Peacebuilding Legacy

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter explains the book’s theoretical underpinnings. It begins by unpacking the concept of peacebuilding legacy through the lens of time, transformation, and intergenerational peace. Legacy is captured through three qualitative cues around norm transmission, resonance, and retention; institutionalization and adaptation of project models; and organizational learning and reflection from monitoring and evaluation (M&E). The analytical framework anticipates that high norm resonance will elicit high compliance and high retention of external norms over the longer term. Neutral resonance will prompt non-participation and mixed retention, while low resonance will encourage non-compliance, resistance, and rejection, leading to weak retention. Commitment to institutionalization through the formal adoption of externally funded project models by successor organizations will support knowledge transfer, while enhancing local ownership. Finally, the long-term monitoring of outcomes beyond project life-cycles would require a conscious commitment to learning and reflection; and further investments in preserving the institutional memory and in post-closure evaluations.