This paper sets out to understand the role of trust in conflict transformation and to find out whether and how trust can be built in the framework of conflict transformation. A bibliographic research using case study design, this is a qualitative analysis of the Baku Bae Peace Movement in the Maluku Island in Indonesia by employing Lederach’s Pyramid Model of Peacebuilding and Allport’s Contact Hypothesis as theoretical/conceptual frameworks. The results based on the analysis indicate that trust plays a significant role in both the short- and long-term goals of conflict transformation. In the short term, trust plays a role in re-bridging the communication and dialogue between the conflict parties, contributing to the lessening and ending of violence and paving the way for a negotiation toward peace and reconciliation. In the long run, trust fosters mutual understanding, cooperation, tolerance, acceptance and respect, which are the basis for a collaborative effort toward constructive social change to achieve a desired future—the ultimate goal of conflict transformation. The analysis also shows that trust can be built in the conflict transformation framework by integrating different approaches deemed to promote trust, such as the framework of the Institute for Multi-Track Diplomacy, the conflict resolution skills trainings, the interactive problem-solving workshops, the establishment of neutral zones, and the educational and youth programs, into the framework as a foundation and a component of the conflict intervention. The study, however, concludes that although trust plays a key role in conflict transformation, it is only a component. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of a conflict prior to any intervention is essential for identifying and prioritizing key components in the intervention strategy.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1. POINT OF DEPARTURE
1.2. THE BAKU BAE PEACE MOVEMENT
1.2.1. The nature of the Baku Bae Peace Movement
1.2.2. Why choosing this case study?
1.3. DEFINITIONS OF KEY TERMS
1.3.1. Trust
1.3.2. Conflict transformation
1.4. STRUCTURE OF THE PAPER
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. SOCIAL CAPITAL AND TRUST
2.2. TRUST
2.2.1. Trust and risk
2.2.2. Reasons for trusting
2.2.3. Approaches to trust building
2.2.4. Interpersonal and institutional trust
2.2.5. Functions of trust
2.3. CONFLICT AND CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION
2.3.1. Conflict
2.3.2. Conflict transformation
2.4. PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION
2.5. APPROACHES IN CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION
2.5.1. Dialogue
2.5.2. Principled negotiation
2.5.3. Mediation
2.5.4. Training
2.6. TRUST AND CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION
2.7. LEDERACH’S PYRAMID MODEL OF PEACEBUILDING
2.7.1. Levels of leadership
2.7.2. Approaches to peacebuilding
2.8. ALLPORT’S CONTACT HYPOTHESIS
2.9. THEORETICAL/CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1. PROBLEM STATEMENT
3.2. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS
3.3. RATIONALES FOR AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
3.4. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
3.5. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
CHAPTER FOUR: RESEARCH FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
4.1. CAUSES OF CONFLICT
4.1.1. Historical causes
4.1.2. Structural causes
4.1.3. Proximate causes
4.1.4. Immediate causes and triggers
4.2. PREVIOUS INTERVENTIONS
4.3. THE BAKU BAE PEACE MOVEMENT
4.3.1. Major steps and processes of the Baku Bae Peace Movement
4.3.2. Why is it a success story?
4.4. A SUMMARY OF STAGES AND PROCESSES IN THE BAKU BAE MOVEMENT
4.5. THE BAKU BAE PEACE MOVEMENT THROUGH THE THEORETICAL LENSES
4.5.1. Intergroup contact or inter-communication
4.5.2. Interactive problem-solving workshops (IPSWs)
4.5.3. Trust building
4.5.4. The trusted third party or mediator
4.5.5. The grassroots movement and people’s “mandate”
4.6. RESEARCH QUESTIONS REVISITED
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH
5.1. SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS
5.2. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH
5.3. FINAL THOUGHT
Research Objectives & Core Themes
This study aims to identify the role of trust within the framework of conflict transformation and to explore how specific trust-building approaches can be integrated into peace interventions to enhance their effectiveness. By analyzing the Baku Bae Peace Movement in Indonesia as a case study, the research investigates the dynamics of trust restoration and the importance of involving multiple stakeholders—from grassroots levels to elite leaders—to foster sustainable peace and reconciliation in post-conflict societies.
- The role of trust in short-term conflict de-escalation and long-term transformation.
- The application of Lederach’s Pyramid Model in peacebuilding initiatives.
- The integration of Allport’s Contact Hypothesis in fostering intergroup trust.
- The significance of bottom-up, grassroots movements in achieving local mandates for peace.
Excerpt from the Book
1.2.1. The nature of the Baku Bae Peace Movement
The Baku Bae Movement, named after the local children’s game, began its work in the Maluku Island following the eruption of the first conflict in early 2000 (Muluk & Malik, 2009). The term peace was avoided because at that time it meant surrender for both sides. The term Baku Bae was introduced instead because it was a “psychologically common language,” which also suggests a spirit of peace (Muluk & Malik, 2009, p. 94).
Grammatically, Baku means “each other” or “reciprocally” and Bae means “to be kind to others,” “making peace,” or “making friendships” (Muluk & Malik, 2009, p. 94). Quarreling children who want to resume their friendships again would say, “Let’s us be kind to each other” or “Let us Baku Bae.” The name of the movement, therefore, provided both sides with a common peace discourse which encouraged and enabled them to move on with the peace movement.
The Baku Bae Peace Movement was primarily based on the idea that the conflict could only be resolved by the conflicting parties themselves; that is, the people in Maluku (both Muslims and Christians). It was a bottom-up, grassroots movement mandated by the local people who were victimized by the conflict, who did not really understand the causes of the conflict, and who were eager to see the conflict end and live in peace and harmony again. Although it was initiated by the NGO activists, academicians and professionals, such as prominent NGO activists Ichsan Malik and Eliakim Sitorus, the success of the movement in de-escalating the violence and bringing about reconciliation process between the two contending communities was basically because of the nature of the movement itself. It was a movement with the involvement of all stakeholders at all levels and in all spheres, including the local people who were the victims of the conflict, youth, local and community leaders, religious leaders, lawyers, journalists, intellectuals, teachers, military and police personnel, NGOs, and businesspeople.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: Introduces the topic of trust in conflict transformation, presents the case study of the Baku Bae Peace Movement, and defines key terms used throughout the thesis.
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW: Discusses the broader concept of social capital and trust, explores theories on conflict transformation, and outlines the theoretical frameworks used, specifically Lederach’s Pyramid Model and Allport’s Contact Hypothesis.
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: Details the research problem, objectives, and the qualitative case study methodology employed to examine the Baku Bae movement.
CHAPTER FOUR: RESEARCH FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS: Examines the causes of the Maluku conflict and analyzes the processes and success factors of the Baku Bae Peace Movement through the chosen theoretical lenses.
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: Summarizes the key findings regarding the role of trust in conflict transformation and provides recommendations for future academic research.
Keywords
Trust, Conflict Transformation, Baku Bae Peace Movement, Peacebuilding, Social Capital, Grassroots Movement, Lederach’s Pyramid Model, Allport’s Contact Hypothesis, Intergroup Contact, Reconciliation, Mediation, Interactive Problem-solving Workshops, Indonesia, Maluku Conflict, Peace Journalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The study examines the fundamental role that trust plays in the process of conflict transformation, specifically within post-conflict environments where communal relationships have been fractured.
What are the primary themes covered?
The work covers social capital, trust-building dynamics, Lederach's model of peacebuilding, the importance of grassroots engagement, and the specific application of these concepts in the Ambon conflict in Indonesia.
What is the main objective of the thesis?
The objective is to identify the role of trust in conflict transformation and demonstrate how trust-building approaches can be successfully integrated into broader intervention frameworks to ensure lasting peace.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The thesis utilizes a qualitative research methodology based on a case study design, relying on the analysis of secondary data, including research reports, scholarly articles, and documentation of the Baku Bae movement.
What is explored in the main body of the work?
The main body reviews the literature on trust, presents the theoretical frameworks, details the Baku Bae Peace Movement's historical context and intervention steps, and analyzes the movement's success through the lens of conflict transformation theory.
What are the key terms that characterize this work?
Key terms include Trust, Conflict Transformation, Social Capital, Grassroots Movements, and Interactive Problem-solving Workshops.
How does the Baku Bae movement serve as a successful example?
It is highlighted for its bottom-up, inclusive approach that mobilized local stakeholders and utilized shared cultural symbols to foster dialogue and restore trust between divided Christian and Muslim communities.
What role does the third party or mediator play according to this research?
The study concludes that a neutral and trusted third party is essential in the initial stages of a peace process to bridge communication gaps and provide the necessary assurance for conflict parties to come to the negotiating table.
- Quote paper
- Vicheth Sen (Author), 2009, Trust and Conflict Transformation - An Analysis of the Baku Bae Peace Movement in Indonesia, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/148653
