Social Media: A New Track of Multi-Track Diplomacy

The Internet and social media are revolutionizing all aspects of human communication. They are transforming the ways people and societies relate to one another, to themselves, and to other societies. Inevitably, technological advances have profound impacts on conflict dynamics and peacemaking. Even so, their effects have not been studied yet.

This chapter moves from acknowledging the impact of Web 2.0 revolution on social action in general to examining its impact on peacemaking practice. The chapter considers the Internet and social media as a new and emerging track in multi-track diplomacy that works in close interrelation with all others tracks to support or hinder peacemaking. The chapter presents the efforts of peacemakers in the Caucasus and elsewhere to incorporate this new track into conflict resolution work. It also examines cases in which these developments have contributed to conflict escalation. The chapter ends with a conclusion that notes the promises as well as the pitfalls that these trends present and suggests in-depth research to produce guidelines for the proactive use of the Internet and social media in peacemaking. Peacemaking here is defined as a targeted effort to contribute to cultural change that leads to positive transformation of relations among conflicting parties. The transformation of relations assumes rehumanization of the other, development of inclusive concepts of identity, mainstreamed critical thinking abilities, and constructive approaches to the phenomenon of conflict.

In a world where conflict is never ending, this thoughtful compilation fosters a new appreciation of the art of peacemaking as it is understood and practiced in a variety of contemporary settings.

Whenever we seek to understand others, build healthy relationships, soothe discord, right wrongs, or nurture respect, we are making peace. Whatever the situation, peacemaking is about learning—learning the other; learning the issue; learning the future; learning to co-create a new, shared reality. The more we know about how peace is made, the better equipped we are to help peace prevail.

Peacemaking: From Practice to Theory is about seeing, knowing, and learning peacemaking as it exists in the real world. Built on the premise that peacemaking is among the most elemental of human experiences, this seminal work emphasizes the importance of practice and lived experiences in understanding the process and learning what works to nurture peace.

To appropriately reflect the diversity of peacemaking practices, challenges, and innovations, these two volumes bring together many authors and viewpoints. The first volume consists of two sections: "Peacemaking in Practice" and "Towards an Inclusive Peacemaking;" the second of two additional sections: "New Directions in Peacemaking" and "Interpreting Peacemaking." As the title states, the work moves peacemaking beyond mere theory, showcasing peacemaking efforts produced, recorded, recognized, and understood by a variety of individuals and institutions. In doing so, it refocuses the study of peacemaking and guides readers to a systematic understanding and appreciation of the practices of peacemakers around the globe.

Features
• Contributions from an international, interdisciplinary team of 48 experts who bring together insights from peace and conflict resolution studies, anthropology, sociology, law, cultural studies, and political science
• First-person narratives detailing the experiences of prominent peacemakers
• Offers access to an ongoing, Internet-based, practice-to-theory project
• An extensive bibliography of resources about peacemaking and related fields

Highlights
• Recognizes and promotes peacemaking as an empirical, shared human experience
• Proposes a practice-to-theory movement for facilitating peacemaking, linking academic research with practice across disciplines
• Draws on insights from multiple religious and philosophical traditions
• Enriches the reader's understanding of the evolving international system