Current definitions of ‘peace-building’ go beyond an exclusive focus on the post-conflict phase and emphasise the building of relationships between people as a key component of peace-building.
For example, Lederach (the well-known conflict resolution scholar) has defined ‘peace-building’ as:
“…a comprehensive concept that encompasses, generates and sustains the full array of processes, approaches and stages needed to transform conflict toward more sustainable, peaceful relationships…”
Building relationships and the role of civil society
The Institute for Multi-track Diplomacy has highlighted the need to build strong interpersonal and inter-group relations throughout society and considers this to be a key principle in peace-building efforts.
Lederach has emphasised the importance of creating safe and accessible social spaces or ‘relational spaces’ as part of peace-building. In this sense, the creation of these social spaces (through the use of sport) can be innovative in broadening and deepening peace-building initiatives.
The nature of conflicts since the Cold War is widely perceived to have changed, taking place between rival groups within a nation state rather than between nation states. The OECD cites ‘cycles of civil violence’ as characterising these conflicts, which occur predominantly in developing countries, affecting civilians the most.
Increasing attention is thus being paid to the role of civil society in peace-building processes, emphasising a ‘relational’ response to reducing violence and tension between competing groups by fostering positive relationships.
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