ABSTRACT
This chapter will analyze mediation as a conflict resolution option for severe conflicts in three Southeast Asian countries: Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. Transformation of existing mediation processes will be central to this discussion, thus connecting with the theme of this book. Each of the conflicts discussed has involved hundreds of deaths over a period of decades – thus the ‘severe’ rating. The focus will be on the contemporary status of conflicts between diverse Muslim and Christian groups in Maluku, Indonesia; independence and political struggles in Aceh, Indonesia; conflicts involving Muslims (Bangsamoros) and lumad (indigenous Mindanao groups) pitted against predominantly Catholic populations and the national government’s military taking place in Mindanao (Southern Philippines); and finally conflicts between Muslim groups and the Buddhist majority (represented by the national military) in Southern Thailand. Since each of the three countries has a different religious group in the majority of its population, and thereby in control of its government, analyses and comparisons of the possibilities, successes and obstacles to successful mediation in each of these long-term conflicts should be of interest to global conflict resolution and peacemaking communities. This chapter seeks to make a contribution to understanding the role of mediation in advancing long-term peacebuilding in the Southeast Asia-Pacific region.
