Collaboration Versus Cooperation: Grassroots Activism in Divided Cities and Communitcation Networks

Peacebuilding organisations act as network of information for communities. Through fieldwork, it was highlighted that grassroots organisations and activists may cooperate with each other in their actions of peace-building however they would not collaborate. This theme first came to attention in February/March 2017, and then was further supported in August and September 2017, within two divided societies; Nicosia in Cyprus and Jerusalem in Israel, there was a distinction made by organisations (such as PRIO in Cyprus and Bimkom in Jerusalem) and activists with regards to activities (e.g. organising rallies) being more ‘co-operative’ than ‘collaborative’. This theme became apparent when having informal conversations and semi-structured interviews with various members of the activist communities. This idea needs further explored as these distinctions could impact upon the efficiency of peacebuilding activities within divided societies.