Description
Recent critical perspectives on International Relations emphasise the need for indigenous concepts as a way of articulating contextually sensitive ‘alternatives’ to peacebuilding, that are not based on Eurocentric understandings. The African concept of Ubuntu has garnered a lot of attention in this regard. Yet, there is little empirical research looking at whether and how Ubuntu is important to those involved in/affected by peacebuilding initiatives in practice. Drawing on first-hand interviews and observations in Cape Town, this paper explores how Ubuntu is understood on the ground and whether it is important to Non-Government Organisations, community organisations, and individuals engaged in/affected by peacebuilding. These findings suggest that Ubuntu is important – particularly for community social cohesion and conflict resolution initiatives. However, how Ubuntu is understood and applied in practice is far more complex than has been previously understood in prior scholarship. As such, this paper argues for nuance and grounded research when discussing 'indigenous', 'decolonial', or 'Global' approaches to peacebuilding, and International Relations more broadly. It warns against the misappropriation of indigenous concepts as ‘ready-made’ alternatives to Eurocentric discourses. These findings speak to broader discussions on how indigenous concepts are (mis)used in studies of the international, and raise questions about why these concepts are being drawn upon, and who they are useful to.
