Journal of Social Science and Humanities

Sustainable Islamic Development: An Empirically Derived Maqasid-Based Economic Governance Model in Pesantren

Ahmad Saef Alfath — 2026-07-04

The transformation of Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) into socio-economic institutions has increased their strategic role in promoting sustainable community development. However, previous studies have primarily emphasized economic outcomes while providing limited understanding of how economic governance is constructed through Islamic values. This study aims to analyze economic governance practices in pesantren, examine the internalization of Maqasid al-Shariah in institutional decision-making, and develop an empirically derived Maqasid-Based Economic Governance Model toward Sustainable Islamic Development. A qualitative multiple-case study design was employed involving two Indonesian pesantren with established economic institutions. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and institutional documentation and analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña combined with grounded theory coding procedures consisting of open, axial, and selective coding. The findings indicate that economic governance in pesantren is characterized by collective leadership, transparency, accountability, participation, effective business management, benefit distribution, and value-based decision-making. These governance practices are transformed through the internalization of the five dimensions of Maqasid al-Shariah Hifdz al-Din, Hifdz al-Nafs, Hifdz al-Aql, Hifdz al-Nasl, and Hifdz al-Mal which function as an operational governance mechanism rather than merely a welfare evaluation framework. The study proposes an empirically derived institutional model demonstrating that governance practices strengthen a sustainable pesantren economy and ultimately contribute to Sustainable Islamic Development. The findings extend Islamic development economics by integrating economic governance, maqasid internalization, and sustainability into a unified institutional framework that provides both theoretical advancement and practical guidance for strengthening value-based governance within pesantren.

Psychological and Social Influences on Organic Food Consumption Behavior in Bangladesh: A Rural–Urban Comparison

Nasrin Lubna — 2026-07-19

The growing trends of organic food consumptions, worldwide, explore consumer concerns about food safety, health, and sustainability are driving interest of organic food consumptions; however, the consumption behavior of organic food in developing economies are not well understood. This study, thus, aims to explore how psychological and social influences affect behavioral intention for organic food consumption, and how these intentions lead to actual consumption behavior in varied consumer locations (urban vs. rural). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed for analyzing a survey dataset comprising 204 consumer responses to test the research model which was developed utilizing the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). The findings show that both attitudes and subjective norms significantly influence behavioral intentions, with subjective norms having a stronger effect. The behavioral intention also notably impacts actual consumption. While consumer location does not directly affect behavioral intention, it is a crucial moderator in the attitude-intention relationship, highlighting the importance of geographical context. This study enhances the TRA by considering consumer location, offering insights into the factors influencing decision-making. The results suggest that marketers and policymakers should tailor their strategies to geographical distinctions to effectively promote sustainable organic food consumption in Bangladesh.

A Critique of Karl Marx’s Political Economy Examined in Light of Nigeria’s Quest for Sustainable Development

Kingsley Patrick Omoruyi — 2026-07-26

One of the problems of contemporary human society is the problem of class struggle and the inherent contradictions that are inherent in socio-economic and political society. Marx attempts to address the contemporary issues of class struggle. There are certain concepts that are closely associated with Marx’s political economy such as class struggle, alienation, historical materialism, dialectical materialism, and political economy. Marx’s conception of political economy cuts across his ideological reconstruction and theoretical templates of politics, religion, law, literature, the state, ideology, and culture. The objective of this paper is to reveal that Marx’s conceptualization of society reveals the theory of class struggle, theory of revolution, theory of political economy and the theory of history. This paper is robust, timely and imperative because it reveals the interconnectedness between political reality and economic reality. Marx’s conception of political economy reveals the critical importance of human liberation and emancipation from the shackles of poverty and alienation. Marx could be referred to as a social emancipator because he vehemently believes in the socio-economic and the political freedom of the individuals in society. This paper adopts the method of analysis and hermeneutical methodology in discussing the interconnectedness between political reality and economic reality in Marx’s theoretical reconstruction. Findings, however, revealed that Marx’s conception of political economy is a practical demonstration of human condition and socio-economic and political existence. This paper, however, concludes that Marx’s conception of society with regards to his theoretical reconstruction on political economy aims at addressing the fundamental problems of humanity.

Community-Based Approaches to Tackling Insecurity in Nigeria: Lessons and the Way Forward

Daniel Mevayerore Igbini — 2026-07-26

This study examined community-based approaches to tackling insecurity in Nigeria within the country’s prevailing socio-economic, political, and institutional contexts. It was prompted by the persistent escalation of insecurity, including kidnapping, banditry, insurgency, and communal conflicts, despite sustained efforts by state security agencies. The study is grounded in the Routine Activity Theory, which posits that crime occurs when a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian converge in time and space. The study adopted the historical research design and relied on secondary sources of data, including textbooks, journal articles, government publications, policy documents, and credible online materials. Content analysis was employed to systematically examine and interpret the data through thematic categorization. Findings revealed that insecurity in Nigeria is driven by interrelated socio-economic and governance factors such as poverty, unemployment, weak institutional frameworks, corruption, and inadequate security capacity. It was also established that state-centered security strategies alone are insufficient, as they are constrained by limited manpower, weak intelligence systems, and declining public trust. The study further found that community-based security approaches, such as vigilante groups, neighborhood watch systems, and community policing, serve as important complementary mechanisms by enhancing surveillance, improving intelligence sharing, and strengthening rapid response to security threats. However, their effectiveness is limited by challenges such as weak regulation, inadequate training, and human rights concerns. The study concludes that a sustainable security framework in Nigeria requires an integrated approach that combines effective state institutions with well-structured and accountable community participation.

Local Government Administration in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges

Mavis Okeoghene Onojeghwo — 2026-08-19

This study examined Local Government Administration in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges using a historical research design supported by content analysis of relevant secondary sources, including textbooks, journal articles, policy documents, and constitutional provisions. The study was anchored on the need to critically assess the evolution, performance, and constraints of local government administration in Nigeria within the context of decentralization and grassroots development. Findings revealed that local government administration in Nigeria has undergone significant historical transformations, particularly from the colonial era through the 1976 Local Government Reform and the 1999 Constitution, which formally recognized it as the third tier of government. Despite these developments, the system has continued to face persistent challenges such as financial dependence, political interference from state governments, corruption, weak administrative capacity, and inadequate citizen participation. The study also identified emerging prospects, including democratic deepening, improved service delivery through decentralization reforms, increased civic engagement, and the adoption of digital governance tools. It concluded that although local governments in Nigeria possess strong potential for grassroots development and democratic consolidation, their effectiveness remains constrained by structural and institutional weaknesses. The study recommended, among others, that the Federal Government should ensure genuine financial and administrative autonomy for local governments by enforcing constitutional provisions and reducing undue interference from state governments. This will enable local councils to manage their resources effectively and deliver development projects efficiently.

Foreign Intervention and Conflict Management: A Critical Assessment of the Role of External Actors in the Israel-Iran Rivalry 2015 – 2025

Promise Godday Ehuken-Ayetin — 2026-08-19

This thesis critically examines the role of external actors in managing the rivalry between Israel and Iran from 2015 to 2025. The study is guided by four key objectives: to assess the extent to which external interventions have succeeded or failed in managing escalation; to analyze the strategies employed by external actors in conflict management; to evaluate the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as a tool of conflict management; and to examine the broader lessons the Israel–Iran rivalry provides for international conflict management. The study adopts a qualitative research design, relying on documentary analysis of policy documents, official reports, international treaties, and relevant scholarly literature. Theoretical analysis is informed by realist theory, which helps explain the strategic behaviour of both regional and external actors within the rivalry. The qualitative approach is considered appropriate as it allows for an in-depth understanding of meanings, patterns, and relationships embedded in international conflict dynamics, rather than numerical measurement of variables. Findings reveal that the Israel–Iran rivalry between 2015 and 2025 has been sustained through proxy warfare, targeted military strikes, cyber operations, and diplomatic containment strategies. Iran’s approach is largely anchored on the use of non-state allies across Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, while Israel relies on intelligence operations, precision airstrikes, and the disruption of Iranian regional influence. Despite persistent tensions, both states have largely avoided full-scale war through deterrence and calibrated escalation. The study further finds that external interventions have produced mixed outcomes, as they have contributed to both temporary de-escalation and unintended escalation. The continued expansion of proxy networks, technological advancements in warfare, and shifting regional alliances increase the risk of miscalculation and potential escalation into open conflict. The study recommends that foreign interventions should prioritize the strengthening of regional security dialogue frameworks involving Gulf Cooperation Council states, Turkey, and other regional stakeholders. An inclusive regional security architecture would help reduce bilateral tensions and distribute responsibility for conflict management more effectively.

Determinants of Public Opinion in Foreign Policy Decision-Making in Nigeria: Analysis of Influencing Factors

Emamusi Belinda Okpakpor Ufoegbune — 2026-08-19

This study examined the determinants of public opinion and their influence on foreign policy decision-making in Nigeria. The relationship between public opinion and foreign policy has long generated debate among scholars, particularly between realist perspectives that downplay public influence and contemporary approaches that recognize citizens as critical actors in democratic governance. Against this backdrop, the study investigates how various socio-political, economic, and communication-related factors shape public opinion and how such opinion, in turn, affects Nigeria’s foreign policy outcomes. Anchored on constructivist theory, the research emphasizes the role of socially constructed beliefs, norms, and identities in shaping both public perceptions and state behavior in the international system. The study adopted historical research design and utilizes qualitative methods, relying primarily on document analysis of government publications, policy statements, media reports, and scholarly materials. Data were analyzed using discourse and content analysis to uncover patterns, themes, and the interplay between public sentiment and policy decisions over time. Findings indicate that key determinants of public opinion in Nigeria include media influence, social media engagement, elite cues, economic conditions, identity factors, education, and national security concerns. These factors collectively shape citizens’ perceptions and exert varying degrees of pressure on policymakers. The study concluded that although Nigeria’s foreign policy process has historically been elite-driven, the growing influence of public opinion, especially through digital media and democratization, has made it increasingly difficult for policymakers to ignore domestic sentiment. It recommended greater institutional inclusion of public perspectives in foreign policy formulation to enhance legitimacy, accountability, and policy effectiveness.

The Political Economy of Terrorism in Nigeria: A Study of Boko Haram

Olisemeke Solomon Chukwudi — 2026-08-27

This study examined the political economy of terrorism in Nigeria, focusing on the Boko Haram insurgency through the lenses of Relative Deprivation Theory and Frustration–Aggression Theory. The study investigated the factors responsible for the emergence and persistence of Boko Haram, its socio-economic and governance implications, and the effectiveness of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategies. A qualitative research design was adopted, relying on secondary data obtained from journal articles, textbooks, policy reports, and relevant online sources. Findings revealed that Boko Haram’s rise is closely linked to widespread poverty, unemployment, corruption, weak governance, political exclusion, and regional inequalities in northern Nigeria. These conditions created feelings of deprivation, marginalization, and frustration among affected populations, thereby facilitating recruitment into extremist movements. The study further found that the insurgency has significantly undermined socio-economic development through the destruction of infrastructure, disruption of education and economic activities, mass displacement, humanitarian crises, and weakened state institutions, particularly in the North-East region. These consequences have deepened existing inequalities and reinforced cycles of poverty and insecurity. The study also revealed that although Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts have recorded some military successes in reducing Boko Haram’s territorial control and operational capacity, they have largely failed to address the underlying structural drivers of the insurgency. Consequently, Boko Haram has continued to persist in various adaptive forms. The study concluded that Boko Haram represents not only a security threat but also a manifestation of deeper socio-economic and governance challenges. It recommended, among others, targeted poverty reduction programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, improved access to education and vocational training, and strengthened governance reforms to address the root causes of terrorism and promote sustainable peace and development in Nigeria.

The Role of Public Opinion in Shaping Foreign Policy in A Democracy: A Focus on Nigeria from 2010 - 2025

Rex Ogheneruona — 2026-08-27

This study examined the influence of civil society, public opinion, the media, and institutional actors on Nigeria’s foreign policy in the Fourth Republic using liberal democratic theory as its analytical framework. Liberal democratic theory emphasizes citizen participation, accountability, transparency, and responsiveness in public policy formulation, including foreign policy. The study investigates the extent to which Nigeria’s foreign policy process reflects these democratic principles in practice. A qualitative research design was adopted, relying on secondary sources such as scholarly books, peer-reviewed journal articles, and policy documents. Data were analyzed through content analysis, focusing on themes of civil society engagement, media influence, legislative oversight, elite decision-making, and public participation in foreign policy. Findings reveal that despite Nigeria’s democratic governance structure, foreign policy formulation remains largely executive-driven and elite-dominated, limiting broad public participation. However, democratic consolidation since 1999 has created opportunities for increased involvement by non-state actors. Civil society organizations have become more active in advocating for human rights, governance reforms, and peacebuilding initiatives, while traditional and digital media platforms have enhanced public awareness and discourse on foreign policy issues. Legislative institutions have also sought to exercise oversight, though their influence remains limited. The study further identifies persistent challenges, including weak mechanisms for incorporating public opinion, inadequate transparency, and the continued concentration of foreign policy authority within the executive branch. It concludes that Nigeria’s foreign policy is gradually evolving toward a more participatory model but has yet to fully align with liberal democratic ideals. The study recommends, among others, strengthening public consultation mechanisms, enhancing legislative oversight, and promoting greater transparency in foreign policy decision-making.