Operationalisation of Hybrid Peacebuilding in Asia: From Theory to Practice (Security, Development and Human Rights in East Asia)

This open access book explores common critiques in the literature of hybrid peacebuilding, especially the lack of connection between hybridity in theory and practice. Through using a complexity-informed framework, the foundation for introducing the mid-space actor typology is established. Mid-space actors as insider-partial mediators are perceived to be vital agents for peace processes in conflict-affected areas and thus can be important power brokers and focal points for outside actors. In this book, two insider views are examined through analysing mid-space actors in the peacebuilding process in Cambodia and in Mindanao, the Philippines. First, it explores the process of identity-building of Cambodian monks and how such a process enables or hinders the monks to bridge existing cleavages. Then, in the case study of Mindanao, the roles of civil society actors are considered. The next step is to introduce the outsider’s perspective on hybrid peacebuilding and how Asian peacebuilding actors such as China and Japan are engaging with mid-space actors who provide key bridges in peacebuilding. Operationalisation of Hybrid Peacebuilding in Asia Acknowledgements Praise for Operationalisation of Hybrid Peacebuilding in Asia Contents Notes on Contributors Abbreviations Chapter 1 Introduction: Operationalisation of Hybrid Peacebuilding in Asia Overview of the Book Roles of Outsiders in Hybrid Peacebuilding in Asia From a Descriptive Lens to an Analytical Tool Key Arguments Relationality Complexity Identity Feminist’s Perspective Eastphalian Hybrid Peacebuilding Structure of the Book References Chapter 2 A Brief Sketch of Hybrid Peacebuilding Introduction Theory and Practice of Peacebuilding From Local Turn to Hybrid Peacebuilding Local Turn Hybridity Feminist Perspectives Critique of Hybrid Peacebuilding Pitfalls of Binaries Challenges of Operationalisation Conclusion References Chapter 3 Hybridity, Adaptive Peacebuilding and Complexity Introduction Complexity Complexity and Hybrid Peacebuilding Relationality Dynamism Radical Openness and Contextuality Adaptivity Adaptive Peacebulding The Adaptive Process: Variation, Selection and Iteration Conclusion References Chapter 4 Bridging Gaps: From a Descriptive to a Practical Mid-Space Actor Typology? Introduction Defining the Mid-Space A Mid-Space Actor Typology Critique of the Typology Gatekeepers Political Power Insider-Partial Mediators From Descriptive to Practical? Conclusion References Chapter 5 The Power of Identity in Hybrid Peacebuilding: Buddhist Monks in Post-Conflict Cambodia Introduction Identity Politics Identity in Hybrid Peacebuilding Identity as Spoiler Monks as Bridge-Builders Shortcomings of Bridge-Builders Monks as Spoilers Conclusion References Chapter 6 Frictional Binaries: Hybridity, Civil Society, and Liberal-Local Peacebuilding in Mindanao Introduction Hybrid Peacebuilding and Civil Society Civil Society and Peacebuilding in Mindanao Sites of Liberal-Local Hybrid Peacebuilding in Mindanao People’s Diplomacy Indigenous People’s Participation Women Empowerment Conclusion References Chapter 7 Rise of China’s Developmental Peace: Prospects for Asian Hybrid Peacebuilding Introduction Traits of Developmental Peace as Chinese Peacebuilding World’s Largest Developing Country Non-intervention and Respect for Sovereignty ‘Developmental Peace’ as Chinese Hybrid Peacebuilding Case Studies Myanmar Background Developmental Peace in the Mid-Space Afghanistan and Pakistan Background Developmental Peace in the Mid-Space Shortcomings and a Step Forward Conclusion References Chapter 8 Japan’s Peacebuilding and Mid-Space Actors: A Bridge Between the West and the Rest Introduction Features of Japan’s Peacebuilding Historical Traits as a Bridge-Builder Aid Architectures Three Recurrent Practices Japan’s Peacebuilding Approaches in Practice Timor-Leste Background Engagement with Mid-Space Actors Myanmar Background Engagement with Mid-Space Actors Mindanao Background Engagement with Mid-Space Actors Shortcomings of Japan’s Approach Shortcomings A Step Forward Conclusion References Chapter 9 Conclusion: Alternative Theory and Practice of Peacebuilding in Asia Introduction Complexity and Hybridity Mid-Space Actors and Hybridity Alternative Approaches to Peacebuilding Key Findings References Index