Chanting Diplomacy: Music, Conflict, and Social Cohesion in Micronesia

Abstract

Processes of conflict resolution have a valuable role in facilitating social cohesion in any society. Indigenous cultural forms of diplomacy refer to localised and distinct efforts of conflict resolution, and music and dance may take valuable roles in the establishment of social peace. In the Pacific region, few studies have engaged fully with the place of music and dance in contexts of diplomacy, and the topic remains under-researched. Writing of music broadly, O’Connell notes that ‘music occupies a paradoxical position, used both to escalate conflict and to promote conflict resolution’ (2010: 10–11). He adds that the power of the