The study titled “Dialogue in Preventing Nonviolent Conflict in Inter-Cultural Society in Siraha, Nepal” explores dialogue as a fundamental and effective tool for peacebuilding and conflict prevention. Dialogue, defined as a free exchange of meaning (Bohm, 1996), facilitates deeper understanding, trust-building, and the resolution of underlying conflicts, particularly in intercultural societies where cultural and religious distinctions, such as those between Hindu and Muslim communities, are pronounced.

The research is anchored in the southern Nepalese district of Siraha, an intercultural society characterized by its diversity. Dialogue is studied as a preventive mechanism against nonviolent conflicts, which often serve as precursors to violent confrontations. The primary objective is to test the theoretical foundations of dialogue and examine its practical applications within the context of peacebuilding. The study also differentiates dialogue from other forms of communication, such as debate, discussion, and negotiation, to establish its unique role in fostering sustainable peace.

The research is underpinned by established theories, including Bohm’s dialogue theory, Buber’s relational perspectives, Isaacs’ concept of meaning flow, Galtung’s conflict transformation and transcendence frameworks, and Lederach’s peacebuilding theory. These theoretical frameworks guide the analysis of dialogue as a structured process involving attitudes, behaviors, and contradictions, aiming for conflict transformation and peace.

Key research questions include the effectiveness of dialogue in preventing conflict, the nature of nonviolent conflict, and the parameters for defining intercultural societies. The study employs qualitative methodologies, including interviews and focus group discussions with dialogue practitioners, to identify indicators of successful dialogue. These indicators encompass trust-building, active listening, inclusivity, and shared ownership of outcomes.

Additionally, the research identifies indicators for intercultural societies, such as language, religion, ethnicity, social practices, geographical contexts, and ancestral linkages. Case studies of nonviolent conflicts resolved through dialogue are analyzed to validate the theoretical and practical connections between dialogue processes and peacebuilding outcomes.

This study aims to contribute to the discourse on dialogue in Nepal, addressing its conceptual and theoretical gaps while offering practical insights for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners. It emphasizes dialogue’s potential as a sustainable tool for fostering understanding and peace in intercultural settings, offering a valuable framework for addressing both local and global challenges in conflict prevention.