Peacebuilding 2.0: Mapping the Boundaries of an Expanding Field

The time is ripe for the peacebuilding field to evolve
from Peacebuilding 1.0—a dynamic yet disconnected
series of peacebuilding activities across a broad range
of sectors—to Peacebuilding 2.0, a more unified field
that harnesses the collective energy of all peacebuilding
interventions and creates joint impact that leads to more
stable, resilient societies. We are on the verge of this
transition but have not fully realized Peacebuilding
2.0. We hope that outlining the field’s parameters and
principles will encourage this transition, enabling
more effective cooperation and coordination between
different actors, while bringing more resources to
fragile societies and amplifying the voices for peace in
the world’s most complex zones of conflict.
Defining Peacebuilding
Debates over the size, shape, and scope of the
peacebuilding field are rife in trade association
meetings, classrooms, academic journals, and informal
conversations among peacebuilders. Some argue for a
rigid definition of peacebuilding, which would include
only a small number of professionals operating in
very discrete settings. Others assert that peacebuilding
should be defined broadly to encompass a wide range of
activities that take place in the conflict “space” and that
aim to reduce human suffering in conflict zones. This
distinction is characterized as “working in and around”
conflict,with a conflict lens (the broad definition) as
opposed to “working on” conflict (the narrow definition).
Strategic Peacebuilding Principles:
“
1. Peacebuilding is complex and has multiple
actors.
2. Peacebuilding requires values, goals,
commitment to human rights and needs.
3. Peacebuilding goes beyond conflict
transformation.
4. Peacebuilding cannot ignore structural
forms of injustice and violence.
5. Peacebuilding is founded on an ethic
of inter-dependence, partnership, and
limiting violence.
6. Peacebuilding depends on relational skills.
7. Peacebuilding analysis is complex;
underlying cultures, histories, root causes
and immediate stressors are essential.
8. Peacebuilding creates spaces where people
interact in new ways, expanding experience
and honing new means of communication.
9. Peacebuilding heals trauma, promotes
justice and transforms relationships.
10. Peacebuilding requires capacity and
relationship building at multiple levels.”
— Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice,
University of San Diego
PEACEBUILDING 2.0: A MORE
UNIFIED FIELD THAT HARNESSES
THE COLLECTIVE ENERGY OF ALL
PEACEBUILDING INTERVENTIONS
AND CREATES JOINT IMPACT
THAT LEADS TO MORE STABLE,
RESILIENT SOCIETIES.
Alliance for Peacebuilding
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