Witnessing Peace: Becoming Agents Under Duress in Colombia

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

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book, deeply rooted in the fields 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, emphasizing the urgent need for transformative change. 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 affected by war.

Through extensive fieldwork and deep engagement with war-affected communities, the author identifies constructive agency under duress as a powerful force for peacebuilding. This agency emerges from the resilience and creativity of individuals and communities who are forced to navigate the complexities of conflict and find innovative solutions to their challenges. The book explores the various forms that constructive agency under duress can take, including grassroots organizing, community-based healing, and artistic expression.

The author argues that constructive agency under duress is essential for peacebuilding because it challenges the dominant narratives of power and control that perpetuate conflict. It recognizes the agency and capacity of individuals and communities to shape their own destinies and build a more just and peaceful society. By highlighting the contributions of constructive agency under duress, the book offers a roadmap for policymakers, human rights organizations, and academics to engage more meaningfully with war-affected communities and support their efforts towards peacebuilding.

Furthermore, the book raises important ethical considerations regarding the role of external actors in peacebuilding. It questions the extent to which they can impose their agendas and values on communities, and emphasizes the need for genuine dialogue and collaboration between all stakeholders. The author advocates for a more inclusive and participatory approach to peacebuilding that respects the diversity of perspectives and experiences within war-affected communities.

In conclusion, this book offers a groundbreaking perspective on peacebuilding in conflict-ridden contexts. It challenges the conventional understanding of power and agency and emphasizes the resilience and creativity of individuals and communities affected by war. By highlighting constructive agency under duress, the book provides a valuable contribution to the field of peace studies and offers practical insights for policymakers, human rights organizations, and academics seeking to support peacebuilding efforts in Colombia and beyond.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032209067