Social Cohesion in Ola Rotimi’s Kurunmi: A Resonance of History, Culture and Law

The crisis of the Yoruba Nineteenth Century was a display of internal dissensions, internecine wars, and inter-personal ego. However, the Alaafn remained the ruler of the Oyo Empire, but depended on Ibadan and Ijaye for defense. In 1858, Alaafn Atiba summoned all the leading chiefs in his territory to introduce his Crown Prince, Adelu, as his successor. Tis move was against the constitution of Oyo, which stipulated that the Crown Prince (aremo) commits suicide on the Alafn’s death. Ibadan agreed to the change, while Ijaye opposed the imposition. This is the kernel of historical narrative used by Ola Rotimi, in constructing his play, Kurunmi, to refect rivalry between the Ibadan warriors and those of Ijaye. Tis essay examines the confict to refect and suggest the need for just, peace, and unity for social cohesion among Yoruba people, and by and large, Nigerians.

El Escipión de La Numancia o el miedo a perder la Fama

This work examines how the Cervantine tragedy Numancia portrays the figure of the Roman Consul Scipio, an unscrupulous leader who is more interested in increasing his fame than in achieving a just peace. It seems relevant to highlight the rivalry between Scipio and Theogenes, a rivalry that is neither political nor military, but a fight of egos. Both yearn for the fame and notoriety resulting from unusual feats that will forever be retold. Theogenes substantiates his fame through the mass suicide of his people. Scipio is driven by pride when defeating the brave Numancians through starvation only to fulfil his promise to triumph without spilling Roman blood.

Framings of Religion, Conflict and Peace

The dominant discourse on the interplay of religion, conflict, and peace is constructed on a Western liberal peace agenda which marginalises many voices for just peace. In analysing the role of Christianity in conflict and peace in Asia, the authors of this issue have adopted a critically self-reflective methodology by listening to the deep yearnings of the afflicted ones in conflict zones in West Asia, South Asia, South East Asia and East Asia. These seven articles critique not only exclusionary politics and religious identities, but also identify alternative theological practices for just peace while contributing to the public debate on the role of religion in both conflict and peace.

Mobilising Social Movement for Peace

Informed by the resource mobilisation theory, this article conducts a case study on Christianity in Korea, in order to explore the nexus between religion and social movements, and how this nexus could contribute to peace, rather than violence. Given its geopolitical dimensions, involving nuclear weapons and the legacy of the Cold War, the role of religion in the Korean conflict has been under-researched. Nonetheless, Christianity has influenced the Korean conflict, with its association with anticommunism, as well as with peace movements. This article argues that Christian ecumenical organisations in the context of the Korean conflict utilised their social resources for peace and reconciliation, when they rediscovered the just peace tradition in Christianity. This article contributes to theoretical and practical discussions surrounding religion, war, and peace, by conceptualising just peace in the Christian tradition, and by adding empirical substance to the nexus between ecumenism and social movement for just peace.