ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the effects of the circulation of international norms on conflict resolution, by examining how women’s movements in Israel and the Palestinian Territories have appropriated the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 “Women, Peace and Security.” In Israel-Palestine, the vagueness and politicization of the triptych “women, peace, security” is exacerbated by the fragmentation of peace and anti-occupation initiatives and the polarization of civil society organizations which take up the issue according to their own priorities, perceptions and interpretations, and therefore perpetuate the very opposing terms of the conflict. Beyond the resources and constraints attached to international norms’ circulation – in terms of visibility and funding – this chapter focuses on adaptation strategies put in place by activists and NGOs’ professionals. This alliance of pragmatism and conviction sheds light on the very lucid practice of grassroots movements with more than 20 years of international advocacy experience. Finally, looking at several biographical trajectories and narratives, connections between local, national and international spaces of engagement are unravelled to highlight activist involvement in multi-level networks.
