Whose Peace? How Local-Global Networks Shape Multilateral Peacebuilding Outcomes
In conflict-affected countries, multilateral governance is not confined solely to international actors but is increasingly dependent on a range of domestic actors within the conflict-affected country, including civil society organizations, local and national government officials, national non-governmental organizations (NNGOs), journalists, and even armed groups.
This project examines how a range of domestic actors in conflict-affected countries, often referred to as “local” actors, influence the effectiveness of multilateral conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts via formal and informal networks. It is undertaken in partnership with collaborators in Burundi, Colombia, and Sudan.
What we’re doing
Mapping the networks. We combined desk research with large‑N network data and more than 100 interviews, focus groups and archival sources to trace which domestic and international actors connect or avoid one another in each country.
Country case studies. Working papers on Sudan, Colombia and Burundi explain how authoritarian constraints, corporate incentives and civil‑society strategies, respectively, shape peacebuilding networks; all three will be submitted to journals for publication in 2025.
Comparative synthesis. A cross‑case brief distills lessons for multilateral agencies working in other fragile contexts, forthcoming on our website.
Engaging decision makers. Findings are being stress‑tested with practitioners at academic conferences (ISA, APSA) and policy workshops/virtual roundtables so evidence travels quickly to the field.
Why it matters
Multilateral peace operations routinely overlook informal alliances and rivalries that structure access, legitimacy and resources on the ground. By exposing those hidden ties, Whose Peace? equips policymakers, donors and local actors with concrete strategies to expand civic space, channel aid more effectively and avoid reinforcing exclusionary power structures.
Our Team
Susanna Campbell, American University
Yolande Bouka, Queen's University (Co-PI)
Jessica Maves Braithwaite, University of Arizona (Co-PI)
Azza Mustafa, University of Medical Sciences and Technology (Co-PI)
Guillaume Ndayikengurutse, University of Burundi (Co-PI)
Santiago Sosa Noreña, Universidad EAFIT (Co-PI)
Hatem Zayed, American University (Co-PI)
Read the work
Blog | Controlling the Corridors in Sudan: Humanitarian Aid and Emergency Response Rooms
Blog | Private investment as peacebuilding: Lessons from Colombia
Cover image of project: photo credit