Conflict Resolution in Asia: Mediation and Other Cultural Models is an exploration of human interaction, conflict, and conflict resolution in the incredibly diverse region that consists of South, East, and Southeast Asia. It examines how traditional, indigenous, and culturally based conflict resolution processes interact with more formal legal systems to build infrastructures that address conflicts at the interpersonal to international levels in ways that maintain social harmony. This book provides insight into situations where unique cultures come together to create a larger cultural identity, and how constructive and appropriate conflict resolution systems can work every day to establish positive relationships and overall peace in these complex communities. It demonstrates the importance of culture in addressing conflict and conflict resolution, and validates the significance of culturally appropriate processes in building and sustaining peace. From Southeast Asia, a survey of Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam highlights their rich cultures and conflict resolution processes. From East Asia, Mainland China and Hong Kong show the history of traditional models and the incorporation of mediation within a more formal legal system. Finally, a section on South Asia examines customary methods of dispute resolution working alongside a judiciary structure in India. These nine countries represent very different cultural groups with complex national histories, and varying degrees of influence from Western powers. Using select Asian nations as case studies of conflict resolution systems, this edited book examines the power of mediation and other cultural conflict resolution models as a tool for addressing conflicts and social justice.
Part I: Introduction Chapter 1: Introduction: Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding in Asia: The Need for Mediation and Other Culturally Appropriate Models, Stephanie P. Stobbe Part II: Southeast Asia Chapter 2: Indonesia: The Role of the Traditional, Indigenous Musyawarah Mufakat Process of Mediation, Dale Bagshaw and Fatahillah A. Syukur Chapter 3: Laos: Op-Lom: The Language of Conflict Resolution and Neoy Gai Geer Mediation Models, Stephanie P. Stobbe Chapter 4: Philippines: Traditional Peacemaking Processes among Indigenous Populations in the Northern and Southern Philippines, Bruce E. Barnes and Federico V. Magdalena Chapter 5: Thailand: Thai Cultural Values and the Role of Third Parties in Addressing Conflicts, Vanchai Vatanasapt and Stephanie P. Stobbe Chapter 6: Singapore: Cultural Influences in the Historical and Institutional Development of Mediation in Singapore, Joel Lee Chapter 7: Vietnam: Culturally and Legally Appropriate Mediation for Dispute Resolution, Charles W. Crumpton Part III: East Asia Chapter 8: China (Mainland): The Gong Hui Mediation Committee, Ju Wei Hui Neighborhood Committee, He Shi Lao Peacemaker, and Other Cultural Models of Conflict Resolution, Eko Yi Liao and Cheryl Qianru Zhang Chapter 9: Hong Kong: Mediation and the Future of Dispute Resolution, Nadja Alexander Part IV: South Asia Chapter 10: India: Panchayat Mediation and Lok Adalat People's Court Conciliation, and the Institutionalization of ADR, Geetha Ravindra Part V: Conclusion Conclusion: Common principles and practices found in Mediation and Other Cultural Models of Conflict Resolution in Asia and the Future of Mediation and Cultural Practices of Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding, Stephanie P. Stobbe
