Citation

Boege V, Rinck P. Int. Peacekeep. (London, England) 2019; 26(2): 216-239.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13533312.2018.1561185

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In this article, internationally supported peacebuilding is conceptualized as a cross-cultural relational endeavour, with international and local actors engaged in multiple forms of interactions in a local everyday context. Using a cultural-relational approach, two cases of peacebuilding are presented: Bougainville and Sierra Leone, which are at opposite poles of the spectrum of international-local peacebuilding interaction. Peacebuilding on Bougainville has drawn relatively little attention; the international intervention there was modest and small in size, and locals had considerable control of the peace process. By contrast, Sierra Leone is one of the best-known cases of peacebuilding, with massive external engagement and comprehensive external control. Both cases are considered success stories, but they differ considerably due to the differences in local-international relations. This is explained by focusing on two interrelated core aspects of the local-international interface: building relationships and trust, and security provision. Furthermore, another generally underestimated dimension of peacebuilding is explored, namely culturally different understandings of the spiritual realm and their effects on peacebuilding interventions.

Language: en

Keywords

Bougainville; cross-cultural interactions; international-local relationships; Relational peacebuilding; Sierra Leone