Inclusion in Peacebuilding: Reflections from Northern Ireland

I recently came across a thought-provoking article by my dear colleague Catherine Turner Inclusion in the Northern Ireland Peace Process: A ‘History of the Present’, which provides a compelling analysis of how the concept of inclusion has evolved within the Northern Ireland peace process, examining it through the lens of inclusion and the evolution of civil society’s role in peace processes.

This agreement, mediated by the US, UK, and Irish governments, ended 30 years of violent conflict in Northern Ireland in 1998. It addressed issues such as Northern Ireland's constitutional status, the creation of power-sharing institutions, and legal reforms, and it is globally recognized as a model for ending violent conflicts.

In April 2024, marked the 26th Anniversary of the Belfast 'Good Friday' Agreement. Signed in 1998, this historic accord brought an end to three decades of conflict in Northern Ireland. While the Agreement is lauded for its political achievements, reflections also highlight tensions regarding the exclusion of civil society from celebratory events. Despite civil society's pivotal role in building the groundwork for peace talks, there's a growing sentiment of marginalization from political discourse.

The Northern Ireland process, initially unfolding without a formal multi-track structure, is now studied through the lens of inclusion in peace processes. This retrospective analysis contrasts with its context, predating global norms like UN Resolution 1325 and the Women Peace and Security agenda.

Turner’s article resonate strongly with the arguments presented in my own work, particularly in Perpetual Peacebuilding: A New Paradigm to Move Beyond the Linearity of Liberal Peacebuilding (2021). In my research, I argue that conventional liberal peacebuilding often oversimplifies complex conflicts by applying uniform solutions and rather advocating for a paradigm shift in how we approach sustainable peace. Turner’s article reinforces this critique by demonstrating how the narrow focus on political inclusion can undermine the broader, more transformative potential of peacebuilding efforts.

Examining this history sheds light on how inclusion, primarily defined through political lenses, can overlook grassroots efforts that were vital during and after the conflict. The metaphor of a patchwork quilt aptly captures these diverse peacebuilding approaches, each contributing uniquely to the peace process.

Both Turner’s analysis and my work highlight the limitations of linear, technical approaches to peacebuilding. While political processes aim to address immediate issues, they can inadvertently marginalize the relational and community-based aspects of peacebuilding that are essential for sustainable and inclusive peace.

Key Takeaways:

?? The Shift from Diversity to Standardization: Initially, the peace process benefited from a rich tapestry of civil society approaches. However, as the process professionalized, this diversity was eroded. The political framework came to dominate, sidelining grassroots and relational approaches that had played a crucial role in the early years.

?? Impact of Professionalization: The professionalization of civil society in NI has led to a focus on technical expertise rather than locally rooted wisdom. This shift has reduced the capacity for inclusive, relational mediation, which is essential for long-term peacebuilding.

?? Challenges of One-Size-Fits-All Approaches: Turner highlights the tension between political processes, which are often short-term and strategic, and civic mediation, which focuses on long-term relational peace. The lack of recognition of the value of diverse approaches can lead to missed opportunities for meaningful inclusion.

?? Lessons on Support for Diversity: The article underscores the importance of supporting a variety of approaches in peacebuilding. NI’s success with the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition (NIWC) illustrates the power of grassroots activism and the need for diverse, community-rooted strategies.

Turner’s article provides valuable lessons on the evolution of inclusion in peace processes and serves as a critical reminder of the need to balance political and civic dimensions of peacebuilding. By acknowledging and supporting diverse approaches, peacebuilding efforts can move beyond the constraints of traditional paradigms and foster more holistic and sustainable solutions.?

For those interested in a deeper exploration of these themes, I recommend reading Turner’s article as well as my own study on perpetual peacebuilding, which further examines the complexities and potential of diverse peacebuilding strategies.

Read the full article here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/17502977.2024.2365512?needAccess=true

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Catherine Turner