Power dynamics and health initiative design as determinants of peacebuilding: a case study of the Syrian conflict
This research investigates the complex relationship between health interventions and peacebuilding within the context of the Syrian conflict. It analyzes how the design of health initiatives and the underlying power dynamics among various actors—including local authorities, international donors, and non-state actors—can either promote or hinder social cohesion and peace. Through a detailed case study, the paper explores how health, often viewed as a neutral entry point, is deeply embedded in political realities. The study emphasizes that for health programs to contribute to lasting peace, they must be conflict-sensitive, inclusive, and designed to address the root causes of fragmentation. It provides a critical framework for humanitarian organizations and policymakers to evaluate the long-term sociopolitical impact of their health strategies in divided societies, ensuring that “doing no harm” extends to the political stability of the region.
Authors and Contributors:
The paper was authored by a distinguished team of researchers: Majd AlGhatrif, Mohammad Darwish, Zedoun Alzoubi, and Yusra Ribhi Shawar. This collaborative work brings together perspectives from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, the Syria Peace Program at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and LUGARIT, offering a profound analysis of the intersection between public health and political science.
