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ID: 157218

De-escalation of violence and the political economy of peace-mongering : evidence from Maluku, Indonesia / Pelletier, Alexandre; Soedirgo, Jessica

Pelletier, Alexandre	Journal Article
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Why do some episodes of violence escalate while others do not? While the micro-foundations of communal violence are well known, the micro-foundations of “peace mongering” are under-studied. This article studies attempts at de-escalating violence in Maluku, Indonesia. It finds that the actions of non-state elites are crucial for de-escalating conflict. However, the efficacy of peace-oriented action is largely determined by the presence or absence of “institutionalized de-escalation systems.” These institutions are directly geared towards conflict prevention and de-escalation and are distinct from inter-communal associational and business networks. While attitudes favourable to peace and stability are found in many post-conflict contexts, they do not always translate into the emergence of institutionalized de-escalation systems. This article argues that such systems emerge only where a specific political economy of peace exists. In such an economy, some non-state actors see an opportunity in peace mongering to fulfill their material and social interests.

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Conflict Management ; Indonesia ; Communal Violence ; Conflict De-Escalation

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ID: 170972

First Movers, Democratization and Unilateral Concessions: Overcoming Commitment Problems and Negotiating a “Nationwide Cease-Fire” in Myanmar / Bertrand, Jacques; Pelletier, Alexandre; Thawnghmung, Ardeth Maung

Bertrand, Jacques	Journal Article
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The article argues that “first movers” and the bandwagoning effect they trigger can undermine the dynamics that perpetuate civil war and enable a multiparty cease-fire agreement. It looks at the unprecedented “nationwide” cease-fire in Myanmar reached between the government and several ethnic armed organizations in 2015. It shows that democratization and unilateral concessions by the Myanmar government were instrumental in overcoming the commitment problem and provided the necessary incentives for “first movers” to set the stage for a broad cease-fire agreement.

Key Words

Myanmar ; Myanmar - Democratization ; Cease Fire - Myanmar ; Cease Fire Agreement ; Civil Wars - Myanmar ; Myanmar - Unilateral Concessions

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ID: 154456

Violent Monks in Myanmar: scapegoating and the contest for power / Bertrand, Jacques; Pelletier, Alexandre

Bertrand, Jacques	Journal Article
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This article seeks to understand why monks played a central role in anti-Muslim violence in transitional Myanmar (2013–2014). We argue that scapegoating is one of many strategies used by monks to gain visibility, to strengthen their autonomous networks, and to increase their social credentials. By analyzing two episodes of monks' participation in religious violence (1930s and 2013–2014), we identify two factors that make scapegoating strategies more likely: (a) decentralized religions foster a multiplicity of organizations and provide incentives for leaders to be entrepreneurial and compete for followers; while (b) the rapid pluralization of the public sphere explains the timing, because it intensifies competition among religious leaders and between religious and secular leaders for social ascendency and power.

Key Words

Myanmar ; Violent Monks ; Anti-Muslim Violence

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