Peace through communication

The world is bedeviled with conflicts. Analysts indicate that there seem to be an increase in these conflicts over the last hundred years. The million dollar question is, how can these conflicts be resolved? 

To start with, the word communication can be defined as ”…the creation and exchange of meaning” Dimbleby [1992]. Show J.W. 1992 defines communication as ”…a symbolic process whereby reality is produced, maintained, repaired, and transformed”. However Martins gives what the author consider as a better communication definition. He says; ”communication is a transactional, symbolic process which allows people to relate to and manage their environment by establishing human contact, exchange information, reinforcing the attitudes and behavior of others, and changing the attitudes and behavior of others” Martins [1980:8]

It is true that communication can be used as a medium of peace building. Since communication in all its forms can be used to create and exchange meaning, it can be used to achieve peace through peace talks and negotiations. 

The mass media communication is defined as a process of mediated communication between an institutional source and a large, diverse, dispersed audience via a mechanical device. Examples of the mass media are newspapers, radio broadcasts and the television.

A thematic assessment published by ”The Institute for the studies on Free Flow of Information” July [2004] indicate that there are interrelationships between media and conflict.
”The media is a double edged sword. It can be a frightful weapon of
violence when it propagates messages of intolerance or disinformation t
that manipulates public sentiment…but there is another aspect to the
media . It can be an instrument of conflict resolution, when the
information it represents is reliable, respects human rights, and
represents diverse views. It”s the kind of media that enables a society
to make well informed choices, which is a precursor of democratic
governance. It is a media that reduced conflict and foster human
security.”

From the above quote it is clear that the media can reinforce and even change the attitudes of the masses. If the media talks issues of inclusiveness, unity and tolerance it becomes a useful tool in conflict resolution. However if it reports propaganda and the media is one sided that same media may also fuel tensions and provoke conflicts. A media which is controlled by personnel who apply professional ethics combined with diverse access to information can contribute to societal reconciliation, alter misperceptions and broaden understanding of the causes and consequences of conflict.

There are structural considerations for the media to be an effective peace builder such as policy and the media environment. The degree to which policy and legislation provides a space within which the media can operate, and the degree to which judiciary can regulate are crucial. The assessment I had mentioned before says if the legislation is used to silence the media or the courts are easily influenced and corrupted, then its function as the ”fourth estate” and its role in conflict prevention and resolution will be significantly hindered.

The issue of structure makes me recall peace building in Zimbabwe. It is no secret that we are striving for peace and national healing. With few newspapers and only two government controlled daily newspapers, radio and television ,our media is not diverse and not independent which means our media will not at all promote peace and reconciliation but help to fuel tensions and conflict.

However, this is not to say the media policy environment must be too loose or self-regulatory. A too loose policy may allow rogue media, whose aim is to disseminate hate speech and provoke conflict. Such kind of media may spawn views and dogmas that are favorable only to their religious sects, tribes, races or their political parties at the expense of others.

A media with wide coverage and accessible is effective in influencing the masses. There need to be a variety of information flow.

”Homogeneous and heterogeneous media communities-the religious ethnic and political composition of the media community can be
instrumental in defining its orientation and possible vulnerability to
bias. Without diversity there is risk that the media will fail to reflect
the needs of the other.” [2004]Thematic Assessment

And so in the middle east, Syria, Irag etc peace can only be achieved if warring parties are willing to sit down and settle their differences through communication.