Daring to Dream

This 59-page paper explores research relating to Computer Supported Cooperative Frameworks (CSCW) and the Locale Framework. It examines the possible use and design of ICT systems that can strengthen efforts at conflict transformation.

Excerpt from the Introduction

"Having worked actively in the peace processes of two countries in South Asia, at a time when they displayed more hope than at the time this paper is written, the thoughts here are self-reflective, and take a look back at some of the peacebuilding work that I conducted in physical and virtual domains in Sri Lanka and Nepal. Working in the field, the luxury of thinking back self-critically at one’s own work is extremely elusive. Furthermore, academic theories very often hold little water in ad hoc situations that one has to confront and deal with on a daily basis. The trauma of a society burdened with decades of conflict is difficult to translate into words, but affects every single transaction between individuals and organisations. For these and many more reasons, it is not easy to critically analyse one’s work and draw up a vision for peacebuilding whilst still engaged in work on the ground in areas of conflict.

Research into exploring and understanding the use of Information Communications Technology (ICT) and particularly Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW – groupware / collaboration software) systems, for peacebuilding and conflict transformation is relatively virgin territory. Amidst the cacophony of research looking at ICT for development, education, e-commerce, e-government in post-conflict countries, the use of CSCW systems for conflict transformation and peacebuilding remains a niche area of interest, but one that I submit to be of pivotal importance to existing theories of conflict transformation and peacebuilding. Countries coming out of protracted ethno-political conflict, which show the signs of a peace process very often become a cynosure of attention for donors and as a result sometimes leap frog neighbouring countries in technological development – gaining access to the latest telecommunications infrastructure where none existed before. The appropriation of these new networks, in regions where instability still exists, and new localised conflicts still rampant, is the larger domain of this study, which submits that the mere introduction of advanced infrastructure and computing resources does not engender stable and equitable relations between the communities which have access to them. in planning for and using ICT, many countries often concentrate on the intervention itself, rather than what they want to accomplish through it. It must be remembered that ICT is a means to an end, not an end in itself.

Although unexplored, much of the existing research in the field of CSCW, barring the more esoteric forays into the pure research of CSCW systems, remain extremely relevant to a study on the applicability of such systems in peacebuilding processes. This study will use the locale framework in particular as a source of inspiration to understand existing CSCW systems and interventions and to help create better systems to help stakeholders engage with the complex dynamics of peace processes.

By building local, regional and national peacebuilding networks between and within government, local authorities, political stakeholders, civil society and international support and resource institutions, ICT has the potential to shape powerful conflict transformation partnerships. The need to create systems for effective and sustainable processes of information and knowledge sharing in virtual domains with synergies to physical world activities to enable stakeholders in peace processes work collaboratively to the fullest extent possible, is one that is desperately felt in countries coming out of or mired in protracted ethno-political conflict.

This study will examine research around the areas of Computer Supported Cooperative Frameworks (CSCW) and in particular, the Locale Framework, to examine the possible use and design of ICT systems that can strengthen efforts at conflict transformation. In doing so, the study will examine in particular Groove Virtual Office (used by Info Share) using the locale framework as an example of a CSCW system in a peace process. The study will critically examine the strengths and weaknesses of this programme. The study will also examine the virtual One-Text process of Info Share in Sri Lanka and in particular, the physical and virtual interactions between stakeholders involved in this mediated dialogue.

In particular, the study will examine the complex layering of a peace process, within and between key stakeholders, especially in their use of CSCW for peacebuilding. The emotional, physical and mental layers of conflict and conflict transformation are inextricably entwined with the physical and virtual dimensions of technologies used in the process. To not recognise the inter-linkages and the manner in which these layers / domains cross-fertilise processes of conflict transformation is to beggar a sense of alienation in the use of these technologies by stakeholders in the long term, however powerful they may be and whatever great potential they may claim to have. This study aims to develop an understanding of the complex processes of physical and virtual interactions in these different layers in a peace process.

For stakeholders in a peace process, that which is ‘real’, ‘immutable’, ‘obvious’ and ‘unchanging’ – which in turn determine the definition and understanding of conflict for instance – is deeply subjective, framed by time and context. The locale framework allows for this complex multiplicity of participants and their viewpoints, and also gives a framework to examine both the social context and the technical concerns about designing solutions for peacebuilding operations."