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Conflict potential and violent conflicts in the South Pacific: Options for a Civil Peace Service- A study for Service Overseas

Boge, Volker
June 4, 2015

Source: (2001) Working paper no. 1. Translated by Cynthia C. Lies. Hamburg: Universität Hamburg, Research Unit of Wars, Armament and Development.

In this paper, Volker Boge observes that modern warfare largely consists of internal wars in lesser developed countries (so called Third World countries). The region of the South Pacific is increasingly affected by factors that cause such wars and by the danger of war itself. In view of these realities, Boge urges the following aims: recognize and analyze potentially violent conflicts; identify factors and people who can help to work against violent escalation of a conflict; and find ways to manage these conflicts and prevent violent crises. To support these aims, Boge distinguishes different types of crisis or conflict prevention: structural prevention; process-oriented prevention; pre-conflict primary prevention; and remedial post-conflict prevention. A particular measure for preventing or reducing conflict would be the sending of peace workers within the framework of a Civil Peace Service. With all of this in mind, Boge surveys several areas rife with existing and potential conflict: Bougainville, Papua New Guinea; the Solomon Islands; Fiji; and Vanuatu. In each instance, he presents a summary, evaluation, and recommendations; historical background to the conflict and its causes; recent developments and the current situation; and possibilities for conflict resolution and a Civil Peace Service; and potential partners for a Civil Peace Service.

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