The Power of Identity in Hybrid Peacebuilding: Buddhist Monks in Post-Conflict Cambodia

Abstract

This chapter connects the concept of identity to mid-space actors involved in hybrid peacebuilding. The power of identity draws attention to the process of framing and othering as important factors contributing to successful bridge-building across diverse actors during hybrid peacebuilding. Buddhist monks in post-conflict Cambodia are exemplar. How and why monks both succeeded and failed in their role as bridge-builders will be evaluated. Identity frames and networks of mid-space actors predisposes them to excel in particular fields and fail in others. The concept of identity is therefore an important way to explain why and how a mid-space actor may transform from being a bridge-builder into a spoiler during the process of hybrid peacebuilding.