Customary conflict resolution in a state environment: Cases from Vanuatu

This chapter addresses indigenous ways of dispute resolution in the South Pacific island state of Vanuatu. It is argued that such kastom dispute resolution is not only of relevance for the everyday life of people in rural areas and for local conflicts, but is also utilised in urban environments and in the context of the state and national politics. A number of cases from Vanuatu’s recent history are presented, in which the intervention of ‘traditional’ authorities (chiefs) and the application of kastom played a major role in the prevention of conflict escalation.