Reframing the Conflict in Fiji: Economic and Transpersonal Frameworks for Peace
Abstract
Reframing is presented as a psychological technique applicable to facilitating change leading to conflict resolution and the achievement of peace. The current conflict in Fiji is discussed as a case study of one such application. Fijian problems have been commonly attributed to racial and ethnic divides that are not easily amenable to change. An intervention providing an alternative understanding of these conflicts, namely that they are better seen as due to competing economic models, is described. The scientific transpersonal perspective is presented as another alternative framework, seen as especially applicable to religious conflicts, which potentially provides an inclusive way to reconcile differences. It is concluded that reframing might be useful in a wide range of conflicts through providing integrative frameworks that change the level and content of divisive discourse