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BRUNEI: Civil Society &
Conflict Avoidance: the case of Brunei Darussalem
by Dr. Hj Sainah Hj Saim
Conflict is a natural and typical phenomenon in all types
of human relationship. People get involved in conflicts
because their interests or values are challenged or because
their needs are not met. Conflict resolution is seen
as a peaceful and mutually satisfactory way to end or
significantly and hopefully permanently de-escalate a
conflict. Conflict can be resolved through violent means,
by eliminating opponents, surrendering or capitulation.
Better still, if the conflict can be avoided altogether
from occurring or escalating. Little consideration has
been given to the role of civil society in terms of conflict
processes or resolution, let alone conflict prevention
or avoidance. Conflicts are products of social structure
and character of society in which the civil society is
an integral part.
Civil society is therefore the arena for organising good
governance. Important progress has been made in many
countries to attain peace and tranquillity through means
to build in community involvement and control. Both the
State and the Civil Society are simultaneously needed
to complete the process of governance of society. Participation
of the Civil Society is seen to be the most important
instrument to do just that.
This exploratory paper first briefly explains the concepts
of conflict and civil society. Secondly, it proceeds
with the role of civil society through participation.
Since Brunei Darussalam is a ‘small’ nation
with no conventional democracy, participation becomes
more important and realistic. How does Brunei’s
civil society participate? The paper continues by exploring
the different mechanisms of participation existing in
Brunei Darussalam as a means to avoid or prevent domestic
or internal conflict. The paper concludes that due to
the smallness of Brunei Darussalam, participation of
the civil society and the masses in all activities in
the country avoids or prevents the occurrence of conflict.
What is Conflict?
Conflict is a natural and typical phenomenon in all types
of human relationship. Conflict is experienced at all
levels of human activity from the intra-personal to the
international arena. Although many people and cultures
regard conflict as a negative experience, it need not
be. It is an intrinsic and inevitable aspect of social
life, and is often a catalyst for beneficial change.
People get involved in conflicts because their interests
or their values are challenged or because their needs
are not met.
Let us examine the conflict structure. Conflicts are
complex processes but consist of basic elements of structure
and process which all conflict situations have in common.
According to the Centre for Conflict Resolution (2000) “Introduction
to Conflict Resolution: Draft Distance Learning course” Bradford,
UK, Department of Peace Studies; one way of conceptualizing
the relationship between these elements is a triangle
with Attitudes, Behaviours and Structures at the points.
Each element influences and is influenced by the others
(see Diagram 1).
Attitudes include the parties’ perceptions
and misperceptions of each other and of themselves. These
can be positive or negative. In violent conflict, parties
tend to develop demeaning stereotypes of the other. Attitudes
are often influenced by emotions such as fear, anger,
bitterness and hatred.
Behaviours can include
cooperation or coercion, gestures
signifying conciliation or hostility.
Violent conflict behaviour is
characterised by threats, coercion
and destructive attacks.
Structures refer to the
political mechanisms, processes
and institutions that influence
the distribution and satisfaction
of security, recognition and
identity needs.
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