2015, Subedi, Dambaru Ballav, Jenkins, Bertram, Ware, Helen

This thesis examines economic and social reintegration of Maoist ex-combatants and its impact on peacebuilding in Nepal. It applies a constructivist Grounded Theory approach to research in terms of both data collection and analysis. Data collection was carried out using key informant interviews and focus group discussions with both ex-combatant and non-combatant respondents. The interviews and focus group discussions were carried out in the Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Chitwan, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Dang, Banke and Kailali districts between September and December 2011, and between December 2012 and March 2013. The research conducted for this thesis established that the complex political environment that emerged, following the signing of the peace agreement on 21 November 2006, has had implications for the ways in which different sets of policy were developed to manage ex-combatants in Nepal. As a result, a hybrid DDR model, which is called "unconventional DDR" in this thesis, emerged.

2018-10-27, Twayigize, William, Ware, Helen, Branagan, Martin

Natural resources form a very vital component of the society across the world as they are key sources of income; form a key industry that contributes significantly to the economic growth and development, and for an identity of a nation. However, issues arise in the management of these resources which, if not well managed, could spark conflicts which could graduate to armed violence. The purpose of this study was to determine and explore the effects of oil exploration in Turkana County on the local communities. The target population for the study included the Turkana natives, community leaders in Turkana, County government officials who deal with natural resources, officials from the National government in the ministry of environment, natural resources, and water, those who represent the civil society in Turkana County, officials from oil companies operating in Turkana County, and Women's and youth groups in Turkana County, and those engaged in peacebuilding and conflict resolution as the District Peace Committees. The sample size for the study was 216 households. Data was collected using structured questionnaire, in-depth interviews, focused group discussions, observation, and photography. Data was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. From the findings, it was established that this far, the people of Turkana are not satisfied with the manner in which the oil resources have been managed and they feel that they have not enjoyed enough benefits in terms of employment, development among other concerns. The respondents lamented of increased cases of environmental degradation, land grabbing among other serious concerns which if not well addressed are likely to lead to conflicts and violence. Although various efforts have been pout to address the oil-linked issues including the efforts of the national, bilateral, and multilateral agencies, much is yet to be done. It is expected that the recommendations give in this study will help to shape a comprehensive long-term policy that would enhance community inclusivity in the management of oil resources and other natural resources. This study puts forward effective methods all the countries endowed with natural resources can adopt to help prevent occurrence of resource based conflicts particularly in the developing countries. In addition, it is expected that the findings of this study will inform policies for better management of natural resources in order to prevent resource curse. It is also expected that this study will form a good reference point for other studies on natural resource conflicts

2016, Rivers, Benjamin, Spence, Rebecca, Ware, Helen

In Playback Theatre, audience members share true stories from their own lives and subsequently watch as a team of actors and musicians turn these accounts into improvised enactments. The method is now practiced in over 60 countries as a way to promote dialogue, community building, and psychosocial wellbeing. This thesis, composed of 7 published articles, covers new ground by investigating the use of Playback Theatre for addressing the impact of political violence and structural oppression. The enactment of personal stories within a communal context is presented as an effective intervention within broader efforts that aim to raise consciousness and mobilize diverse audiences towards engagement in political action. In addition to Playback's role as a form of cultural activism, the author also explores its use as a form of community-based trauma response - one that enables practitioners and community members to address the structural roots of large-scale violence while also attending to the personal impact of adversity. The limitations, risks and pitfalls of Playback are also presented, including the possibility that practitioners may inadvertently exert their privilege to replicate oppressive ideologies or dynamics within the performance space. The importance of working collaboratively and strategically with a range of partners is also emphasized. Although the discussion focuses on the use of Playback Theatre within occupied Palestine, some articles also explore its use within other contexts including the Dalit movement in India. In addition to a focus on the pragmatic functions of Playback Theatre, the author also explores the value of beauty and aesthetics, particularly in relation to psychodramatic group work.

2016, Madubuko, Christian Chukwuma, Ware, Helen, Branagan, Marty

This is a case study of underdevelopment, high-level poverty, and the environmental devastation of the Niger Delta, Nigeria, from where the oil-wealth of the country is derived. The effects of oil exploitation have been found to have severely damaged and impoverished the Niger Delta environment as a result of oil leaks, spills, and gas flaring that have gone unchecked for several decades. The Deltans' peaceful appeals, nonviolent action and later insurgency against the Nigerian State and the oil companies were occasioned by social injustice to which they have been subjected since exploration of petro-oil began in the region in 1956. Efforts by the Nigerian Government, the oil companies, and the international community to resolve the conflict have yielded little or no success. This study was undertaken to discover and highlight the reasons behind the Niger Delta conflict and why the efforts at resolving it have not been successful. This was achieved through five research questions. The research deployed some theoretical explanation regarding natural resource conflict by reviewing the literature and exploring its relevance for the themes of the study. It used both primary and secondary sources and data but relied more specifically on a research methodology involved in-depth interviews for gathering and reporting its findings from the field. Based on this extensive fieldwork conducted primarily in the conflict zone itself, the research established that the existing problem in the conflict is structural as the whole national socio-politico-economic system supports and thrives on corruption. Finally, the study makes recommendations about the way forward for Nigeria, advocating wise political leadership anchored in good governance processes and infrastructure, with strong political will and determination to embark on institutional reforms that would facilitate positive changes in the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.