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Dissertation Defense - Bridget M. Moix
Choosing Peace: Local Peacebuilder Perspectives on Agency, Relational Responsibility, and the Future of International Peacebuilding
Wednesday, November 9th, 2016
1:30pm to 3:30pm
Metropolitan Building, Room 5145
School for Conflict Analysis & Resolution
Arlington Campus
Committee Members:
Dr. Susan Allen (Chair)
Dr. Andrea Bartoli
Dr. Jessica Srikantia
ABSTRACT
Even in the midst of the most horrific violent conflicts, there are always people building peace. What motivates such individuals to act for peace when many others do not, and how do they understand their own motivations? What do they feel sustains and supports them against the risks they face? How do they think the international community can better support them and others like them to make the courageous choice for peace? This collaborative action research explores the perspectives of local peacebuilders from a range of countries around the world on these questions. Through in-depth interviews, written content analysis, and reflective practice, the study reveals considerable challenges to the current paradigms and practice of international peacebuilding and urges us to reorient the field toward new relationships and responsibilities. This study was undertaken in collaboration with the international non-governmental organization Peace Direct.