While the relationship between war and media is examined in literature, the cases of the positive use of mass communication channels in the reconciliation of post-conflict societies are virtually unknown. The goal of this study is to respond to the gap in literature by examining theoretical evidence and practical case studies describing media promotion of peace across the world. As a result, a total of 40 media projects in 18 countries are documented and two case studies are examined in detail. Initial lessons from the practical projects in conjunction with historical developments of media in wars suggest that the current practice would benefit from: integration of all available media channels and practices, incorporation of media into other social institutions and processes and regulation of hate media as well as production of peace-oriented media.
The cases of the Western Balkans and Israel-Palestine are used to explore symmetry and asymmetry, and the role of mass media, in conflict and peacemaking. Introductory sections include an ''anatomic'' discussion of structural, cultural, and psychological dimensions of asymmetry, and a ''diagnostic'' characterization of symmetries and asymmetries in war and peace. The core section is a ''therapeutic'' discussion about media roles and their implications for peacemaking in asymmetric conflicts. Examples illustrate structural, cultural and psychological constraints that affect symmetries and asymmetries, such as socioeconomic and integrative resources as well as narratives, images, and perceptions. The discussion argues that peace agreements where asymmetric conflict is changed into a relatively symmetric peace treaty, such as in Northern Ireland, might be more successful than peace agreements that perpetuate asymmetries built into conflicts, such as Oslo, Dayton, and Rambouillet.
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