Aidnography

Social Media and Peacebuilding This is a short entry from the evolving Palgrave Encyclopedia of Global Security Studies . You can also download a pdf version or access the (gated) official version . Introduction At the time of finalizing this entry, the New York Times published an article Where Countries Are Tinderboxes and Facebook Is a Match on how Facebook has become a platform that facilitates sectarian violence in Sri Lanka, fueled by a newsfeed of misinformation of the rapidly growing social media platform (Taub and Fisher 2018). Discussions about the power of the corporations behind these platforms, for example, Twitter , Facebook , YouTube , or messaging applications, indicate that there is no singular, universal, or unilateral way in which social media have been contributing to peacebuilding. An entry on social media and peacebuilding can provide a snapshot of some of these discussions that have been taking place in the ICT4D or media and communication fields. They show

Hi all, Unfortunately, this week features a lot of difficult reads: Mercy Corps is involved in a long-term abuse scandal, the de-facto prostitution of Iraqi child brides, the limits of ICT4D techno-solutionism or intransparency at the UN pension fund cover a whole spectrum of #globaldev issues with similar themes of abuse of trust, persistent power inequalities and those in charge violating the principles of their organizations. But Carmen Carcelan's open arms to Venezuelan refugees in Ecuador, Petina Gappah's inspiring thoughts on the state of African literature or Emma Edward's reflection on a great internship in India show 'the other side' of #globaldev and positive ways to engage, learn & empower people! My quotes of the week I'm constantly on the move and always feel like I'm visiting wherever I stay, as all the places where I work are several kilometers away from the office. I do not have a support system and I'm unable to create one with my

Hi all, Lots of new reports surfaced after UN GA week-but there have also been other interesting #globaldev readings popping up throughout the week from small island states to Lagos, and from critical commentary on the new EU aid commissioner to refugee numbers and 'tremendous progress' in global health! My quotes of the week Yet there is a persistent expectation from individuals, families, communities and governments that women’s care work is an endlessly elastic safety net that will meet increased needs in situations of conflict and austerity. In fact, this highlights the role of such labour in sustaining society and preventing further conflict. However, policymakers tend to overlook it, as well as women’s role in sustaining peace. (The hidden work of post-conflict recovery) I realised that my carefully polished identity of helper and saviour of others in need was a way of avoiding my own need, my own suffering. And paradoxically, when I managed to acknowledge

Hi all, UNGA week is wrapping up, but the focus on this week's link review is on some of the other #globaldev stories, from shrinking civic spaces in India to flipping the script of child sponsorship and diverse hiring panels! Plus: Avoiding gender bias in reference letters & a look into the 2014 archive! My quotes of the week When we say that civic space is shrinking, this usually refers to legislative measures, human rights violations, and other oppressive practices to curb the space for civil society. But what we see today in many places, including India, is a change in atmosphere. People seeking social justice find themselves increasingly operating in restricted spaces, where populist speech demonises reformers, and legitimises opinions that were until recently unsayable in public. As someone said: ‘Hate is in the air, in many ways and against many‘. Hate of all kinds of ‘others’ extends to hate for people who promote inclusion. (What is happening to civic space in India?)