COLOMBIAN LOCAL PATHWAYS TO PEACE LOCALLY-LED PEACEBUILDING AND SUCCESSFUL INTERNATIONAL ACCOMPANIMENT TO LOCAL PEACE EFFORTS IN COLOMBIA

The research project focuses on the relationship between international cooperation and civil society-led peace initiatives and projects in Colombia. It also looks into the relative effectiveness of individual peacebuilding projects and the common factors that contribute to or undermine their success. This research project developed a descriptive-exploratory approach for which a literature review and primary data collection were carried out. The study found that radical improvements in the strategies used by international actors to accompany local actors in Colombia are needed to facilitate locals to unfold their full potential while allowing international actors to play a more effective supporting role in consolidating lasting and sustainable peace. The traditional approach to studying international cooperation involves countrywide economic growth and development indicators. However, in this research project, the main focus is on peace studies, the role of donors, multilateral agencies, private philanthropy, the Colombian government, and civil society in the Colombian post-conflict context.