This paper examines the Johari Window model as a framework for enhancing self-awareness, communication, and understanding in mediation. Developed by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham (1955), the model divides awareness into four quadrants—Open, Blind, Hidden, and Unknown— each representing different dimensions of how people perceive themselves and others. The study ap plies this model across all phases of the mediation process: in preparation, it helps mediators map shared and concealed information; in exploration and problem-solving, it facilitates disclosure and feedback to shift from positional bargaining to interest-based negotiation; and in the agreement and evaluation phases, it guides the creation of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) agreements and supports reflection on outcomes and relationships. The paper also considers the ethical, cultural, and power-related challenges of using the Johari Window, highlighting the importance of confidentiality and voluntary disclosure. At the same time, it underscores the model’s value in strengthening mediator self-awareness, reducing bias, and promoting ongoing professional learning. Overall, the Johari Window demonstrates why mediation can work where conventional negotiation fails: it turns the process into one of guided awareness, allowing empathy, openness, and genuine understanding to emerge. By helping parties see what is hidden or misunderstood—both in themselves and in each other—mediation creates the conditions for deeper insight and more durable, integrative solutions when negotiation alone cannot achieve them. Keywords: Johari Window, mediation, conflict resolution, self-awareness, communication, inter est-based negotiation, ethical mediation practice.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with escalating conflict fueling widespread violence, displacement, and human suffering. The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, has launched an offensive, capturing key towns and expanding its grip on the mineral-rich Kivu provinces. The United Nations has reported thousands of civilian casualties, along with an increase in war crimes, child recruitment, and sexual abuse. The conflict has forced nearly 7 million people to flee their homes, with many seeking refuge in Burundi, putting a strain on local resources. Epidemics, food shortages, and a collapsing healthcare system further contribute to the catastrophe. Using the Protracted Social Conflict Theory, this paper investigates the root causes of the violence and its devastating consequences for the region. Keywords: Protracted social conflict theory, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Conflict, DRC Military, March 23 Movement (M23), rebels, Eastern Congo.

Consular crises are exceptional events that require rapid and effective interventions to protect Romanian citizens abroad who are in danger. These crises can be triggered by various fac tors, including natural disasters, armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, or global security events. In recent years, the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) has faced the challenge of managing mul tiple crises simultaneously, coordinating diplomatic efforts and evacuation operations in collabora tion with international partners and EU structures. Between 2020 and 2023, Romania dealt with a series of major international crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, evacuations from Afghan istan, the war in Ukraine, earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, conflicts in Sudan and Niger, and the escalation of violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip. The purpose of this study is to analyze Romania’s response to consular crises, focusing on interven tion mechanisms, interinstitutional coordination, and collaboration with international partners. The study aims to provide a comprehensive eval uation of the effectiveness of the measures adopt ed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) and their impact on protecting Romanian citizens in high-risk areas. The methodology includes an analysis of official documents, MAE reports, and public statements, alongside relevant case stud ies for each major crisis. This approach evaluates the response capacity of the Crisis Cell and the Consular Department, as well as the effectiveness of European mechanisms such as the Civil Pro tection Mechanism and the Integrated EU Crisis Response Mechanism. The results indicate a substantial increase in Romania’s intervention capacity, highlighted by the repatriation of thousands of Romanian citizens, the facilitation of transit through humanitarian corridors, and enhanced collaboration with international organizations. Interinstitutional cooperation and decision-making flexibility were essential to the success of these operations. The MAE’s management of consular crises during 2020–2023 demonstrated the importance of a rapid, well-coordinated response supported by international partnerships. The experience gained underscores the need for continuous adaptation and improvement of crisis intervention procedures. Romania’s efforts during this period serve as an example of best practices in consular crisis management and may serve as a model for other EU member states facing similar challenges. Keywords: Consular crisis, Romanian consular crisis, civil protection, international cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The political landscape of Ethiopia has been replete with recurring incidents of intra-state conflicts along class, ethnic, religious, or regional lines. To stem the recurrence of such conflicts, ‘ethnic federalism’ was adopted as a conflict management strategy in 1991. Yet, rather than preventing conflicts, it has changed the arena in which conflicts take place. Various forms of conflicts proliferated in many parts of the country, putting ethnic federalism at the center of debates on the persistence of conflicts. Hence, the role of local non-state actors responsible for the emergence, escalation, or termination of conflicts has been glossed over. One of the determining factors for whether conflict erupts or lingers pertains to actors’ motivations and strategies. Against the backdrop of this, the conflict in Wolkait, Ethiopia will be investigated by shedding light on the motivations and strategies of Fanno, one of the local non-state actors involved in the conflict under study. To this end, a critical research approach is employed within a qualitative case study design in the course of data collection and analysis. Keywords: Ethnic federalism, Conflict, Non-state actor, Motivation, Fanno.

The paper examined multiagency strategies for conflict management in Laikipia County, Kenya. It provided a solid foundation for understanding the context of the effect of multiagency approaches on conflict management. A descriptive survey research design was used incorporating both quantitative and qualitative primary data from a questionnaire, FGDs, and Key Informants interviews. The area of study was Laikipia County, Kenya with a focus on Laikipia West Sub County. Stratified random sampling was used to select respondents while the purposive sampling technique was used to select informants with in-depth knowledge and experience relevant to the research objectives. Qualitative data was coded, thematically categorized, and synthesized. Statistical modeling and trend analysis for quantitative data were performed with the aid of SPSS V.29. The result was presented using graphs, and charts while prioritizing validity and reliability through rigorous document selection and analysis methods. The research addressed the effectiveness of past strategies, emphasizing the importance of nuanced assessments that considered scope, context, implementation, outcomes, and dissemination. The findings emphasized the need for a nuanced and comprehensive assessment approach, covering scope and context, implementation and outcomes, challenges, and opportunities. The paper advocated for participatory approaches, long-term impact assessment, flexible frameworks, formal dialogue platforms, capacity building, strong leadership, resource mobilization, and continuous learning and adaptation to ensure effective conflict management. It concluded that while multiagency approaches can effectively manage conflicts, successful implementation requires meticulous planning and execution, tailored to the specific dynamics of the conflict landscape. The paper recommended a continued focus on participatory approaches, establishing formal dialogue platforms, and prioritizing strong leadership and inclusivity, benefiting policymakers, multiagency leaders, practitioners, and stakeholders involved in conflict management in Laikipia County. Keywords: Multiagency actions, participatory approach, multiagency strategies, conflict management.

This article examines the relationship between conflict, social order, and the crime-ter ror nexus, with a focus on non-state armed groups in Mali, particularly Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM). Using anarchist political theory, the study challenges the view of these groups as purely chaotic, instead suggesting their primary aim is to establish social order. The crime-terror nexus is explored to understand its role in new governance structures created by these groups. The study underscores the importance of re-evaluating the frameworks used to interpret armed groups, emphasizing their role in creating social order and stability in conflict zones. The research offers insights into the complex dynamics of armed groups in Mali and encourages further investigation into their influence on regional stability. Keywords: Mali, armed groups, social order, terrorism, governance, conflict, crime-terror nexus.

Abstract: The Super League is a project competition thought of as an alternative to the present Champions League. In this regard, this new competition was designed to operate independently of FIFA and UEFA, which are the governing bodies of football worldwide and in Europe respectively, and would feature a semi-closed group of European teams (15 permanent and five selected based on their domestic results) from England, Spain and Italy (teams from France and Germany were also on the list but the selected clubs, PSG, Bayern München, and Borussia Dortmund declined the offer to join). This move made FIFA and UEFA condemn the proposed Super League, arguing against the ex-clusiveness of this closed league and considering a dangerous precedent that can be followed by other football clubs. The disagreement has escalated to legal actions and sanctions from FIFA and UEFA against the clubs that joined the Super League which, in turn, have started their own legal actions against the two international bodies. Even if the project seems to be abandoned, the situation is still ongoing and it’s difficult to predict the future of sport management after this bold move of several football clubs against the two governing bodies. The present article tries to analyze the situation using conflict analysis in order to find out future scenarios for all the actors involved. Keywords: Super League, FIFA, UEFA, conflict, sports governance.

The entanglements of Middle East states in the Horn of Africa are debilitating the politically volatile region. The Middle East states power projection schemes and the race to build up military bases have been threatening the security of the Horn region b

There has been a close relationship between conflict, peace, development and sport. The use of sports for international and intra-state conflict analysis and peacebuilding proposes has become an important study subject in the 21st century. Sport can be associated with intolerance, nationalistic sentiments, and, most of time, violence. It is also true that international sport events may cause conflicts, violence, aggression and controversies (Öğretir-Özçelik, 2017). According to sport and olympic ideology, the main function of international sport is to promote international peace and development. It can be also used for a tool for societal change and social transformation. Since the ancient time, sport activities has related to the simulation of struggle between two conflicting parties and the civilized war. This study aims to analyze the link between international and intra-state conflicts, peace and sports. The objective of this paper is to examine the role of sports both conceptually and practically in conflict analysis and peace building. The first part is to present a conceptual framework in the study of sports, conflict resolution, and peace building. Second, it highlights some case studies where sports have an important role in international conflict and a tool for peace and reconciliation. Third, it focuses on the international use of sport and physical activity to attain the culture of peace and development objectives such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Keywords: Sport, Conflict Resolution, Peace Studies.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, no terrorist group has been as lethal as Boko Haram, under the leadership of Abubakar Shekau. Barely more than a decade, since the group’s inception, the entire Sub-Saharan Africa has been engulfed by deadly activities of the dreaded terrorist group. From evidence, more than 40,000 people have been killed, over 2 million people have been displaced, scores of forced migrants have been scattered across West Africa, properties worth billions of dollars have been destroyed, and governance in the sub-region has, essentially, been ineffective since 2009, when the group launched its violent campaign. Although there were responses both at the local front and regional front to hold back the menace of Boko Haram, these efforts were repeatedly met with repression under Shekau. However, on June 7th, 2021, there was a turn of events, as Abu Musab Al-Banawi, leader of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), confirmed the death of Shekau arising from a confrontation with this rival group. The question posed by this atypical occurrence is, ‘can we convincingly say Shekau’s death means the end of the road for terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa?’ This article argues the opposite. Rejigging the memory of Mohammed Yusuf’s extermination by the police, Shekau’s influence, and the dominance of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), as the radical points of departure, the paper sees Shekau’s death as an alleyway for dynamic terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa. Keywords: Shekau, Halcyon, Nadir, Lethal, Terrorism, Sub-Saharan, Africa.