Witnessing Peace: Becoming Agents Under Duress in Colombia

This book explores how constructive agency under duress contributes to peacebuilding in war-affected communities in Colombia, highlighting the importance of recognizing and supporting this agency.

Format: Hardback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 21 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book, deeply rooted in the disciplines of theology and peace studies, delves into the profound complexities of war-affected communities in Colombia, exploring their journey towards transitioning from violence to peace. It argues that a significant aspect of peace-building in conflict-ridden contexts often goes unnoticed by governments, human rights organizations, and academics, as it is accomplished through a form of agency that they fail to recognize. This book identifies this overlooked agency as constructive agency under duress and showcases its immense importance in fostering peace by examining a transformative approach that the author has observed flourishing in Colombia over nearly two decades.

The book begins by acknowledging the devastating impact of war on communities, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable peace. It recognizes that traditional approaches to peacebuilding, often driven by top-down initiatives and international interventions, often fail to address the underlying causes of conflict and perpetuate cycles of violence. Instead, the book proposes a novel perspective that emphasizes the agency of individuals and communities in driving peace processes.

Constructive agency under duress refers to the capacity of individuals and communities to respond to the challenges of conflict creatively and constructively, often in the face of immense adversity. The book explores the various forms that constructive agency can take, including resistance movements, community-based initiatives, and grassroots organizing. It highlights the resilience and determination of war-affected communities in pursuing peace, despite the odds stacked against them.

Through a series of case studies and anecdotes, the book demonstrates the transformative power of constructive agency under duress in fostering peace. It showcases the ways in which individuals and communities have used their creativity, resilience, and resourcefulness to overcome the barriers to peace, including social exclusion, economic inequality, and political marginalization. The book also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting these agents of change, as they play a critical role in shaping the future of war-affected communities.

In conclusion, this book offers a fresh and innovative perspective on peacebuilding in conflict-ridden contexts. It challenges the conventional understanding of peace as a product of top-down initiatives and international interventions and emphasizes the agency of individuals and communities in driving peace processes. By highlighting the significance of constructive agency under duress, the book provides valuable insights into the potential for sustainable peace and offers a roadmap for building more inclusive and resilient societies.

Weight: 670g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032197432