Web Science

jrw1g08@soton.ac.uk @jenwelch15 Jen_welch15

The Web & Post-conflict Governance Building in Fragile States

Case studies
1. The web for conflict prevention

Jennifer Welch Prof Susan Halford Dr Mark Weal Prof Gerry Stoker

Related work
[i]f the Internet can provide a canvas upon which nations can paint their social, linguistic,
cultural, and political beliefs, then perhaps the physical struggle for safe cultural havens and borders may no longer be as necessary for their preservation or evolution

McCormick (2002) The role of the Web in post-conflict governance building is at present widely underresearched, mainly due to the perceived lack of relevance of such technologies in places where infrastructure is severely lacking and where the prospects for connectivity seem implausible. So to answer the research question, we need to understand the debate in the field of peacebuilding, evaluate current policy and practice, and gather insights from close conceptual neighbours. Only academic work on the topic is on digital diasporas (Brinkerhoff 2007) and their use of the Web to affect the processes of peacebuilding on the ground in conflict-affected states. A review of policy and practice of five main actors in post-conflict governance building on a global scale provided the following results:

This case study covers a wide range of projects related to the use of ICTs and the web for conflict prevention. Most were perceived as disappointments, mainly due to the use of inappropriate technology, in terms of sustainability and capability (Musila 2013). There were also several unintended consequences of the use of ICTs, such as increased community participation from the workshops organised to teach local populations about the platforms and nefarious uses of the technology introduced (Puig Larrauri 2013).

2. The web for governance building

Again this case study covers a wide range of projects related to the use of ICTs and the web for governance building in developing countries. Project outcomes were deemed mainly positive, citing for example the computerisation of electoral lists as having increased citizens confidence in the [] system (UNDP 2013a: 37). However project reports highlighted that the beneficiaries of these initiatives were the upper and middle classes, rather than those who might need it the most.

Stabilisation Guiding Best practice Recognise Recognised Unit Principles on the potential and embrace Strategic Strategic transparency of ICT in potential of Comms only Comms only Broadcasting fragile states ICT in fragile states

How is the Web used The UN, in particular the UNDP was the most advanced in terms of perspective and practice of ICT use in fragile and conceptualised in settings. Notable in conflict prevention and governance building, which form the case studies of this research. post-conflict settings and with what Analysis & conclusions impacts?

From the academic literature, policy and practice review and insights gained from the case studies on closely related fields of conflict prevention and governance building in developing countries, we start to see the various ways in which the Web is used and conceptualised for post-conflict peacebuilding:

1 Six Webs identified in

academic, policy and case studies literature and pilot projects with different assumptions, risks and opportunities.

(Big) Data Agent of social change

Here the Web is conceptualised as a way of generating data, both in terms of specific location or as Big Data. Indicators Access Representativeness Ranging from the purely Prevalent in mainstream media, Sensitivity broadcasting perspective of especially in the Arab Spring Ownership strategic communications to more discourse, where the transformative Scope innovative crowdseeding effects of the Web are being techniques heralded. Unintended consequences Technologically deterministic Authenticity of information Agency Control of the message

2
Six Webs always co-exist, though not every type is actualised in a given context. Any could be actualised with their emergent properties.

Info sharing tool

Six Webs

Empowerment

Management tool
An alternative to the Increased efficiency for spoilers physical, geographical Control of the system inhabited by the victims and perpetrators of the violence experienced in conflict. Digital traces of interactions Security Used as a platform to organise, coordinate and to increase efficiency.

4 Juxtaposition of these
Webs can help explain intended & unintended consequences of actual projects and wider impacts.

Web seen as a catalytic enabler (UNDP 2013a) or a mobilising tool (UNDP 2013b). Agency Digital traces Security Power for whom?

3 This research shows that

understanding these conceptualisations is essential for a more effective understanding of success or failure in conflict-affected, fragile settings.

Alternative space
References: Brinkerhoff, J. M. (2007) Contributions of the digital diasporas to governance reconstruction in fragile states: potential and promise in Brinkerhoff, D. W. (ed.) (2007) Governance in Post-Conflict Societies: Rebuilding fragile states, Abingdon: Routledge Letouz, E., Meier, P. and Vinck P. (2013) 'Big Data for Conflict Prevention: New Oil and Old Fires' in 'New Technology and the Prevention of Violence and Conflict' in Mancini, F. (ed.) New Technology and the Prevention of Violence and Conflict, New York: International Peace Institute McCormick, G. M. (2002) Stateless Nations: I Pledge Allegiance To? in Mazarr, M. J. (ed.) Information Technology and World Politics, New York: Palgrave MacMillan, pp. 11-23 Musila, G. M. (2013) 'Early Warning and the Role of New Technologies in Kenya' in Mancini, F. (ed.) New Technology and the Prevention of Violence and Conflict, New York: International Peace Institute Puig Larrauri, H. (2013) 'New Technologies and Conflict Prevention in Sudan and South Sudan' in 'New Technology and the Prevention of Violence and Conflict' in Mancini, F. (ed.) New Technology and the Prevention of Violence and Conflict, New York: International Peace Institute UNDP (2013a) From Connectivity to Service Delivery: Case studies in e-governance, New York: UNDP UNDP (2013b) Issue Brief: Mobile Technology for Conflict Prevention - July 2013, New York: UNDP