The Philippines: Religious Conflict Resolution on Mindanao

Abstract

This case study explores the over 40-year conflict between Muslim separatists and the government of the Christian-majority Philippines on the country’s southern island of Mindanao, placing particular focus on the peacebuilding efforts of domestic and international faith-inspired groups. The core text of the case study addresses five primary questions: What are the historical origins of the conflict in Mindanao? How did domestic forces drive the conflict and efforts toward its resolution? How important were international religious and political forces? What role did socioeconomic factors play? What are the broader lessons of the Mindanao case? This case study also includes a timeline of key events, a guide to religious and nongovernmental organizations involved with peacebuilding in Mindanao, and a list of readings for further study.