Conflict Mediation Research Articles

Assessing the Role of Local Institutions in Flood Resilience among Rural Communities in Northern Ghana

This study investigates the roles of local institutions in shaping flood adaptation strategies among rural communities in Saboba District, Northern Ghana. Using interviews and focus groups, the research identifies four key adaptation practices: Off-season farming, Burning Charcoal, processing of shea nuts, and Cattle rearing. Both formal institutions, such as the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and informal ones, including chieftaincy and family units, were found to be integral in providing resources, governance, and conflict mediation related to these practices. The findings reveal that while institutions facilitate access to adaptation resources, they also introduce barriers. Factors such as favoritism, limited resource distribution, and exclusion of vulnerable groups, particularly women and widows, hinder equitable adaptation outcomes. Local institutions enable community-led responses to climate hazards by coordinating external support and guiding decision-making; however, they also perpetuate social hierarchies that can limit adaptive capacity. The study suggests that fostering collaboration between formal and informal institutions, improving resource allocation transparency, and ensuring gender inclusion in decision-making could enhance community resilience. This research contributes to understanding how institutional dynamics influence adaptation practices, highlighting the need for adaptable, inclusive frameworks that support effective flood resilience in vulnerable rural communities.

Desafios e Alternativas Para a Segurança Pública no Brasil Contemporâneo

This study analyzes the sociological issues influencing Brazil’s public security system, focusing on structural inequalities, racism, and gender discrimination. Through a qualitative bibliographic review, the research highlights how these dynamics perpetuate social exclusion and violence, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations. Structural racism manifests through racial profiling and police lethality, primarily affecting the Black population. Gender-related issues, such as femicide, domestic violence, and the marginalization of LGBTQIA+ individuals, also reveal the system’s shortcomings in addressing the specific needs of these groups. In contrast, the study presents alternative public security policies, such as community policing, conflict mediation, and restorative justice, which offer preventive and inclusive approaches. These initiatives have proven effective in reducing violence and strengthening social relations, although they face institutional and cultural barriers to implementation in Brazil. The results suggest that Brazil’s public security system needs to be restructured from an integrative perspective that acknowledges the intersections of race, gender, and class, promoting equity and social justice. The study concludes that policies based on inclusion and prevention can transform the public security system, making it more effective and sustainable. This work contributes to academic and social debates by proposing solutions that address the structural causes of violence and suggests future research to deepen the analysis of successful experiences and adapt strategies to local specificities.

Cultural differences in diagnosis and treatment perceptions: Turkish collectivistic representations of common mental disorders

ABSTRACT Purpose Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is less diagnosed among Turkish children, and Turkish clients drop out more often from depression treatments than Dutch clients. This article proposes that cultural differences in collectivistic versus individualistic perceptions of getting an ADHD diagnosis and being treated for depression might explain these ethnic disparities, which have been explored in this study. Methods Nine focus group discussions with Turkish individuals and 18 interviews with primary mental health practitioners were conducted. Results Findings show that Turkish participants do not view ADHD symptoms as problematic. Parents generally do not want children to be labelled as such and get professional help because they fear this will cause interpersonal problems. Depression is seen as problematic, as it disturbs social relationships and communities. However, Turkish participants prefer mediation to cognitive behavioural therapy, since the latter does not solve interpersonal problems. Conclusions Our findings highlight a dissonance between individualistic/biomedical and collectivistic/socioecological views on health and wellbeing, in which the focus is on the individual for the Dutch versus the social group for the Turkish. To match Turkish clients’ needs, mental health professionals should tread carefully in ADHD labelling. With depression, professionals might consider interventions such as mediation in interpersonal conflicts to improve treatment adherence and outcomes.

Interreligious Dialogue, Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding: A Review

Over the last twenty years, policymakers and practitioners have supported the growth of multiple interreligious initiatives aimed at peacebuilding and conflict resolution, and scholars have sought to understand and evaluate their efficiency. This article introduces and reviews the emerging scholarship which has developed to understand and analyze these efforts. It begins by drawing from recent empirical research to outline how scholars understand religion as being linked to conflicts and naming a number of initiatives that have been constructed as responses to them. The article then considers how interreligious dialogue could be understood to serve as a conduit for conflict mediation and peacebuilding. Finally, the paper discusses several persistent criticisms that have been raised about interreligious dialogue as a model of conflict resolution, especially in light of the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and ends with some reflections about contemporary strategies for interreligious peacebuilding in light of them.

Negotiating with the Devil: Inside the World of Armed Conflict Mediation

Negotiating with the Devil: Inside the World of Armed Conflict Mediation

Manajemen Lembaga Dakwah FKUB dalam Mewujudkan Moderasi Beragama di Kota Medan

This study examines the management strategies of the Forum Kerukunan Umat Beragama (FKUB) in promoting religious moderation in the multicultural society of Medan City. As a key institution fostering interfaith harmony, FKUB utilizes managerial functions—planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating—to design and execute programs such as interfaith seminars, conflict mediation, and capacity building for religious leaders. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, the research explores the challenges and impacts of these strategies through in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and document analysis. Results indicate that while FKUB's programs significantly enhance interfaith communication and reduce religious tensions, challenges such as societal resistance to moderation concepts, limited funding, and low community participation hinder broader implementation. This study underscores the importance of enhancing FKUB’s resource capacity and outreach strategies to strengthen social harmony. The findings provide practical recommendations for FKUB and similar institutions to effectively implement religious moderation programs within diverse communities.

An exploration of governance in teaching hospitals in the Netherlands focused on educational objectives

BackgroundMany countries are improving medical education in teaching hospitals through more focus on internal quality assurance, for example by creating new stakeholders like hospital-wide education committees. Adequate oversight is thought essential to ensure the quality of medical education. How teaching hospitals distribute roles and responsibilities for quality control across educational stakeholders to organize this oversight is rarely investigated. This study aims to answer the following exploratory question: Who are the primary stakeholders involved in educational governance, and what are their roles in safeguarding educational quality in teaching hospitals?MethodsWe conducted an exploratory qualitative study of educational governance structures in all teaching hospitals in the Netherlands with at least three training programs. We carried out document analysis of recent governance codes, documents drafted by Dutch teaching hospitals to describe their methods of internal governance for the national accreditor, and analyzed the data using a thematic analysis approach through the lens of organizational theories of Mintzberg and Freidson.ResultsThe study identified key stakeholders in quality management of medical education in all teaching hospitals of the Netherlands. An overview of their roles and responsibilities is given and a stakeholder map is drafted. Teaching hospitals gave the hospital-wide education committee three different roles: an advisory role, a quality controller role and a conflict mediation role.DiscussionHospitals have set up the assignment of decision-making power in different ways, creating different variants of hospital-wide education committees and potentially causing them to be less effective at quality management. Whether these different roles affect the quality management of medical education in practice requires practice-oriented research. The study reveals remarkable ambiguity regarding the assignment and exercise of decision-making power between actors. This study contributes to the literature by identifying key actors and their roles in the quality management of postgraduate medical education, providing a foundation for follow-up research.

The Modern State of Saudi Arabia's Policy to Ensure Regional Security in The Middle East

This article explores the contemporary strategies adopted by Saudi Arabia to ensure regional security in the Middle East. It highlights the Kingdom's efforts to strengthen alliances, combat terrorism, stabilize conflict zones like Yemen, and improve relations with Iran. Economic diversification under Vision 2030 and mediation in regional conflicts are also emphasized as key pillars of its policy framework. The inclusion of a summary table provides a clear overview of Saudi Arabia's initiatives and their impacts, making this analysis a valuable resource for understanding its regional role.

Identity Formation in Educational Communities of Practice : The Role of Communication, Trust, and Conflict Mediation

This qualitative study explores the processes of identity construction and negotiation among three university students in an English Presentation class. Drawing primarily on fieldnotes and interviews, the research demonstrates how communication styles, trust dynamics, and conflict mediation influence identity formation within educational settings. Anchored in Identity Theory and the concept of Communities of Practice (CoP), the study examines three distinct CoPs where identity shaping occurs. The findings reveal that reluctance to engage in team interactions, breaches of trust, and the role of conflict mediation significantly impact group dynamics and identity formation. The study underscores the fluid nature of identity as it responds to social interactions. These findings emphasize the need for fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments that accommodate diverse identities and enhance teamwork. Future research should further investigate these dynamics to deepen our understanding of identity formation in multicultural educational contexts.

Enhancing Indonesian National Police Penal Mediation Through Conflict Mediator Certification for Bhabinkamtibmas

This research seeks weaknesses in the internal police regulations concerning the duties of Bhayangkara Pembina Keamanan dan Ketertiban Masyarakat (Bhabinkamtibmas). There was a conflict in the duties of the Bhabinkamtibmas, which is tasked with maintaining the security of public safety (Harkamtibmas), but can also carry out criminal investigation duties, penal mediation. Penal mediation embodies the concept of restorative justice which has been implemented by the Indonesian National Police (INP) through the role of Bhabinkamtibmas. Doctrinal study is being used in this research, where it used documents found regarding the problem. The document analysis is conducted toward documents informing the implementation of conflict mediator certification for Bhabinkamtibmas in case of horizontal conflict resolution, such as related internal police regulations. From documents analyzed, it was found that there has been an absence of regulation in place for Bhabinkamtibmas regarding penal mediation mechanism. Apart from their main duty ensuring public safety, Bhabinkamtibmas is expected to support the INP in carrying out their functions, including criminal investigations to resolve cases outside court. Practically, there have been some problems with horizontal conflict management by Bhabinkamtibmas. Based on this, the author initiated to certify conflict mediators within the Bhabinkamtibmas to enhance the effectiveness of INP penal mediation.

QUESTÕES SOCIOLÓGICAS E SEGURANÇA PÚBLICA NO BRASIL ATUAL: ENTRE DESAFIOS E ALTERNATIVAS”

This article analyzes the intersections between sociological issues and public security in contemporary Brazil, highlighting structural challenges and potential alternatives to address urban violence. Through a bibliographic review, the study explores factors such as structural racism, gender inequalities, and repressive practices within the public security system. The research revealed that racial profiling and gender-based violence are recurring manifestations of exclusion dynamics, placing vulnerable populations in greater insecurity. Additionally, alternative policies such as conflict mediation, community policing, and restorative justice were analyzed as more inclusive and effective approaches. The results indicate that traditional repressive policies perpetuate cycles of exclusion and violence, whereas alternatives focusing on prevention and social inclusion have the potential to transform the public security system. However, institutional barriers such as fragmentation and resource scarcity hinder the implementation of these strategies in Brazil. The conclusion emphasizes the need to integrate sociological perspectives into public policy planning, recognizing the intersections between race, gender, and class. The study contributes to academic and social debate by proposing solutions based on the promotion of social justice and the construction of a public security model that prioritizes prevention and inclusion. Future research should deepen the analysis of successful experiences, adapting strategies to local specificities.

PERAN IBU DALAM MENANAMKAN ETIKA MAKAN PADA ANAK USIA DINI MENURUT ISLAM

This study was conducted to find out about the role of mothers in instilling eating ethics in early childhood according to Islam. The data from this study were collected through analysis and observation and using literature methods. The purpose of the study was to discuss how mothers teach eating ethics to children with Islamic teachings, get children used to good and correct eating ethics, and reprimand (conflict mediator) children when they waste food. This really needs to be discussed and studied to find out what role mothers play in instilling eating ethics in early childhood according to Islam.

The Influence of the Relationship between Foundation Management and School Principals on School Performance: Case Study at XYZ School

This research examines the relationship between foundation administrators (principals) and school principals (agents) on school performance, with a focus on teacher performance. Using a quantitative approach, this research analyzes the quality of communication, level of trust, and support between principals and agents in influencing school performance. Research findings show that both foundation management and principal leadership have a significant impact on individual teacher performance, and when combined, the impact is greater. The practical implications of this research suggest establishing discussion forums, identifying training needs, conflict mediation approaches, promoting synergy and collaboration, as well as fostering good relationships between foundation administrators and teachers as strategies to improve teacher performance and the overall quality of education

"Our Cry as Women Leaders": Crisis Response Intervention, Customary Governance, and the Masculinization of Peace in Solomon Islands

This discussion examines how and why the peacebuilding environment in Solomon Islands presents profound constraints for women despite the promises of global, regional, and national policy stipulating the importance of this activity. The analysis draws on theories of scale to explain how gendered geometries of power are configured in the Solomon Islands peacebuilding environment. These power geometries are shaped by interplaying local and global factors and have limited the space that is open to women peacebuilders. A "crisis response" orientation to Australian-led conflict stabilization missions has been coupled with a national bureaucratic tendency to equate "customary governance" with peacebuilding. Both trends have augmented masculine power and constrained the space for women to engage in conflict mediation. As I show, these developments contradict United Nations Women Peace and Security principles, set out in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and localized in National Action Plans developed in Australia and in Solomon Islands. These expressly stipulate the importance of supporting women's contributions to peacebuilding when conflict flares. The article's analysis makes clear how women continue to push against these constraints, but against overwhelming pressures. It concludes with the claim that conflict mediation processes can only be made more durable in Solomon Islands if the discriminatory gendered geometries of power identified are confronted and greater emphasis is placed on women's customary authority and capacities as peacebuilders.

STRENGTHENING THE RULE OF LAW: LEVERAGING AFRICAN UNION SUB-REGIONAL BODIES TO ADDRESS MILITARY COUPS IN AFRICA

Military coups have emerged as a significant challenge to democratic stability and governance in Africa, undermining the rule of law and reversing decades of progress in political reforms. This paper explores how the African Union (AU) can strategically engage its sub-regional bodies, such as Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the East African Community (EAC), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to strengthen the rule of law and curtail the resurgence of military coups across the continent. These sub-regional organizations possess unique insights into their respective geopolitical landscapes and are well-positioned to implement preventive and corrective measures. The paper identifies key strategies, including capacity-building initiatives to strengthen judicial and electoral institutions, fostering inclusive governance to address grievances, and enhancing the rapid deployment of conflict mediation teams. It emphasizes the importance of a unified approach, where the AU coordinates efforts across sub-regional bodies to enforce legal frameworks such as the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance. Furthermore, the study examines case studies of successful and failed interventions by these bodies to derive lessons for effective implementation. However, challenges such as resource limitations, political interference, and inconsistent enforcement mechanisms impede these efforts. The paper argues that overcoming these barriers requires political will, increased funding, and stronger partnerships with global organizations. By leveraging the unique strengths of its sub-regional bodies, the AU can promote the rule of law, deter unconstitutional power seizures, and contribute to sustainable democratic governance across Africa.

Book Review of “Negotiating with the Devil Inside the World of Armed Conflict Mediation” Edited Pierre Hazan with the Collaboration of Emmanuelle Hazan

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Environmental Injustice and Multilateral Financing: Conflicts Between International Financial Institutions and Communities in Latin America

In the context of the crisis of multilateralism following the 2008 financial crisis, projects financed by multilateral organizations have exacerbated socio-environmental conflicts in the Global South, particularly in Latin America. The conflict mediation processes conducted by Accountability Mechanisms are expected to result in socio-environmental reparations, a claim that has been disputed by affected communities. This article analyzes the conflicts surrounding International Financial Institution (IFI) Financing in development projects for cities and regions in the Global South. The question is: how have Independent Accountability Mechanisms (IAMs) addressed environmental injustices resulting from projects financed by International Financial Institutions? To understand this issue, the objective of the research is to understand the accountability strategies of the Independent Mechanisms and the sustainability discourse of Multilateral Organizations. The research focus was defined based on the activities of Independent Accountability Mechanisms (IAMs), which organized several virtual meetings with civil society during 2020 and 2021. The methodology employed participant observation, with findings documented in a field notebook. The theoretical framework draws on the concept of environmental justice, both in its American version, as articulated by Dr. Robert Bullard, and its Latin American counterpart, often referred to as the 'environmentalism of the poor,' by Joan Martínez Alier. The results revealed the limitations of IAMs in mediating and investigating violations of social and environmental safeguards. Socio-environmental reparations for communities affected by projects funded by International Financial Institutions (IFIs) fall outside the scope of IAMs' activities. Additionally, the IFIs have not established socio-environmental reparation funds for these affected communities. The data collected through participant observation and recorded in the field notebook were interpreted and analyzed within this theoretical framework. These findings can provide valuable insights to improve decision-making processes, promoting greater equity and sustainability in the relationships between IFIs and communities impacted by large-scale projects in Latin America.

BRAZIL X PORTUGUESE AFRICA: RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION, GEOPOLITICS AND PROSPECTS FOR THE LUSOPHONE COMMUNITY

For many years, Brazil has held a strategic position on the international stage, with recognition of its important role as a mediator of conflicts and as a political partner for the emergence of new actors with crucial weight in the international community. With a focus on the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) and the BRICS, the country has been able to rise to the level it has occupied over the last decade, playing a direct role in the geopolitical agenda and participating in decision-making regarding the directions that the planet will follow in the coming years. However, with the internal change in management, the country has suffered losses in terms of conducting its international policy, weakening Brazil's participation in important international bodies, such as the United Nations. The position now occupied, including the absence of the President of the Republic from participating in important international forums, requires new approaches to place Brazil once again on the international geopolitical stage. One such strategy is to strengthen international relations with Portuguese Africa, in order to strengthen the bonds of the Portuguese-speaking community and to make the right to self-determination of peoples effective. Each African country, in line with its own history, demands different Brazilian approach strategies so that interactions can in fact be increased. This article, therefore, aims to highlight possible alternatives for increasing these relations in contemporary times, according to what appears to be most advantageous and promising for Brazil in relation to Portuguese Africa.

Mediation of Boundary Conflict between the Dani Tribe and the Mee Tribe in Nabire Regency

This study discusses the implementation of mediation in handling territorial boundary conflicts between the Mee and Danoi tribes in Nabire Regency. Territorial boundary conflicts in Nabire have become a serious concern, leading to horizontal and social conflicts. Mediation is one of the best alternatives for conflict resolution. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the dynamics of the conflict and the mediation efforts carried out by the government and other stakeholders. The research method used is descriptive qualitative, with data collection from literature, the internet, and applicable legislation. The findings of this study indicate that this conflict is a social conflict affecting regional stability. However, the role of the government as a mediator is crucial in resolving land disputes. The mediator functions as a neutral party with experience, capability, and integrity in problem-solving. It is recommended that territorial boundaries be recognized as triggers for horizontal conflicts between communities. Therefore, it is suggested that local and regional governments coordinate to form a working team to issue a Regent or Regional Regulation on Village Boundary Determination in cooperation with local village and traditional authorities.

Exploring the minimum cost conflict mediation path to a desired resolution within the inverse graph model framework

The existing inverse graph model for conflict resolution (GMCR) research primarily concentrates on identifying the required preferences of decisions makers (DMs) such that a desired state is an equilibrium. However, the process of transitioning from the current state to the desired equilibrium is not explored. In this paper, we propose a minimum adjustment cost model taking account of preference adjustment costs to identify the required preferences for a desired state to be an equilibrium. Subsequently, we introduce the concept of transition costs for the first time to quantify expenses involved in guiding a DM transition from one state to another and develop a minimum cost conflict mediation path model. This model aims to identify the most efficient path that minimizes the cost of transitioning from the current state to the desired equilibrium. Moreover, to accommodate the consideration of multiple desired equilibria, we extend the minimum cost conflict mediation path model to analyze and determine the optimal path for transitioning from the current state to one of the identified desired equilibria with the overall minimum cost. Furthermore, to address uncertainty surrounding transition costs, we formulate a probability maximizing conflict mediation path model that considers a limited budget available for the mediation process. Finally, a real-world dispute, the fracking conflict in the province of New Brunswick, Canada, is utilized to demonstrate the application of the proposed models.