publication

Multitrack digital inclusion and data-driven peacemaking

Authors:
Andreas T. HIRBLINGER
2022

This policy brief fleshes out how data-driven approaches can be leveraged within an inclusive, multitrack framework. Digital technologies are increasingly viewed as a vehicle to enhance digital inclusion in peace processes. However, data-driven approaches may also constitute a risk to broad-based participation and inclusivity, particularly if data is collected, analyzed and used without the knowledge and involvement of conflict stakeholders. To safeguard the inclusivity of digitally enhanced peace processes, data should be co-produced by the stakeholders with the intention to inform the peacemaking effort. To this end, the policy brief presents a conceptual model for inclusive data-driven mediation support, consisting of two interrelated and complementary processes, namely vertical data sharing (between different tracks) and horizontal data dialogue (within the same track).