ICTs and Conflict Actors: The Effect of Conflict Actors' Use of ICTs on Dialogue and Peace Processes

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My PhD project will focus on the effect of conflict actors usingInformation and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in dialogue orpeace processes. ICTs have steadily been on the rise in conflictcontexts and consequently in peacebuilding efforts in recentdecades. Overall, the perspective is clear that the very nature ofconflict and consequently of the peacebuilding field istransforming towards a virtual space. Currently, academics andpractitioners have debated over the role that ICTs can and shouldplay in conflict and subsequently peacebuilding contexts. Theessential question now is firstly how ICTs matter, secondly when,and thirdly for whom. After reviewing the wealth of literature onICTs it became evident that there is a clear lack of empiricalevidence regarding the effect that ICTs might have when used byconflict actors in dialogue and peace processes and how thesetools might shape the outcome. Furthermore, there is a gap in thein-depth analysis of the ways that certain conflict actors use ICTswithin their conflict contexts. My PhD research project seeks tounderstand whether there is an effect of conflict actors' use of ICTson the outcome of dialogue or peace processes, and if so, underwhich conditions? By analyzing the use of ICTs by conflict actorsand its influence on these processes, my PhD can contribute to thishighly relevant field of study and my empirical findings will be ofpractical importance to both policymakers and practitioners on theground.