"Whereas much has been written about the role community media plays in peacebuilding, emphasis is often put on participatory media models as key determinants of peace or conflict sustainability. Little is known, however, about the conditions under which such media increase or impede peace efforts du
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e to the complex nature of conflict. Moreover, how, when, and by whom such media can be tailored to offer favorable conditions for peacebuilding at the community level remain largely unanswered questions. This article draws from Howard's (An Operational Framework for Media and Peacebuilding, IMPACS, 2002) typology of media interventions, issue-framing framework, and conflict transformation approach to probe the prospects of community media agency in peacebuilding at the community level. It argues that the way conflict narratives are produced, negotiated, and consumed across time and space is what provides individuals or groups with incentives for conflict or trade-offs for peace irrespective of the stage at which a given conflict manifests itself. Overall, the reflections presented are conceptual and are intended to generate theoretical and methodological discussions around the role of community media in conflict transformation and peacebuilding at the community level." (Abstract)
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"In Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), scholars and practitioners often cite the lack of shared narrative as a primary challenge to long-term peace. A study of the multi-ethnic, collaborative story-telling work of the Post Conflict Research Centre (PCRC), a Bosnian peacebuilding organization, however, te
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lls a different story. Instead of aiming to forge a singular narrative, PCRC weaves together multiple stories that express complex positions while driving narrative frames that show peace is possible. In a context where actors might not be ready for a joint narrative, the organization demonstrates how plural stories can co-exist, and be strategically mobilized and disseminated through diverse formats to actively engage others in peace-building processes. Identifying key narrative principles, tactics and frames employed by PCRC, this article proposes more attention is paid to how narrative can be strategically harnessed to de-stabilize the stories that drive entrenched division and to foster and cultivate a culture of peace." (Abstract)
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"The Rwandan genocide is the second most audio-visually recreated genocide after the Holocaust, with approximately 200 films and documentaries produced in 39 countries between 1994 and 2021. Historical Media Memories of the Rwandan Genocide studies the construction, the development, and the recreati
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on of the transnational historical media memory of the genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda in 1994. This is the first comprehensive work that traces the international media image and the creation of historical memories of the Rwandan genocide, starting with the day to day television news reporting in 1994, and continuing with analyzes of how the genocide has been used and recreated in film and documentaries on a global level as well on a national level, where Rwanda, as a nation, creates its own images of the genocide in film and television production in order to support a new national identity." (Publisher description)
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"Arts-based peacebuilding has gained attention, but evidence and research of its impact is fragmented and, in particular, the relationship between photography and peace is underexplored. This article examines photovoice as a tool for supporting everyday and community peace in conflict-affected commu
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nities. It identifies four ways that everyday peace indicator photovoice projects in Colombia bolstered community peace: by engendering healing, building territorial identity, enabling intergenerational dialogue, and catalysing action. These impacts emerged as photovoice built on enabling factors, extending existing community peacebuilding capacities, concerns and interventions. Reflecting on the constraints and tensions around working with photography in security-sensitive environments, we propose that participatory photography makes up a vital component of the peace photography genre. We argue that the careful, strategic harnessing of photovoice, and the visualisation of everyday peace, creates opportunities for raising the voices of conflict-affected communities, building shared imaginaries and nurturing dialogue, healing and action." (Abstract)
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"This book offers an in-depth view of how intricate and intractable conflicts can be and how the communicative aspects of conflict are equally challenging. The author reviews and guides readers through classic and contemporary analysis in the field, providing a truly interdisciplinary work. Handbook
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of Conflict and Peace Communication is divided into five navigable sections - Theory Development, Method Development, Traditional/Digital Media and Peace and Conflict, Case Studies, and Innovative Approaches - that help illuminate workable and innovative peace communication strategies relevant to today's conflicts. Readers will also find: informative contributions from a collection of outstanding scholars, practitioners, and activists; comprehensive explorations of past conflict communication theory in the context of contemporary theory; practical tools to navigate complex local and global conflicts; in-depth examinations of strategies of peace communication from the margins that acknowledge and elevate solutions for and from the most vulnerable." (Publisher description)
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"Las emisoras de paz se encuentran en un punto de quiebre. Esta esperanzadora política de Estado, que se empezó a implementar como una estrategia de reconciliación hace siete años, después de la firma del Acuerdo de Paz, está enfrentando retos profundos, como las amenazas en contra de las emis
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oras que están en funcionamiento y la incertidumbre sobre su sostenibilidad a largo plazo. En 2016, con el Acuerdo de Paz entre el Gobierno Nacional y las Farc-EP, las partes acordaron la creación de veinte estaciones radiales en diferentes municipios que resultaban estratégicos para fomentar la convivencia y la reconciliación. Estas emisoras están bajo la dirección del Sistema de Medios Públicos RTVC y la primera emisora se inauguró en Chaparral, en Tolima, el 25 de junio de 2019. Actualmente, operan dieciséis y se estima que las cuatro restantes comiencen a funcionar en el primer semestre del 2024.
Comunicar la paz en un país inmerso en un nuevo capítulo de conflictos territoriales ha presentado desafíos para las y los periodistas. Hablar de iniciativas de paz, de las iniciativas de las comunidades o denunciar la presencia de nuevos grupos supone riesgos e implica que estas emisoras también estén constantemente en la mira. Ante la ausencia de garantías de protección y seguridad, las estrategias que se han empleado son defensivas, como el silenciamiento selectivo de temas y la cautela en sus desplazamientos por los municipios. Esto ha implicado dejar de hablar de ciertos asuntos, cancelar espacios informativos o tener que acudir a la fuerza a encuentros con grupos armados. A esto se suman los señalamientos de funcionarios públicos o figuras políticas hacia las voces que controvierte el poder, la impunidad que empaña la justicia y el impacto psicológico y emocional de trabajar en contextos violentos. Las emisoras de paz se han convertido en un laboratorio para la comunicación y el periodismo y su corta experiencia constata que la reconstrucción de la paz pasa por un cambio en la forma en que se relata y se vive en las regiones. Sin embargo, para que estos proyectos continúen aportando a la reconstrucción del tejido social, es necesario un mayor respaldo y fortalecimiento gubernamental, el diseño de protocolos de seguridad, medidas de autoprotección y la preservación a largo plazo de estos espacios." (https://flip.org.co)
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"This article presents and discusses data from two research methods on journalism in Afghanistan before the Taliban takeover of power in August 2021. News reports from the time of the intra-Afghan peace talks in September 2020 were analyzed using the Peace Journalism model. These were found to be pr
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edominantly War Journalism, leaving audiences cognitively primed for violent conflict responses and likely to overlook or fail to value peace initiatives. Interviews with 16 Afghan journalists revealed this pattern to be at odds with their aspirations and role perceptions. They wanted to report more in the style of Peace Journalism: revealing backgrounds and contexts; highlighting successes and achievements; giving a voice to all rival parties, and covering peace initiatives from whatever level. The constraints they identified, as impeding their preferred reporting approaches, were categorized using Reese and Shoemaker’s Hierarchy of Influences model. Some were attributed to the commercial competitive market structure of Afghan media under the internationally supported government, after an initial infusion of development aid was reduced. In any such intervention in future, it is argued, news can play a positive role in building a constituency for peace—but only if aid interventions ensure that media are not left to operate on a purely commercial basis." (Abstract)
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"This book explores the imprint that the peace process involving the guerilla organisation FARC-EP left on Colombian TV fiction. To that end, it scrutinises the phenomenon of Colombian reconciliation telenovelas, which are intrinsically linked to the national Transitional Justice process. Based on a
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thorough analysis of the telenovelas and expert interviews, it examines their reconciliatory potential and assesses the benefits and dangers of incorporating mass mediated formats of popular culture into peace processes. The telenovelas, which could be mistaken for shallow entertainment, turn out to be an integral component of the Colombian Transitional Justice strategy." (Publisher description)
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"Currently, 1.5 billion people live in countries with low Intercultural Dialogue where global challenges such as absolute poverty, terrorism and forced displacement are more prevalent. To forge effective cooperation and sustain peace, strengthening Intercultural Dialogue must be a priority.For the f
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irst time, We Need to Talk presents evidence of the link between intercultural dialogue and peace, conflict prevention and non-fragility, and human rights. Building upon the groundbreaking data from the new UNESCO Framework for Enabling Intercultural Dialogue, this report highlights key policy and intervention opportunities for intercultural dialogue as an instrument for inclusion and peace. Using data covering over 160 countries in all regions, the report presents a framework of the structures, processes and values needed to support intercultural dialogue, examining the dynamics and interlinkages between them to reveal substantial policy opportunities with broad spanning benefits." (Short summary)
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"Colombia’s history of violence and armed conflict has eroded people’s trust in each other and trust, which ranks low among the components that Colombians consider important for reconciliation, is difficult to restore during the course of a project. Still, the Program of Alliances for Reconcilia
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tion (PAR) has achieved changes in perception that represent an important component in changing mindset that could eventually extend through the communities where participants live and work. Though implementers recognized positive effects on perceptions of reconciliation among participants, these further effects in communities may only be visible among non-participant indirect beneficiaries. Similarly, though PAR participants overwhelmingly reported positive effects of PAR participation on their behavior and some drivers of reconciliation, examples were limited to their personal thoughts and actions and not those of their communities. Without a baseline for comparison, the degree of shifts in attitudes and behaviors cannot be determined, but indications of changes in attitude paired with reporting of ongoing participation and continued use of skills indicate participants remain changed, at least in the short term, by their participation in PAR activities. DecidoSer workshops and the Ambassadors for Reconciliation initiatives are successful tools that provide the opportunity to identify lessons learned and good practices in the management of community changes beyond individual changes. DecidoSer is valuable not just for participants, but implementers (who are themselves members of communities whose contributions to reconciliation are worthwhile and necessary) as well, and the changes in trust and dialogue that contributed to improved business practices are a positive (and perhaps unexpected) result. Respondents generally saw the conceptual benefits of both DecidoSer and Ambassadors for Reconciliation for sustainability of reconciliation, though without specific evidence for believing this, or enough time to demonstrate it. Contrary to the notion that multi-sectoral relationships within a community might contribute to sustainability, the evaluation team did not find evidence of a correlation between PAR’s activities in a community and long-term engagement with other community actors." (Conclusions, page 28)
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"The media can play a positive role in peacebuilding/conflict prevention. Recognition of this has led to increasing programmes on media/communications and peacebuilding, with common interventions including training of journalists, and development of pro-peace programme content. However, there are si
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gnificant challenges in designing and implementing such programmes, and even more in evaluation. While some interventions have generated positive results (e.g. reduced election-related violence), evidence is limited and it is hard to make causal links between interventions and impact. This highlights the need for more research." (Summary, page 2)
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"La violencia armada tiene también una dimensión narrativa, acaso tan devastadora como su dimensión física. No sólo destruye vidas y altera relaciones, sino que su ejercicio –especialmente cuando es sistemático– quiebra la propia posibilidad de otra narrativa que logre articular algún sen
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tido alrededor de la experiencia traumática. Cuando las personas no logran modular un significado sobre la violencia padecida, el ejercicio de ciudadanía para contrarrestar sus efectos se antoja imposible. Algo de lo que somos como individuos y como sociedad se transforma –acaso irremediablemente– a través de la experiencia límite del sufrimiento producido por la violencia. Parte de esa experiencia queda atrapada como lo inefable que solo comprende plenamente quien la ha sufrido. Pero como lo recuerda la escritora y periodista estadounidense Joan Didion, nos narramos historias para poder seguir viviendo. El ejercicio de articular una narrativa es entonces el ejercicio de buscar no desaparecer como ciudadanas y ciudadanos, de no sucumbir como sociedad. Lo que somos como seres sociales está constituido por redes de sentido: pertenecemos a un lugar, a una historia y a unas relaciones establecidas con los otros. El lugar que ocupamos en una sociedad lo ocupamos por referencia a la forma en que nos auto-reconocemos y también a la forma en que nos reconocen los demás. Nuestra existencia social es entonces narrativa: nos narramos y nos narran. Narrativas de paz para hacerla posible. Narrativas de paz, voces y sonidos recoge reflexiones, investigaciones, relatos y experiencias alrededor de cómo la ciudadanía aborda sus propias historias para narrar la paz. Un libro para pensar y pensar-NOS, para la resistencia y la reexistencia, para narrar la paz y luchar contra las guerras." (Descripción de la casa editorial)
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"In the western Balkans, where post-war societies are still trying to rebuild their lives, and tensions lie just below the surface, media messages influenced by the politics of the day are destabilizing. For some, this is poorly disguised propaganda, a kind of political “spin”, “spun” by man
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y of the same political elites who were in power in the 1990s and delivered to the public by the mainstream media. In doing so the media is perpetuating divisive rhetoric, and not allowing societies to have reprieve from, or reflect on their traumatic pasts. In this kind of environment, the space for journalists and actors to investigate all sides of a complex story, and to report on present and past events based on facts, in turn challenging dominant societal narratives, is limited. And not only limited, but dangerous. In this 13th edition of Balkan.Perspectives, authors from academia, journalism and law, Dafina Halili, Dinko Gruhonjic, Dushica Nofitoska, Dr. Lejla Tutcilo, Sara Velaga, Serbeze Haxhiaj, Teofil Pancic, and Zhaneta Zdravkovska, reflect on the current state of media in the region, the structures supporting it, and what could change to give space and attention to all sides of a story, in order to challenge dominant interpretations of the past and bring about constructive discourse on these topics." (Editorial, page 5)
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"Los artículos del CAC162 “Narrativas de paz: voces y sonidos” surgen de la mesa de debate homónima presentada en el marco del X Congreso Internacional Latina de Comunicación Social, realizado en la Universidad de La Laguna (Tenerife) en 2018. Nueve textos sobre los retos que afrontan dichas
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narrativas y sobre los espacios que abren en los distintos escenarios donde han emergido. Reflexiones acerca de la forma en que la ciudadanía aborda sus propias historias para conformar narrativas de paz que confronten los efectos de la violencia armada y estructural. Escritos que exploran las experiencias de vida de quienes no se resignan a callarlas, sino que buscan transformarlas en una memoria ejemplar, una que, como señalaba Benjamin, pueda relampaguear en momentos de nuevo peligro." (Resumen)
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"La paz parece haber sido esquiva en la historia de Colombia. Los vaivenes en los procesos de negociación, las promesas incumplidas y la polarización política han hecho de Colombia una nación en un estado de continua crisis y que, a pesar de sí misma —retomando la vieja frase de Bushnell— h
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a logrado mantenerse a flote y, sobre todo, no perder la esperanza de una paz estable y duradera. Numerosos han sido los intentos por construirla y parecen haber sido infructuosos, en especial porque buena parte de la representación colectiva que tenemos de ellos ha sido construida desde el aparataje mediático que, en el caso de nuestro país, ha estado al servicio del poder y que ha redundado en un escepticismo que, especialmente desde los años noventa, ha tendido a transformarse en una fuerte polarización. Con este libro queremos no solo pensar la paz y el (pos)conflicto desde la comunicación, sino recordar(nos), una vez más, que aún podemos ser un nosotros." (Cubierta del libro)
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