Conflict Resolution and Peace Research

The PCA has modern and multifaceted institutional mechanisms to settle international

disputes in a peaceful manner. The Optional Rules for Arbitration of disputes Relating to
Natural Resources and/or Environment provide for the establishment of specialized panels
of arbitrators. The rules also provide for the establishment of lists of scientific and technical
experts who may be appointed as expert witnesses. It is optional for the parties to a dispute
to choose the arbitrators, conciliators, or expert witnesses from these lists (PCA), ‘Panels of
Arbitrators and Experts for Environmental Disputes'. The PCA is currently acting as a registry in four inter-state proceedings, 105 investor–state arbitrations, and sixty-five cases under contracts or other agreements involving a state or public entity. This study has discussed the cases relating to the environment and natural resources from January to December 2022.

This book critically examines various facets of conflicts between people and the State arising due to the uneven distribution of natural resources. It provides an overview of the people’s movements in Odisha, a resource-rich state in eastern India, reflecting on the conceptual frameworks of conflict, violence and the struggle for rights and resources, and analyses the public policies around natural resources, alongside local strategies and governance.

Drawing from extensive field surveys in the villages of undivided Koraput and Kalahandi districts in Odisha, this volume explores the socio-political and economical aspects of people’s movements instead of solely viewing them as political and security threats. The authors demonstrate the misappropriations of these movements both by the state and non-state actors for their vested interests. This book offers recommendations for policymakers to draw up a more ready response to mitigate and minimize the conflict and violence and implement equitable policies around land and resources.

The volume will be an indispensable read for researchers and students of social history, social reform, tribal and indigenous studies, postcolonial studies, exclusion studies, development studies, political sociology, and South Asian Studies.

The mistreatment of the Tibetan community in Nepal needs to be viewed within the framework of the Nepalese government prioritising developmental benefits from China over rule of law and an effective human rights regime in Nepal. This has implications for potential domestic civil unrest and deterioration of diplomatic relations, which could destabilise Nepal’s fragile political institutions and economy

The tripartite agreement between New Delhi, the Assam government, and eight Adivasi insurgent groups will only perpetuate negative peace in the region, leaving little space for positive peace

On 7 November, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the Climate Change Conference (COP27) as vice chair in Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh. During his national statement, he stated that Pakistan would need debt relief and would seek compensation for climate damage as it recovers from catastrophic floods that cost the country over USD 30 billion.

While the TTP is the main cause for concern other factors are playing a role 

The gravity of floods in Nigeria has brought forth a larger problem in West and Central Africa, comprising of climate change and poor urban planning.

An all-India crackdown on the PFI raises the question of whether merely banning radical organisations can halt the rise of radicalisation

'Now that an extremist organisation like the PFI has been banned, it is time for the leaders to reach out to the minority community.'
'You need to have co-ordination between the State and the social fabric to send out the message that it is not directed at the community, and they should not feel vulnerable.'