International cooperation for development and civil society peace initiatives in Cali and Buenaventura, 2001-2015

Abstract

Objective/context: The article focuses on the relationship between international cooperation and civil society peace initiatives in Cali and Buenaventura. It also looks into the way in which the former affects the strategies and behavior of peace initiatives with respect to the possibility of accessing resources for their financing. Methodology: The research project is a case study driven by a descriptive-exploratory approach. For information gathering, databases containing information about projects funded by donors and peace initiatives were consulted. Fieldwork was undertaken with the participation of a network of regional and national partners. Conclusions: The study found that donors and peace initiatives are clearly interdependent: the initiatives require the donors' funding, at the same time as the donors need grassroots organizations that can serve as anchors in the receiving communities. Similarly, peace initiatives financially supported by international cooperation are those that appear to have greater experience and organizational trajectory, the capability to adapt their agenda to the needs of the context and the capability to consolidate collaboration networks with institutional, private, and international actors. Originality: The traditional approach to studying international cooperation involves countrywide economic growth and development indicators. However, in this article, the interest has focused on peace studies and the role of donors, receptors, and foreign aid in particular contexts of importance for the Colombian post-conflict.