Title of Presentation or Performance

The Role of Civil Society Networks in Peacebuilding: The Salah Consortium in Afghanistan

Presenter and Advisor Information

Josie Blumberg, Illinois Wesleyan University

Submission Type

Event

Faculty Advisor

William Munro

Expected Graduation Date

2019

Location

Room E105, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University

Start Date

4-21-2018 10:00 AM

End Date

4-21-2018 11:00 AM

Disciplines

Education

Abstract

This research uses network analysis to show how examining the structure of a network provides insights into the impact of networks of civil society organizations on the field of peacebuilding. The research builds off of current theories of coordination and the benefits of network formation for individual organizations. The theory of how networks engage in field building is used to show how networks of organizations can improve an entire sector in which the member organizations are working. Afghanistan is used as a case study because it has been engaged in peacebuilding for over fifteen years, has a highly developed civil society that has formed informal and formal networks, and is characterized by a high level of international engagement. The network of local actors that is analyzed is the Salah Consortium, which comprises five civil society organizations. The research acknowledges challenges to the influence of the network and examines the peacebuilding environment in which the network is working by conducting interviews with individuals with experience working in the development sector as a whole in Afghanistan, as well as with the national Afghanistan Peace and Reconciliation Program. The history and characteristics of the formation of the network are examined to determine the focus of the five civil society organizations on peacebuilding after network formation in relation to peacebuilding at the national level. This allows for an analysis of what networks of grassroots organizations working within the field of peacebuilding have been able to achieve on the national level.

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Apr 21st, 10:00 AM Apr 21st, 11:00 AM

The Role of Civil Society Networks in Peacebuilding: The Salah Consortium in Afghanistan

Room E105, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University

This research uses network analysis to show how examining the structure of a network provides insights into the impact of networks of civil society organizations on the field of peacebuilding. The research builds off of current theories of coordination and the benefits of network formation for individual organizations. The theory of how networks engage in field building is used to show how networks of organizations can improve an entire sector in which the member organizations are working. Afghanistan is used as a case study because it has been engaged in peacebuilding for over fifteen years, has a highly developed civil society that has formed informal and formal networks, and is characterized by a high level of international engagement. The network of local actors that is analyzed is the Salah Consortium, which comprises five civil society organizations. The research acknowledges challenges to the influence of the network and examines the peacebuilding environment in which the network is working by conducting interviews with individuals with experience working in the development sector as a whole in Afghanistan, as well as with the national Afghanistan Peace and Reconciliation Program. The history and characteristics of the formation of the network are examined to determine the focus of the five civil society organizations on peacebuilding after network formation in relation to peacebuilding at the national level. This allows for an analysis of what networks of grassroots organizations working within the field of peacebuilding have been able to achieve on the national level.