In this chapter, we discuss the role and function of digital images in peacebuilding, as identifi... more In this chapter, we discuss the role and function of digital images in peacebuilding, as identified in visual peace research. We argue that the digital image can improve peacebuilding on the condition that the non-linearity and multi-directionality as well as the complexities and ambiguities of both peacebuilding and the conditions in which it interferes are acknowledged and consciously used in peacebuilding efforts. We start by briefly introducing visual peace research and its underlying understanding of peace images as derivate, illustrative, and constitutive of peace as well as representative, pro-active, and participatory. In the following section, we ask what the digital image can offer to peacebuilding—e.g., multifaceted ways of interaction and a surge in the number of peace image makers—so as to create a virtual community of visual peacebuilders from below. Focusing on artificial intelligence and separating a photojournalistic peace photography from a peace photography reflecting peace and conflict studies, we then explore the contribution of AI-generated images to peacebuilding in the narrative tradition which aims to complexify conflict narratives in order to transform a given conflict. Finally, we analyze the contribution of digitization to the practical work of peace researchers and peacebuilders in terms of network building and knowledge production.
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Books by Frank Möller