State policies in diffusing modern conflicts
Reference:
Belkov A.D.
Abiy Ahmed's Domestic Policy in Ethiopia: Securitization and conflict resolution
// Conflict Studies / nota bene.
2024. ¹ 2.
P. 1-13.
DOI: 10.7256/2454-0617.2024.2.70095 EDN: ZQWJWT URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=70095
Abstract:
The subject of this study is a set of political reforms carried out by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed from 2018 to the present. The object of the study is the internal political contradictions accumulated in Ethiopia from 1974 to 2018. The purpose of the work is to test the hypothesis that the policy of A. Ahmed is subject to the provisions of the theory of securitization of B. Buzan and O. Weaver and is aimed at transforming the conflict education of Ethiopia into a security regime. The topic of the study is relevant, since Ethiopia is considered by a number of scientists as a potential regional heavyweight capable of stabilizing the Horn of Africa region and ultimately influencing the security of the whole of Africa. Therefore, it is important to study the dynamics of political processes in modern Ethiopia. The research is based on the theory of regional security complexes by B. Buzan and O. Weaver. The methods of work are qualitative content analysis of official documents and expert opinions, as well as event analysis, logical and philosophical assumptions are allowed. A realistic approach is used to analyze the internal political situation in Ethiopia. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the fact that the policy of Abiy Ahmed is analyzed not from the standpoint of historical approaches, but from the point of view of political science theory, which is applied to the political process taking place in our time. The author concludes that the political course of A. Ahmed is determined by the difficult situation in which Ethiopia found itself by 2018. The Prime Minister is trying to stabilize the situation in the country, using his rich experience and professional knowledge, trying to change Ethiopia's position as a conflict entity to a security regime, his internal policy traces approaches based on strengthening the central government, which, from the point of view of the theory of B. Buzan and O. Weaver, makes Ethiopia a functional entity capable of respond to existential threats and develop successfully.
Keywords:
religion, desecuritization, securitization, regional security complex, conflict, Abiy Ahmed, Horn of Africa, Ethiopia, separatism, Tigray crisis
Regional conflicts
Reference:
Aver'yanova-Zaitseva D.A., Baravi M.V., Ryzhov I.V.
The Kurdish factor in Saudi Arabia's Middle Eastern policy: an analysis in the context of relations with Iraq and Iran
// Conflict Studies / nota bene.
2024. ¹ 2.
P. 14-27.
DOI: 10.7256/2454-0617.2024.2.70540 EDN: RTVTWM URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=70540
Abstract:
The subject of the study is the complex relationship between Saudi Arabia's Middle East policy and the Kurdish question. It includes an examination of Saudi Arabia's attitudes, strategies and actions towards Kurdish groups in the region, as well as the factors influencing its approach to this issue. The object of the study, is Saudi Arabia's Middle East policy, that is, it is an analysis of Saudi Arabia's foreign policy objectives, priorities and interests in the Middle East region, with a particular focus on how the Kurdish factor influences or intersects with this policy. This includes an examination of Saudi Arabia's diplomatic relations, security concerns and strategic calculations towards Iraq and Iran, as well as its broader regional ambitions. By analyzing the Kurdish factor, the authors offer an interdisciplinary understanding that bridges the fields of political science, international relations, Middle East studies and Kurdish studies. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a fuller understanding of the complexities surrounding the Kurdish question and its implications for regional dynamics. The article presents a historical analysis of Saudi Arabia's engagement with Kurdish groups in the region, shedding light on past policies, alliances and conflicts. By contextualizing current events within a historical framework, the article offers valuable insights into the evolution of Saudi Arabia's approach to the Kurdish factor. Moreover, the article is able to assess the political implications of Saudi Arabia's approach to the Kurdish factor on regional stability, security and diplomatic relations. By assessing the potential consequences of various policy decisions, the article provides valuable insights into effective strategies for managing the Kurdish issue within the broader framework of Middle East politics.
Keywords:
China, USA, regional politics, Middle East, Kurdish issue, iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Ethnic Kurdistan
The political aspects of international war on terror and political extremism
Reference:
Awah J., Xue F., Ngoye S., Achonwa E.
The evolution and impact of Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin in a Multipolar world.
// Conflict Studies / nota bene.
2024. ¹ 2.
P. 28-40.
DOI: 10.7256/2454-0617.2024.2.70646 EDN: LBNZRO URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=70646
Abstract:
The Boko Haram insurgency is a security threat to the countries of the Lake Chad Basin Region made up of Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. This article portrays an analysis on the origin and regionalization of Boko Haram. More importantly, this study also attempts to highlight the pivotal role that cooperation with friendly external partners (such as Russia, and China) can play in the fight against terrorist groups such as Boko Haram in Africa. Our analysis argues that, Boko Haram's terrorism in the Lake Chad region is driven by the combination of overlapping and self-complementing factors like political and economic interests, rather than religion, with implications for security and counterterrorism efforts. In the the end, recommendations were suggested on how to overcome this terrorist organisation. This article utilizes a combination of social conflict theory and terrorism studies to analyze the origins and impact of Boko Haram. Social conflict theory helps to explain how economic inequality and political instability can contribute to the rise of extremist groups like Boko Haram. Terrorism studies provide insight into the tactics and strategies used by Boko Haram to achieve their goals. This article employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on a range of primary and secondary sources, including academic literature, government reports, and media sources. The methodology includes qualitative analysis of historical and contemporary data to provide insights into the origins and evolution of the Boko Haram activities, as well as the impact it has had on the affected communities and the countries of the Lake Chad Basin Region. This analysis gave the opportunity to suggest recommendations on how to overcome the Boko Haram and terrorism in Africa in general.
Keywords:
Government response, Islamization, trans-border incursions, military assistance, global theoretical framework, Terrorism, regional security, Lake Chad Basin, Boko Haram, Border conflicts
The standoff between great powers
Reference:
Ilyichev A.V.
The Narrative of Oriental Despotism in French Foreign Policy in the first half of the 19th century: connections and analogies with Modernity
// Conflict Studies / nota bene.
2024. ¹ 2.
P. 41-65.
DOI: 10.7256/2454-0617.2024.2.70728 EDN: ADKLFJ URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=70728
Abstract:
The purpose of the study is a comparative analysis of the French narrative of "Oriental despotism" in the first half of the 19th century with the modern political agenda of France in relation to Russia and the Special Military Operation (SVO). The subject of the study is the ideological justification and media coverage of French international campaigns in the first half of the 19th century and today. The object of the study is the narrative of "Oriental despotism" in the ideology of the political elites of France. The relevance of the research topic is justified by the wide spread of historical anti-Russian narratives in the politics of Western powers. The article examines the plot of "oriental despotism" as a justification for the population of the expansionist policy of France in the first half of the XIX century. A study is being conducted on the formation of the narrative of "Oriental despotism" in the political culture of the West and France in particular. The main elements of the narrative are determined, consisting in the dehumanization of the enemy, by constructing the image of his state and population as a barbaric uncivilized world, which needs to bring the benefits of civilization and the Christian faith. The research methodology is based on systemic, geopolitical and civilizational approaches. Both general scientific research methods (analysis, synthesis, comparison) were used in the work so it is specialized. The specialized ones include qualitative content analysis, historical and comparative method. According to the results of the study, it was revealed that the narrative of "Eastern despotism" is a process of creating a dehumanistic image of an enemy or a political regime based on the antagonistic opposition of civilization and barbarism. Given the status of the French state as one of the main protectors of the Catholic faith, which has persisted throughout its centuries-old history, the narrative was supported by a religious component. The general formula of the ideological justification of the French imperialist expansion was the positioning of the initiation of hostilities by the need to protect the Christian faith and the local population from the despotic regime. In the case of the invasion of Algeria and the Crimean War of 1853-1856, French propaganda used the image of a "crusade", thereby giving the military operation the status of the highest "civilizing mission". At the present stage, France is actively using the narrative of "Oriental despotism" against Russia, which is manifested in a whole range of publications seeking to create in the eyes of the French public a picture of the Russian state as a "despotic, Asian monarchy" with pronounced expansionist aspirations.
Keywords:
Second empire, Eastern question, russian-french rivalry, Ideology, Special military operation, Eastern despotism, War in Algeria, French foreign policy, France, Political narrative
Intrapersonal and role conflicts
Reference:
Rostovtseva M.V., Smirnaya A.A., Novopashina L.A., Tkacheva A.V., Vladikin I.V.
Features of coping strategies and defense mechanisms for 1st and 4th year students with different levels of adaptability
// Conflict Studies / nota bene.
2024. ¹ 2.
P. 66-82.
DOI: 10.7256/2454-0617.2024.2.70581 EDN: AELBZJ URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=70581
Abstract:
The subject of the study is the coping strategies and protective mechanisms of 1st and 4th year students with different levels of adaptability. Successful adaptation of a student is an important condition for successful educational and cognitive activity. Based on this, the problem of studying the adaptation process and determining the factors that affect the success of this process among students is relevant. Significant and important factors influencing the adaptation process of students are coping strategies and the protective mechanism of personality. Students of 1st (30 people) and 4th year (29 people) were examined. Significant differences were obtained in the groups of highly, medium and low-adaptive 1st and 4th year students in terms of psychological defense parameters and coping strategies. The study was conducted using the following methods: the methodology for diagnosing the socio-psychological adaptation of K. Rogers and R. Diamond, the Plutchik – Kellerman – Conte questionnaire "Lifestyle Index", the questionnaire "Methods of coping behavior" by R. Lazarus. The scientific novelty of the study is related to the results obtained in the diagnosis of coping strategies and defense mechanisms of the 1st and 4th year students with different levels of adaptability. 1st and 4th year students with a high level of adaptation have similar mechanisms of psychological protection, namely: rationalization, compensation, as well as similar types of coping strategies: problem solving planning, self-control, taking responsibility. 1st and 4th year students with a low level of adaptation have differences in the mechanisms of psychological protection, namely: 1st year students have such types of psychological protection as: regression; coping strategy – escape- avoidance; 4th year students have types of psychological protection – denial; coping strategy – search for social support.
Keywords:
students, education, adaptability, defense mechanisms, coping strategies, personal characteristics, adaptation, Course of Study, confrontation, social support
Conflict within small social groups
Reference:
Cherkasova T.V.
Conflicts in the life of undergraduates: an empirical gender review
// Conflict Studies / nota bene.
2024. ¹ 2.
P. 83-91.
DOI: 10.7256/2454-0617.2024.2.70428 EDN: AEYEUE URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=70428
Abstract:
The issues of harmonious or disharmonious life activities of young undergraduates, the future Russian technical intelligentsia, are of particular interest to the external and internal public, since the "mental struggle for intellectual youth" has become actualized. Conflict among educated youth is becoming one of the "markers" of socio–political sentiments. The object of the study is young people with the status of undergraduates. The subject is conflicts of undergraduates. The period of study in the master's degree, in our opinion, is a crucial stage for an individual, which is associated not only with the professional status growth of the applicant, but also with the final civil and patriotic self-determination of the individual, with a fundamental decision of his material and family situation in society. The life of modern youth, combining graduate studies, work and family role responsibility, is accompanied by various conflicts. Research methods: long–term author's sociological surveys of university students, bachelors, undergraduates in long-term dynamics (for 1998, 2018, 2021, 2022). A traditional questionnaire was conducted by groups, continuous surveys of male and female respondents of full-time education, aged 18-30 years (N= 200-400). The novelty is to identify conflict manifestations in the undergraduate environment in the conditions of the beginning of the special military operation and compare it with previous trends. Hypothesis: typical youth conflicts persist in the life of undergraduates, but new situational contradictions also appear. Among the conflict problems faced by undergraduates in their daily activities, the following were noted: combining work and study; a decrease in the material standards of living and the search for earnings; issues related to scientific research and publications. There are new problems in the list: post-teen phobias for the well-being and life of loved ones; military reports from Donbass and strained international relations with NATO. Typical causes of family conflicts (parents–children) have been empirically identified: "getting into the network" of addictions; material and household specifics; deviant–delinquent situations; leisure–intergender confrontations - conflicts.
Keywords:
causes of conflicts, contradictions, family conflicts, parents, undergraduates, conflicts, young people, Internet addiction, domestic violence, parasitism
Psychology of management conflict
Reference:
Koreneva V.V., Gudovskii I.V., Smirnova A.V., Dulinets T.G., Gusarenko V.V.
Prevention of interpersonal conflicts in the workforce
// Conflict Studies / nota bene.
2024. ¹ 2.
P. 92-111.
DOI: 10.7256/2454-0617.2024.2.70670 EDN: ABLMYX URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=70670
Abstract:
The subject of the study is measures to prevent conflicts in the workforce. Business leaders do not always try to resolve interpersonal conflict at an early stage of development, using methods that will prevent the escalation of the conflict and which would help to find an effective way out of a difficult situation. Many managers do not pay due attention to this aspect, do not have a psychologist, a conflict analyst, or do not invite them to organize and conduct trainings, effective programs for the prevention of interpersonal conflicts. Thus, managers miss the opportunity to resolve contradictions in a timely manner or direct the conflict in a constructive direction. Many managers do not consider it important and meaningful to introduce psychological programs and recommendations for conflict prevention and resolution into the work of employees. In this regard, the purpose of this study is to analyze the theoretical foundations of the prevention of interpersonal conflicts in labor collectives and to develop a program for the prevention of interpersonal conflicts in the labor space. The following methods were used in this work: generalization, theoretical analysis. We interviewed the staff of the chamber choir using the author's questionnaire "Conflicts in the team", leading strategies of behavior in a conflict situation according to the method of K. Thomas (adaptation by N.V. Grishina). An author's questionnaire was developed to assess the effectiveness of the conducted interpersonal conflict prevention program. We have developed and tested a program for the prevention of interpersonal conflicts in the workforce. 13 members of the chamber choir participated in the program. The very implementation of the program involved three meetings. Day 1 – work with the cognitive sphere, awareness and understanding of what conflict is, what causes conflict. Day 2 – work with the emotional sphere, through familiarization of employees with exercises, techniques, means and methods of conflict prevention. Day 3 – working with the behavioral sphere – understanding and awareness of which behavioral forms contribute to conflict prevention. The data obtained generally indicate the effectiveness of the conducted prevention program to prevent interpersonal conflicts for the majority of employees.
Keywords:
behavior strategies, reflection, preventive actions, communication, employees, labor Relations, prevention, interpersonal conflict, conflict, interaction