The authors of this edited volume present a case for why locally led peacebuilding matters and how it can have measurable and meaningful impact, even beyond preventing political violence. This book contributes a set of local voices to a global problem – how to prevent armed conflict and lead to lasting peace. The authors argue that locally led peacebuilding by community based organizations (both formal and informal) plays a crucial role in preventing violence and cultivating peace, one that is complementary to peacebuilding work done by local, state, and national governments within countries and between nation-states.

Through the case studies presented, Locally Led Peacebuilding presents evidence for how and why locally led peacebuilding can prevent violence, and invites practitioners and scholars to critically examine the implications of locally led initiatives. From these examples, we all have an opportunity to learn about creating, implementing, researching, and funding locally led peacebuilding.