Fostering Constructive Relations: Approaches to Trust-Building in Peacebuilding Interventions

The international community is currently facing a dilemma: While trust- building between representatives of state institutions and the population is one of the fundamental components of cooperation between donors and recipient countries in the security sector, dwindling trust in state institutions is observable worldwide. Even trust-building initiatives between citizens and, for example, the police and the military do not always seem to improve the situation. Therefore, fundamental assumptions about the role of trust and how trust-building works in societies facing conflict need to be reconsidered.

In this research report, the authors analyse established assumptions of the international community on the role of trust between state and society, and contrast them with academic findings. They reveal which assumptions are footed on scientific evidence, and suggest, which strategies should be re-examined. Finally, they identify knowledge gaps that researchers should address in the future if trust-building between state security actors and the society is to be placed on firmer scientific footing. This research report is the result of a research cooperation between IFSH and the Berghof Foundation.

The research and transfer project ‘Arms Control and Emerging Technologies’ examines the status, functions, and strengthening of arms control, disarmament, and the control of emerging technologies. It is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The “Trust-Building in Security and Rule of Law Partnerships” research project analysed policy assumptions and knowledge gaps regarding trust in peacebuilding interventions. It was carried out as a collaborative project between the IFSH and the Berghof Foundation and funded by the Dutch Knowledge Management Fund (KMF) at the Knowledge Platform Security and Rule of Law (KPSRL).