International Journal of Law and Legal Studies

International Journal of Law and Legal Studies ISSN 2463-5634 Vol. 5 (6), pp. 283-287, June, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Review

Pertinence of Mary Kaldor's 'new wars' proposition in the 21st century

Eregare A. Nelson

Department of Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, School of Law, University of Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding Author. E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 04 October, 2014

Abstract

The nature and characteristics of war in the post-cold war era have been the focus of academic debates in the field of Peace and Conflict studies in recent years especially with regard to whether or not a distinction should be made between ‘old’ and ‘new’ wars. Mary Kaldor’s ‘new wars’ thesis, a very significant contribution to these debates, argues that there is a distinction given that the actors, goals, methods and modes of financing wars in the post -cold war era have changed significantly as a result of globalization (Kaldor, 2006:1). While many critics disagree and argue that the distinction does not exist (Kalyvas, 2001) and claim that there is nothing new about ‘new wars’ (Henderson and Singer, 2002), others question the lack of adequate empirical and historical evidence (Chojnacki, 2006:48) and argue that the thesis lacks any measureable criteria. However, as Mundy (2011) rightly points out, our justifications for concepts such as the ‘new wars’ thesis should be based on their ability to confront and address the very circumstances they seek to improve rather than on claims of alleged coherence and reflections of history. While this article is not directed at refuting criticisms, it is important to note that the term ‘new’ used in describing these wars that were taking place in the 1990s in the Balkans and Africa did not refer to them as having no historical parallels or antecedents but referred to a different ‘logic’ from the wars that scholars and policy-makers were concentrating on (Kaldor, 2012). Regardless of its limitations, this article argues that Kaldors ‘new war’ thesis has significant academic/analytical and policy relevance in the field of security studies and much more in the 21st century.

Key words: New wars, conflict, policy, organized violence, peace.

International Journal of Law and Legal Studies ISSN 2463-5634 Vol. 5 (5), pp. 277-282, May, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Conflict as a driving instrument of progress and progression: The Ilorin case

 Vanessa Eniola and Mofeyisade Adeyemi

Department of Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, School of Law, University of Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria.

Corresponding author. Email: [email protected].

Accepted 25 September, 2014

Abstract 

As philosopher says that change is the only permanent phenomenon in life, so, conflict has been identified as the propelling agent. It thus explains why these natural phenomena have been employed to discuss the historical experience in a part of Africa. Ilorin is one of the capitals of states (Kwara State) in Nigeria. It is located on latitude 80-30 north and longitude 40-35 east. As frontier to both the Caliphate, the political structure briquetted on most of the northern states of Nigeria after the success of the 19 Century Jihad, led by Shehu Uthman Danfodio and the Yoruba speaking peoples of the south west, Ilorin history have been identified by scholars of both regions as necessary knowledge to illuminate the gray areas in their respective studies. Even though much are yet to be explored from its wide historical roles, this effort is one of such discussions to illustrate the impact of conflict in its being and changes that have been registered in its past. The study will be approached from the historical perspectives by appraising the sequence of changes witnessed in the area premised on conflict.

Key words: Conflict, change, Caliphate, historical, philosopher.

International Journal of Law and Legal Studies ISSN 2463-5634 Vol. 5 (4), pp. 271-276, April, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Review

Women, law and human rights in Cameroon: Development or existing conditions?

Femi Abayomi

Department of Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, School of Law, Benson Idahosa University, Okada, Benin City, Nigeria. Email: [email protected].

Accepted 02 September 2014

Abstract

This paper assesses what progress there is in Cameroon regarding women’s statuses. Based on a qualitative strategy, the paper examines laws that are in place to address women’s plight in the country. The paper argues that while progress is being made on some levels, the status quo, that is, female marginalization is still entrenched in other facets. The paper advances recommendations for creating an egalitarian society.