Communication for Peacebuilding: Media, Dialogue, and Conflict Transformation in Divided Societies

Abstract

This review examines how communication shapes peacebuilding and conflict transformation in divided societies, with particular attention to media systems, dialogue, framing, digital platforms, inclusive participation, and emerging research priorities. Drawing on interdisciplinary scholarship from communication, peace and conflict studies, political psychology, journalism, digital media and related fields, the study adopts a critical narrative review approach to synthesize comparative evidence from diverse global settings, including African contexts.
The findings show that communication can either intensify division or support reconciliation depending on how narratives, institutions, technologies and participation are structured. Dialogue is most effective when it recognizes power asymmetries, enables marginalized groups to influence outcomes and sustains engagement beyond symbolic consultation. Media systems contribute to peace when journalistic autonomy, plural sourcing and conflict-sensitive framing broaden public understanding and reduce dehumanizing representations. Conversely, sensationalism, hate speech, exclusionary narratives and algorithmically reinforced echo chambers can deepen polarization. Digital media therefore offer opportunities for civic participation and peacebuilding while creating new risks through misinformation, hostile amplification and unequal access. The review also shows that conflict transformation is strengthened when communication strategies integrate perspective-giving, intergroup contact, narrative reframing, psychosocial sensitivity and credible institutional communication.
The study concludes that peace communication should be treated as an institutional and relational practice rather than a messaging function. It recommends sustained inclusive dialogue, stronger community and independent media, improved digital literacy, transparent platform accountability, conflict-sensitive communication standards and wider participation by women, youth and marginalized communities. Future research should prioritize longitudinal, cross-cultural and multilingual approaches, trustworthy artificial intelligence, algorithmic accountability and locally grounded evaluation frameworks that measure trust, participation, narrative change and nonviolent relations.