Northeast Cultural Values and Principles, Good Governance and Conflict Reduction: A Bodo Socio-Cultural Framework

Abstract

This article proposes a solution to problems occurring in Northeast India that result in conflict – that are the consequences of the prior approach to development and governance. The article argues that the problems can be solved in a way compatible with micro level cultural values and that benefit stakeholders at the local, regional, and national levels by integrating Amartya Sen’s approach to freedom with the Creating Public Value Theory (i.e. state-of-the-art strategies for freedom and good governance). The article uses an exploratory study of relevant literature as a method to analyze the dynamics of Northeast India and to explain how recent scholarship on Development as Freedom, multi-level governance, Creating Public Value, and social networking contribute to conflict reduction and peacebuilding. Bodo culture is used as a context to demonstrate the viability and applicability of the model. The article contributes to literature on good governance, interethnic relation, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding.