The Effectiveness of Peace-building Efforts and the Legitimacy of Actors: An Exegesis and Reflection of “The Local” in Myanmar and Nigeria

Abstract

This paper contributes to the growing debate within the peace-building literature
on who and what constitutes “the local”. It explores the challenges associated with
attempts to arrive at a universal framing for the particular groups that make up ‘the
local’. Scholars, practitioners and policy makers have developed different peacebuilding
interventions that have focused on improving and sustaining peace among
different populations. However, evidences continue to show that these actions target
specific groups who are identified through processes of mapping, specifically with
reference to their relevance, impacts and abilities to enforce and influence longterm
changes within societies. These actors leverage and consistently engage the
population to strengthen the effectiveness of diverse peace-building efforts. Drawing
on examples from Myanmar and Nigeria, this paper conceptualizes “the local” as a
product of individual constructions and experiences, particularly by demonstrating
a clear understanding of conflict zones and how different actors influence actions
and inactions that affect the overall process of peace-building.