publication

Forum making peace with un-certainty: reflections on the role of digital technology in peace processes beyond the data hype

Authors:
Andreas T. HIRBLINGER
Martin WäHLISCH
Kate KEATOR
Chris MCNABOE
Allard DUURSMA
John KARLSRUD
Valerie STICHER
Aly VERJEE
Tetiana KYSELOVA
Chris M. A. KWAJA
2024

Recent years have seen the acceleration of data- and evidence- based approaches in support of peace processes, creating a renewed con- fidence that conflicts can be predicted, known, and resolved, based on objective information about the world. However, new technologies em- ployed by conflict parties, stakeholders, and those who aim to make or build peace have also made peace processes less ascertainable, intelligi- ble, and predictable. Technology can thus create both more certainty and uncertainty in (and about) peace processes. This forum article presents a first collaborative attempt to explore how the use of technology by conflict parties and peacebuilding actors influences these dynamics. We examine various fields of engagement, ranging from conflict prevention to peace mediation, peacekeeping, and longer-term peacebuilding. Our discussion engages with a variety of related activities, including predictive analysis and foresight, conflict analysis, cease-fire monitoring, early warning and early action, and problem-solving and trust-building dialogues. We suggest approaching 'un-certainty' as a spectrum between uncertainty and certainty that can be studied across epistemic, ontological, and normative dimen- sions, thus inviting further academic research and policy reflection. The article is coauthored by scholars and current or former practitioners and underlines the necessity, benefits, and feasibility of research–practice ex- changes on this topic.