fisher & Rucki, 2016). Ultimately, this working definition of conflict is important in the analysis and understanding of its drivers and impacts.
Trends in Global Conflict
Undoubtedly, the nature of conflict globally is rapidly changing. According to the World Bank, violent conflicts today are ever more complex, often involving a growing number of nonstate actors as well as regional and international players (World Bank, 2018). Additional risks exist such as information and communication technologies, climate change, and population movements, all of which demand collaboration between state and nonstate actors both locally and globally. Further, conflict is increasingly fluid and transcends geographical boundaries due to the growing global interconnectivity (World Bank, 2018). Therefore, conflict today is no longer localized but takes on a global dimension.
The world today not only has to deal with the traditional threats of violence such as ethnic marginalization and political factors but also new, emergent risks. Perhaps the greatest contemporary threat is climate change. According to Přívara & Přívarová, (2019), climate change triggers or aggravates conflicts via events that place a strain or threaten people’s livelihoods. Additionally, poorly designed climate change action may yield unintended actions such as increased competition, unsustainable migration and resource- fueled competition, while undermining the ability of states to govern properly (World Bank, 2018). There is evidence associating climate change and violent conflict. Poor response to the phenomenon can exacerbate conflict among communities as each races to secure access to diminishing resources (Fisher & Rucki, 2016). Even where there is no direct correlation, climate change could lead to conflict through other mediating factors such as a worsening of people’s livelihoods, increased migration levels, and increased instances of politicians exploiting the resultant social vulnerabilities (Přívara & Přívarová, 2019). Ultimately, the world must continuously address new threats as they emerge to forestall conflict.
Violence and conflict does not take place in a vacuum. Instead, it takes place against a backdrop of various grievances domestically, especially a breakdown in the ongoing social contracts (World Bank, 2018). Mac Ginty & Williams, (2016) provides the example of the Arab Spring in Tunisia that started when a street vendor set himself on fire to protest harassment by local authorities. That event led to countrywide protests as the rest of the citizens readily identified with police brutality and authoritarianism from the government at the time. Other Arab countries followed suit as citizens rose up to protest against problem such as corruption, poverty, and unemployment (Mac Ginty & Williams, 2016). Therefore, there is a growing trend of conflicts being the result of ongoing social issues.
As conflicts develop globally, there is a growing concern that extremist groups could take advantage. Such organizations have significant regional as well as global networks and powers. They could influence and take advantage of the conflicts to advance their own agendas (Bailliet, 2016). Terror groups are likely to thrive because of the internationalization of interstate conflict, and that aids the spread of violence. Some previously local conflicts have fed into regional conflict systems, driven by cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and commercial relationships (World Bank, 2018). The Islamic State (IS) is one such group that has taken advantage of the conflicts that took place in the Middle East and North Africa during the Arab Spring to take root in the region and spread its influence globally. Consequently, the world has to be more alert to the role that violent extremist groups the play in conflicts.
The internationalization of conflict is not just limited to extremist groups. State actors have also been increasingly intervening, further aiding the conflict. One such example is the Syrian civil war in which various states such as Russia and Iran have had a role to play (Krause, 2016). Saudi Arabia has also intervened by sending its troops to Yemen to fight Houthi rebels. In 2015, 20 conflicts were internationalized, more than in any year since 1946 (World Bank, 2018). The increasingly internationalized nature of conflicts today, coupled with other dynamics makes conflicts all the more complex. Violent conflicts are becoming especially intractable, and that poses quite a challenge for peace building and maintenance efforts (World Bank, 2018). As these happenings take place, the world must appreciate the added level of difficulty in navigating complex political and social realities associate with internationalized conflict.
In a rapidly changing world, the occurrence of conflict becomes almost inevitable. Africa best illustrates this fact with the continent seeing increased violent conflict against the backdrop of its rapid economic and political changes (Mac Ginty & Williams, 2016). Changes such as transition to more open and democratic systems and departure from previous instances of authoritarian leadership and lifetime presidents led to some conflicts. In some countries, competition for political power has exacerbated already- existing ethnic divisions and led to violence. As the wave of transition sweeps across the African continent, there are forces that attempt to halt progress and preserve the old order (Bailliet, 2016). In such cases, citizens and other actors often feel that violence is the only way to overcome their problems. Consequently, it is likely that places such as Africa will see increased conflict as the people clamor for more self- determination (Mac Ginty & Williams, 2016). Therefore, the possibility of increased conflict in the future should prompt governments and other players across the world to do more to prevent the worst from happening.
The costs of Conflict
Conflicts can be costly. The human and economic costs are quite significant, and reasons to work on reducing conflicts (Mac Ginty & Williams, 2016). Where there is conflict, people are unable to work and engage in constructive economic activity hence they lose their livelihoods. Conflict leads to a breakdown of social order and a worsening of conditions for daily life. When there is war, scores of people die and others sustain serious injuries. However, the wounds are not just physical, as those who survive have to endure psychological and mental scars attributable to trauma resulting from the violent episodes of conflict. Further, many people are forced to flee from conflict, and have to contend with various problems such as hunger, disease, and insecurity (Abubakar, 2019). The human and economic costs of war should prompt various state and private actors to take more collaborative action to resolve conflict and ensure less suffering for the people. The efforts should be multifaceted, targeted, and sustained to prevent the occurrence of future conflicts. The collaboration should entrench a risk-based approach that actively identifies threats and then proposes concrete solutions to guarantee lasting peace and prosperity (World Bank, 2018). Ultimately, the high cost of conflict should prompt the concerned agencies to actively seek sustainable solutions.
Sustainable Development and Conflict Prevention and Reduction
Undoubtedly, there is a growing appreciation of the link between sustainable development and the prevention and reduction of conflict. (World Bank, 2018) fronts the Universalist conceptualization as a framework for understanding the link. According to the authors, sustainability is all about promoting human wellbeing, and that inevitability involves the absence of conflict and active peace. The author notes that sustainability also involves making clear choices on the needs to prioritize and pursue to enhance human wellbeing (Fisher & Rucki, 2016). The approach also recognizes that conflict is almost inevitable because people have competing needs that may be incompatible. Therefore, sustainability tries to espouse the values of constructive conflict, and positive peace. Pursuing what is sustainable thus involves a process of constant adaptation to as well as balancing changes in various contexts such as social and geographical. It is a holistic approach that not only deals with current conflicts but also addressing identified risk factors to forestall the recurrence of future conflicts (World Bank, 2018). Therefore, players need to pursue sustainable approached to peace and sustainable development.
Sustainable development is an approach that the world should embrace as a permanent solution for conflicts globally. Societies need to ensure that they become resilient by investing in development that is inclusive and sustainable as a means of preventing the occurrence of conflict (World Bank, 2018). A sustainability approach seeks to promote equitable development that works to address exclusion and supports risk- informed strategies to prevent conflict (Ragoussis & Shams, 2017). According to Ragoussis & Shams, (2017), investments in fragile and conflict- affected situations (FCS) should be geared towards supporting projects that positively affect peace and stability. It is a challenge for nations to change their approach and gravitate towards inclusivity and sustainability (Abubakar, 2019). As part of the sustainability effort, nations should also that they facilitate the involvement and participation of women and youth in economic decision- making since they have a critical role to play in socio-economic development and conflict resolution. However, the rewards of embracing the framework make it a worthwhile undertaking.
Long-term peace requires inclusive development. Most nations, and especially those rebuilding after violence and war are typically content to see their economies expanding. However, economic growth is not enough since per capita income growth may not always trickle down to all the citizens (Abubakar, 2019). Nations should instead pursue human development that guarantees prosperity for everyone (Jāhāna, 2017). According to Jāhāna, (2017), human development is all about enlarging freedoms so that all people have a choice to pursue what they love. Abubakar, (2019), proposes the concept of sustainable human development (SHD) which is particularly useful to societies that have previously experienced conflict. The author indicates that peacebuilding aims to transform a conflict situation into a peaceful one. However, SHD goes further and transforms a conflict from a situation where the society is insecure and dependent to become secure, peaceful and self- reliant. The approach focuses on reforms to transform institutions to secure long- lasting social and economic development (Abubakar, 2019). Therefore, all state and non-state actors must seek sustainability.
The ability of sustainable development approaches to heal conflict and guarantee long- term peace cannot be underestimated. It is worth noting that exclusion from power and unequitable distribution of opportunities create a fertile ground for mobilization to violence (World Bank, 2018). Embracing SHD calls for a shift in approach from a predominantly material opulence- focused discourse to one that focuses enhanced human well-being. It is all about securing human freedoms and enhancing their capabilities and choices (Jāhāna, 2017). People who live in an equitable society that looks after their welfare are less likely to resort to violence. Where people disagree, there are established systems through which they can resolve their grievances without having to turn to aggression to make their point. Consequently, nations must enhance the capacity of their institutions as part of their sustainability approach. All these measures will go a long way towards preventing conflict and sustaining a peaceful coexistence.
As the analysis above reveals, it is important to depart from the traditional view of conflict prevention and resolution and embrace a more sustainable approach. While previous measures such as economic and social policies are still useful, it is critical to seek inclusive solutions that promote equitable and sustainable development. In this case, there is a need to facilitate solutions founded on constructive dialogue while also adapting macroeconomic policies to support inclusive development. Further, nations must embrace policies that support institutional reform as well as implementing redistributive justice (World Bank, 2018). Sustainable development should be a central feature of peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts as a way of safeguarding against threats to human peace and development (Abubakar, 2019). Ultimately, an approach founded on sustainability is the only way to reduce and prevent conflict over the long-term.
Overall, sustainable development can play a role in the prevention and reduction of conflict. The approach is particularly useful in the face of emerging risks such as climate change, information and communication technology, and population movements. Solving conflicts today requires the collaboration of various state and non-state actors. They should embrace a sustainability approach that focuses on inclusivity and equitable development for all people. Undoubtedly, sustainable development has the potential of reducing and preventing conflict.
References
Abubakar, A. (2019). Peacebuilding and sustainable human development. Springer.
Bailliet, C. (2016). Research handbook on international law and peace. Edward Elgar Publishing.
Fisher, J., & Rucki, K. (2016). Re-conceptualizing the Science of Sustainability: A Dynamical Systems Approach to Understanding the Nexus of Conflict, Development and the Environment. Sustainable Development, 25(4), 267-275. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.1656
Jāhāna, S. (2017). Human development report 2016. United Nations.
Krause, K. (2016). From Armed Conflict to Political Violence: Mapping & Explaining Conflict Trends. Daedalus, 145(4), 113-126. https://doi.org/10.1162/daed_a_00416
Mac Ginty, R., & Williams, A. (2016). Conflict and development. Routledge.
Přívara, A. & Přívarová, M. (2019). Nexus between Climate Change, Displacement and Conflict: Afghanistan Case. Sustainability, 11(20), 5586. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11205586
Ragoussis, A., & Shams, H. (2017). FDI in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations. Global Investment Competitiveness Report 2017/2018: Foreign Investor Perspectives and Policy Implications, 6(4), 135-159. https://doi.org/10.1596/978-1-4648-1175-3_ch5
World Bank. (2018). Pathways for Peace: Inclusive Approaches to Preventing Violent Conflict. World Bank Publications.
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