Beyond likes and shares: why peace mediation has to be more (pro)active on social media

Using digital technologies in strategic communications and outreach | Maude Morrison
Maude Morrison

Maude Morrison is an adviser on social media and conflict mediation at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue.

Peace mediation has long been a field somewhat resistant to the use of digital tools, as it was thought that its success intrinsically depends on confidential, person-to-person engagement. However, in part due to Covid-19 and subsequent restrictions on face-to-face meetings, there is a growing awareness of the role of technology in peace mediation. In this conversation Maude Morrison, Social Media and Conflict Mediation Adviser at the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, explains why peace operations and their mandating organizations should make more effective use of social media, what options exist, and why it’s easier to implement than you might think.

Mediators are exploring, for example how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can help monitor security arrangements or ceasefire agreements, in turn contributing to confidence building between conflict parties.  In addition, social media can be used to enhance inclusivity in peace processes, disseminate information about peace talks or complement traditional conflict analysis. At the same time, it is critical to recognise that social media is not an end in itself, but can be a powerful catalyst when integrated and aligned with peace processes. Strategically engaging with social media requires thorough understanding of context, tools and dynamics. A first step is raising awareness of the role of social media, including who is using it for what purpose and how this impacts conflict dynamics.

Despite this positive potential, conflict parties and their proxies are increasingly using digital tools to further their causes, exacerbating conflict on the ground and jeopardizing progress made in peace talks. There is also an opportunity to incorporate the role of social media in peace negotiations, in recognition of the fact that social media and disinformation are increasingly used as weapons and to incite violence and by the same logic ought to be considered as part of ceasefire agreements.

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  • Author | Maude Morrison priv.
  • Image "People around a table" | Pexels, fauxels
Maude Morrison

Maude Morrison is an adviser on social media and conflict mediation at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue.

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