Public support for peacebuilding
September 2017
In June and July 2017, Conciliation Resources and the Alliance for Peacebuilding conducted the first ever national surveys of public attitudes in the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US) and Germany towards peacebuilding and dialogue with armed groups.
The survey offered the opportunity to compare and contrast public views at a time of shifting geopolitics and multiple security challenges. The results show a striking level of consensus, with widespread understanding of and support for peacebuilding in each country, and strong support for dialogue with groups who use armed violence, in order to further peace.
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For UK policymakers reconfiguring the country’s international role and relationships as the UK moves towards Brexit, the survey provides important data. The UK Government has made significant investments in peacebuilding, mediation and conflict prevention over the years. The UK is home to substantial research expertise and respected non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that are working actively in conflict contexts.
Peacebuilding and conflict prevention are thus an area of foreign policy for the UK to champion, support and develop going forward. The survey findings are of political value – offering policymakers reassurance of the levels of public support for this approach to tackling conflict, as well as data to help design communication strategies and peace support efforts. The results offer food for thought and impetus to review existing policies and strategies for engagement with armed groups.