Localized Peace, Global Application Gaps, Challenges, and the Path Forward for Peacebuilding

During the 2025 Fall semester, AfP partnered with students in the American University School of International Service to produce research on two interconnected research tracks exploring critical gaps and opportunities in locally-led peacebuilding: (1) examining the perspectives of community and local leaders on what barriers exist and what changes are needed for locally-led peacebuilding to succeed; and (2) investigating how development, philanthropy, and policy leaders perceive the challenges and future pathways for locally-led approaches. Through a literature review and interviews, the students authored the following report, including recommendations for peacebuilders, funders, and international NGOs.