Building the Framework: The Six Components of Proxi-Temporal Peacebuilding
The Proxi-Temporal Peacebuilding Framework is organized around six interdependent dimensions, each addressing a distinct aspect of researching and practicing peacebuilding during active conflict. Together, these dimensions provide an integrated framework that combines theory, methodology, pedagogy, and ethical practice.
The Temporal Dimension
The temporal dimension positions the timing of research as a defining characteristic of knowledge production. Drawing upon the United Nations Sustaining Peace agenda, the framework recognizes peacebuilding as a continuous process occurring before, during, and after conflict. However, its primary focus is the comparatively neglected temporal condition of “during,” arguing that peace experienced within active conflict differs fundamentally from peace examined retrospectively after violence has ceased. Research conducted during conflict therefore requires distinct conceptual, methodological, and ethical approaches.
The Proximity Dimension
The proximity dimension reconceptualizes proximity as an ontological, epistemological, and ethical condition rather than simply geographical closeness. Knowledge is generated through sustained relationships, reciprocal engagement, and shared accountability between researchers, educators, practitioners, and conflict-affected communities. Proximity therefore requires researchers to move beyond detached observation toward collaborative knowledge production while maintaining appropriate professional and ethical boundaries.
The Participatory Dimension
The participatory dimension establishes conflict-affected communities as partners in knowledge creation rather than subjects of investigation. Universities, schools, civil society organizations, children, educators, and local practitioners contribute directly to defining research priorities, interpreting findings, and developing locally meaningful responses. Participation is therefore understood as reciprocal collaboration rather than consultation.
The Pedagogical Dimension
The pedagogical dimension recognizes education as an active process of peacebuilding rather than simply the transmission of knowledge about peace. Universities and schools are understood as conflict-embedded institutions that sustain dialogue, critical reflection, institutional continuity, and community resilience while conflict continues. The framework also provides the foundation for developing locally co-produced, trauma-informed peace education curricula that emerge from children’s and communities’ lived experiences rather than externally prescribed models.
The Ethical Dimension
The ethical dimension places safeguarding, trauma awareness, and the principle of Do No Harm at the center of research design. Ethical responsibility is understood as relational and continuous rather than procedural. Researchers remain accountable throughout the research process, adapting methods to changing conflict conditions while prioritizing the dignity, well-being, and agency of participants, particularly children and vulnerable communities.
The Institutional Dimension
Finally, the institutional dimension positions universities not simply as venues for research but as conflict-embedded epistemic communities that generate, preserve, and transmit peace knowledge during active conflict. Through teaching, research, international collaboration, and community engagement, higher education institutions become active participants in sustaining peace rather than passive observers of conflict.
These six dimensions operate together rather than sequentially. The framework therefore provides an integrated architecture for understanding how peace knowledge is produced, sustained, and applied within the lived realities of ongoing conflict.
Rather than functioning as separate elements, they work together to guide how peace can be researched, taught, and practiced while conflict is still ongoing. But how does this framework move from theory into practice? In the next article, we explore what using the Proxi-Temporal Peacebuilding Framework actually involves and how it can be applied in real-world research, education, and peacebuilding initiatives.