Towards a new cartography: Mapping a peace process using Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

In exploring the possibilities of constructing a mapping process for peace in Sri Lanka, this monograph engages with the theoretical aspects of process mapping and then explores possible ways in which such mapping exercises can be conducted. The author’s research into the creation of Computer Supported Collaborative Work (CSCW) systems to support negotiations and peacebuilding has fed into this paper, along with his earlier work on systems design for early warning, conflict prevention and the mitigation of communal violence using technology.

Beginning with a brief outline of what constitutes a process and the importance of mapping such an activity, the monograph will follow through an examination of ‘wicked problems’ and the locale foundation and then explore other frameworks that may be useful in the formulation of a comprehensive mapping architecture for a peace process. Ending with some basic recommendations and a blueprint that synthesises the key aspects of other frameworks, the monograph primarily aims to stimulate further discussion on a relatively under-developed topic within the existing academic literature on conflict mitigation.

Download the full paper here.

Tips and resources for bloggers and online activists

The Rising Voices wiki has a great selection of training guides, tips, online resources and sources of funding for outreach projects that teach the skills of citizen media to new users.

In collaboration with Tactical Technology Collective, Rising Voices is also the process of developing a series of multilingual videos and tutorials which explain how to use tools like weblogs, photo-sharing sites, podcasts, wikis, and online video. At the time of writing, they have videos on a 3 Minute Intro to WordPress, Posting on WordPress blog along with a number of other useful topics available on their wiki.

Don’t forget to check out the ICT4Peace wiki for more examples of the use of ICTs in peacebuilding and humanitarian aid.

ICT4Peace Facebook Group

The ICT4Peace Foundation has created a group on Facebook to share and exchange information on technology in peacebuilding, conflict mitigation and humanitarian aid. It’s also intended to raise awareness on the Foundation’s ICT4Peace process.

Please join the ICT4Peace Facebook group here – for which you’ll need a free Facebook account if you don’t already have one, which you can create here.