Semi-Automated Coding for Conflict Mediation Research: Database Development

Author: Elisa D’Amico

Developed within the framework of the Global Fragmentation and Peacemaking Initiative, this report aims to bolster the project’s research efforts and serve as a concise manual for semi-automated coding in the broader field of conflict mediation studies. The report, and related database building endeavour, delves into the evolving dynamics of mediation efforts, and third-party involvement.

This project leverages recent advances in computational tools and machine learning to automate the analysis of vast quantities of text data related to conflict mediation. By automating the process of identifying, categorizing, and extracting relevant information from diverse online sources, this approach overcomes the limitations of manual coding methods. This allows researchers to access and analyse a much wider range of data, including sources that were previously difficult or impossible to comprehensively access manually.

Peace Analytics Series

PeaceRep’s Peace Analytics Series features the research methodology underlying the PeaceTech innovations of the PeaceRep programme.

The series includes: data scoping research; ‘how to’ discussions relating to particular challenges in the field of visualisations and geocoding; and other proof-of-concept tech-based innovations, such as the use of natural language processing. It is intended to present the methodologies and decisions behind our PeaceTech digital research, to make it transparent, and to contribute to establishing a new research digital infrastructure in the field of peace and conflict studies, by supporting others to reuse and repurpose our methodologies and findings.