Suchergebnisse

Abstract. Conflict resolution processes exist in every society. However, a comparison between Western and Middle Eastern procedures of dispute resolution processes reveals different assumptions underline each approach. The comparison is based on the analysis of two case studies, the first case study is a description of dispute settlement process between Christians and Druze in an Arab village in Israel (mediated by Muslims). The second case study describes a collaborative problem solving process implemented in Cleveland, Ohio in a community racial conflict. Distinctive cultural and professional assumptions that underlie both intervention processes are identified. Also, it is noted that the third party roles and the main outcomes which were achieved in both cases were different. Two sets of principles and concepts, which can be applied interchangeably in both Middle Eastern and Western settings, and those which are unique to each context, are explored.

AbstractAround the recent turn of the century, violent clashes between Madurese and other ethnic groups took place in the provinces of West and Central Kalimantan. At least 1200 Madurese were killed, with several hundred thousands internally displaced. However, in the provinces of South and East Kalimantan, which also have Madurese minorities, such eruptions of violence did not occur. To reach a better understanding of the background, conditions and causes of such ethnic violence, we have compared the relationships between the Madurese and other population groups in conflict-ridden West Kalimantan and conflictfree East Kalimantan. The comparison shows that there are significant dissimilarities between the two regions with regard to the ethnic composition of the population, cultural attitudes, access to natural resources and political competition. Together with the negative characteristics attributed to the Madurese by other groups, these can largely explain why this minority, during the recent regime change, became the target of the frustrations and aspirations of others in the western part of Kalimantan but not in the eastern part.