Lexington Books Conflict Resolution in Asia: Mediation and Other Cultural Models (Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding in Asia)

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. Review [A] timely and important work. . . . Each chapter offers a significant contribution, but it is in the grand sweep of the work as a whole where the greatest value can be found. . . . In its breadth and quality the work has opened the door for a range of studies that hopefully not only push our awareness of the myriad ways that conflict is resolved, but will also make decisive steps in how peace and conflict studies specifically, and political science more generally, understands these practices. Stobbe and her contributors are to be congratulated on providing such a decisive step towards these ends.--Pacific Affairs As former US Ambassador to Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina, I have been involved for several decades in mediation and conflict resolution efforts developed in a Western context. Where mediation has not succeeded, failure to understand traditional conflict resolution processes in these societies is an important element. This volume offers an opportunity to learn lessons from Asia where the rich cultural and historical context provides a different framework for understanding the role of mediation in conflict resolution. Only by learning lessons in both a Western and Asian context can we develop new mediation approaches to resolve conflicts in the twenty-first century.--Richard D. Kauzlarich, George Mason University Conflict Resolution in Asia: Mediation and Other Cultural Models provides valuable insights into building peace and practicing non-colonial problem solving in the diverse continent of Asia from indigenous perspectives. It furthers multilateral understanding and appreciation for sustainability of grassroots mediation and innovative ADR.--Honggang Yang, Nova Southeastern University This collection is a very welcome addition to the literature on conflict resolution. With careful description and thoughtful analysis of material drawn from nine Asian societies, Stephanie P. Stobbe and her contributors demonstrate the diversity of approaches to managing conflict in this huge region, some indigenous and some not. The many strengths of this volume include its grounding in local realities, hence making clear that introduced West