Description
This research aims to show how the focus on the diverse conception of peace can offer a more nuanced picture of states’ foreign policies. As apparent in the liberal peace discussion, the literature on peacebuilding policies, including intervention, has been prone to divide Western from non-Western actors. Investigations of bilateral donor-recipient relationships deal with typical relationships between the developed North American or European countries and the developing African or Asian countries. Non-Western donor countries are often considered to be outside of the framework since they do not fit the popular perception of donor countries.
Instead, this paper will pay attention to the UK and Japan’s foreign policies in Afghanistan, aiming to articulate the concept of peace in these contexts. The comparison between the UK and Japan – two of the largest donors to Afghanistan after 2001 all the while conducting seemingly opposite policies – will elucidate the ‘conventional’ Western and non-Western approaches to peace. It is also noteworthy that the dichotomy between Western and non-Western actors fosters the binary view of peacebuilding activities. This paper will contribute to academic fields by providing a more comprehensive depiction of peacebuilding without drawing a divisive line between Western and non-Western actors. Notably, non-Western actors can be influenced by the dominant narrative on peace while trying to incorporate their culturally- and historically-informed understanding of peace. Thus, it aims to critically engage the existing literature and expand the parameters of peacebuilding studies.
Peace not only maintains close links with other essential concepts, but it also prompts the states and nations to recall their memories regarding their notable wars. The emotional link would provide a rich source for the construction of national biography and identity formation. In conclusion, analysing the various connotations of peace would benefit the argument on state action, especially states' foreign policies towards post-conflict countries.
