Conflict and science: exploring the relationship for global peace and security.
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Date
2014
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Published by Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, University of Ilorin.
Abstract
This study explored the nexus between conflict and science, and the effects of the two variables
on global peace and security. The work noted from the outset that In spite of the collaborative
efforts amongst world leaders to bring about global peace and security through diverse means,
devastating wars and other forms of subversive activities are still an acute reality all over the
world. The ubiquity of violent conflict globally has led to frequent loss of lives and property. The
research findings which relied on secondary source identified four major causes of conflict,
whether national or global. These are conflicts over scarce resources, dispute over cherished
values (worldview),conflict over psychological inclinations and conflict over mismanagement of
information. The study reveals further that science is related to global conflicts in three major
dimensions: Science produces the weapons of mass destruction that are used as instrument of
engagement in global conflicts, military scientists practically manages and prosecutes wars
across the globe while global warfare is de-escalated through scientist’s involvement in peace
conventions. In spite of the moderate contributions of science to global peace and security
under the contemporary unipolar world order, the use of weapons of mass destruction by
individuals and terrorist groups to settle primordial score remains the current most dangerous
threat to global peace and security.
Key words: Conflict, Science,Global, Peace, Security.