Expertise - International Alert
International Alert's Aswaat Faeela project workshop

Expertise

Our peacebuilding work is built on research and conflict analysis that enables us to understand the root causes of violence and long-term solutions to conflict, and to work with our partners to support peaceful change.

We believe that peace is more than just the absence of violence. While the period after fighting stops and a return to normality is welcome, stability frequently masks the reality that grievances or other causes of conflict have not been addressed and may erupt again. We therefore work to support ‘positive peace’: people anticipating and managing conflicts without violence, and engaging in inclusive social change processes that improve the quality of life. This involves addressing power, income, security, justice and wellbeing within society, all factors described in our Programming Framework.   

You can find out more about the process of peacebuilding here:

Our thematic experts and country teams provide context-specific insights on the drivers of conflict and As conflicts are best addressed by those directly affected by them, we work in partnership with local and national organisations, to facilitate dialogue, provide training and influence policy changes. Find out more about our approaches and areas of expertise below.

Our approach

To support our peacebuilding work, we use the following methods and approaches.

Interview about community forest in Shan State, Myanmar. Photo by U Aung Naing Oo
Those working in fragile and conflict-affected states can ensure they do not exacerbate conflict and contribute to peace with a conflict-sensitive approach.
International Alert's Right to Voice journalism project in Nepal. Photo by Robic Upadhayay
We provide dedicated support in conflict-sensitive practice to all working in fragile and conflict-affected states, from donors to practitioners and businesses.
Claire and Beata who met through International Alert's peacebuilding project in Rwanda
Dialogue can help people respond creatively to conflict and lay the foundations for peace and reconciliation by supporting personal and societal change.
International Alert's Aswat Faeela project closing event photo by Zita Luiten
We advocate for policies and practices that apply a peacebuilding approach, focussed on dealing with core drivers of violent conflict, to create meaningful change.
Two friends in Tunisia photo by Callum Francis Hugh
Our partnerships at the local, national and international level are central to our peacebuilding work. Collaboration is vital to ensure lasting impact.
Ibrahim takes part in International Alert mapping project in Lebanon. Photo by Ali Hamouch
Our research ensures our peacebuilding work is based on a strong understanding of the conflict context and provides decision makes with practical solutions.
Tajikistan Living with dignity 'Zindagii Shoista' project. Istiqlol Village. Photo by Aziz Satorri
Our training and learning programmes play an important role in building the capacity of those working in and on conflict to contribute to building peace.

Themes

Kayan lady back from hillside cultivation Photo by U Aung Naing Oo
The climate crisis is impacting peace and security now. Peacebuilding is vital to ensure climate responses do not exacerbate conflict and work to build peace.
Man reading a newspaper. Right to voice project Nepal. Photo by Robic Upadhayay
By supporting press freedom and conflict-sensitive media, we can ensure the media has a role as positive social connector rather than driver of violence.
Metalwork in Rwanda photo by Carol Allen Storey Fractured Lives
From aid delivered during conflict to investments made in post-conflict settings, economic policies and practices play a huge role in peace and security.
A packed bus in Tunisia. Photo by Callum Francis Hugh
We predict vulnerability and resilience to conflict based on knowledge of the social, political, economic and environmental dynamics of a place over time.
Woman in Nigeria looks to camera. Photo by Carol Allen Storey Bad Blood project
Gender is fundamental to conflict and peacebuilding. Our gender-sensitive conflict analyses shape evidence-based policy and gender-sensitive programming.
Tajikistan Living with dignity 'Zindagii Shoista' project. Ghusar Village. Photo by Aziz Satorri
Our work to prevent gender-based violence recognises that by changing oppressive gender norms and attitudes, we can reverse the normalisation of violence.
Man in street photo by Callum Francis Hugh
We know that violent extremism rarely happens in a vacuum. You can’t prevent violent extremism, unless you commit to building peace and security.
Group talking Rwanda Fractured Lives photos by Carol Allen Storey
Being able to pursue truth and justice and having the opportunity to reconcile post-conflict is an integral part of progressing towards sustainable peace.
Goma DRC border crossing security photo by Carol Allen Storey
Prospects for peace are strongest when governments operate transparently, when laws reflect the common good, and when citizens and government collaborate.

Donate today and help us make peace a reality

We believe in a world where people resolve their differences without violence. From the grassroots to policy level, we bring people together to build sustainable peace.