External publications

Power imbalances and peace building: a participatory approach between local and international actors

Ruppel, Samantha
External Publications (2021)

in: Africa Amani Journal 8

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Local and international civil society organizations (CSOs) often work together towards peace and development in constrained settings. This “togetherness” is defined differently for every interaction with different actors. Looking at peacebuilding work between different actors, there is a need to reflect upon the power imbalances and promote a localization of civil society. This paper focuses on the German Civil Peace Service (CPS), which works to involve and collaborate with local actors in peace processes in (post-)conflict countries. Using ethnographic research methods and writing, this paper introduces a story that illustratespower imbalances at various levels in peacebuilding. Then, it introduces the concepts of  power, discourse, and paternalism to add to theories like hybrid peace and the local turn that already try to identify the types of partnerships that empower local actors. Looking into the CPS, the paper gives insight into 1) the self-understanding of CSOs working with local approaches, 2) the dynamics of CSOs in societies affected by conflict, 3) on practical challenges regarding power and benefits occurring due to local-global interactions. The paper uses background information from CSOs in Germany and Kenya, it provides examples of how imbalances can be addressed and used in a positive way.