Impact And Outcomes: The Ethical Perils Of Distancing In Peacebuilding Grant Solicitations

Abstract

This paper explores the moral values that are embedded in peacebuilding funder discourse that affect the focus and locus of peacebuilding projects. The paper analyses the moral values embedded in a set of USAID grant solicitations between 2008 and 2014, which focus on inter-communal relationship-building within peacebuilding projects. This set of solicitations is intriguing because it suggests that there are efforts underway to fund creative, locally led peacebuilding efforts in ways that contradict general bureaucratic processes and norms. The efforts, however, are nascent and point to a series of tensions involved in large bureaucracies funding peacebuilding. Ultimately, the paper argues that particular duties and consequences are prioritised, which limits authentic relationships and genuine responses to needs.

Keywords:

• ethics
• peacebuilding
• evaluation
• funders

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Cheryl Duckworth, Ismael Muvingi, Mary Hope Schwoebel, Kevin Clements and audience members for comments during our panel at the 2015 International Studies Association meeting. Thanks also to the anonymous reviewers and JPD editors for strengthening the paper, as well as to those working for the Conflict Mitigation and Management Unit who are striving to support good local peacebuilding and continuous learning.

Notes

1 Other countries are stronger supporters of multilateral peacebuilding, such as via the UN Peacebuilding Fund.

2 Applicants are encouraged to utilise CMM’s conflict assessment framework, ‘People-to-People Peacebuilding: A Program Guide’ and ‘Theories of Change and Indicator Development in Conflict Management and Mitigation’ to enhance the quality of proposals.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Reina Neufeldt

REINA NEUFELDT is an Assistant Professor in Peace and Conflict Studies at Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo. She has worked with non-governmental organiszations on peacebuilding internationally for more than 15 years