Abstract
In this article, we suggest rethinking the conflict resolution agenda among seemingly latent intractable communal conflicts by moving toward a constructive transformation of these conflicts. We connect Coser's theorization on social conflict and Lederach's conflict transformational ideas to, first, offer an alternative way of reconceptualizing conflict in ways that focus on harnessing the inherent potentialities of conflicts while changing the negative relational patterns among disputants; second, we propose emancipation from the local turn in peacebuilding to a local-local turn that will create a sense of local ownership, legitimize the process and increase the likelihood of acceptable and durable outcomes. To substantialize our argument, we present phenomenologically generated evidence from the Nkonya–Alavanyo conflict, which persists for over a century despite several attempts at its resolution. The conflict revolves around two truths derived from two maps and two tales and is overshadowed by mutual accusations and historically conditioned distrust of mediators.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 231-357 |
Journal | JOURNAL OF PEACEBUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 3 |
Early online date | 2023 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2023 |
Publication type | A1 Journal article-refereed |
Keywords
- Africa
- communal conflicts
- conflict transformation
- Ghana
- intractable conflicts
- local-local turn
- Nkonya–Alavanyo conflict
Publication forum classification
- Publication forum level 1
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Safety Research
- Political Science and International Relations