Paper abstract:

This article explores how the media ecosystem plays a crucial role in societies, beyond just providing information, what are the abilities of this ecosystem to create new dimensions of security at both national and international levels, challenging previous assumptions and principles in the structure of relations and international law and contribute to conflict resolution. Within the lens of Diffusion of Innovations Theory and using the content analysis method and a descriptive-analytical approach, this study found that while the media can act as a weapon in the service of conflict and war, it can also be a strong tool to help resolve conflict and maintain peace. The media ecosystem can strengthen democratic platforms of conflict resolution and peace establishment by changing people's belief systems and cognitive systems, rebuilding trust, empowering social groups, and diversifying communication channels.

This study develops a new analytical framework to better understand the functions of the media ecosystem in conflict settlement and peacebuilding. This study proposes to move toward a functional perspective, centered on the roles that different actors can play in conflict situations. Such a functional perspective would enable analysts to better analyze existing and potential forms of media ecosystem engagement in conflict settlement and peacebuilding. In particular, it would help clarify policy and programming objectives, select media ecosystem partners, and help to set outcome indicators to improve monitoring and evaluation.