Transnational macro-narrative descendancy in violent conflict: a case study of the Mujahidin Indonesia Timur in central Sulawesi

This thesis investigates transnational macro-narrative descendancy in violent conflicts and identifies enabling dynamics that facilitate re-framing. To date there has been little focus on actual re-framing processes involved, explicitly narrative descendancy, bridging, resonance building or grafting, representing a critical knowledge gap. This thesis first reviews relevant literature on constructivism and rational choice theory and tests the findings against an empirical case study in central Sulawesi. The findings demonstrate that a mixture of approaches is present, though this is likely due to a range of dynamics unique to the conflict itself. The results have high relevance for policy makers and academics across security and conflict disciplines.