Lisa Glybchenko’s doctoral dissertation advances the emergent practitioner-led field of peace technology (or PeaceTech) by theorizing the notion of “visual peace technology” and developing methodologies for its implementation to support peace processes. A strong emphasis of the research is on supporting non-colonial peacebuilding by and in Ukraine, Glybchenko’s country of origin. The doctoral research is therefore a powerful force for de-colonization and de-weaponization of the very fields of peace research and peace practice. Following the article-based format, the research project examines four areas of theory and practice, which are relevant for the development of Visual PeaceTech.
First, the dissertation investigates digital visuality of images and digital image transformation strategies for supporting those actors, who already work to build security and peace but whose efforts may be invizibilized by the prevailing power structures. Second, the dissertation explores the potential of virtual reality technologies to serve as peace technologies, with a specific focus on some of the virtual reality initiatives employed to support Ukraine and its people. Turning to the field of futures research, the dissertation examines the creation of futures images in augmented reality technologies as a strategy for futures design of lasting peace arrangements in Ukraine during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Lastly, the dissertation zooms out to consider the systems within which Visual PeaceTech may further evolve as well as how these systems need to be reformed to allow for lasting peace.
The dissertation is methodologically inclined and develops original methodologies for performing peacebuilding efforts. The methodologies, as the author points out, also come together under the umbrella of Appreciative Inquiry:
“To conceptualize visual peacetech, this research project employs the methodology of Appreciative Inquiry and adapts the 5-D cycle of Appreciative Inquiry to visual peacetech. The 5-D stages of Appreciative Inquiry – definition, discovery, dream, design and destiny – serve as lenses for discussing the findings of this research and operationalizing them in practitioner peacebuilding efforts. Lessons from and reflections on the author’s own peacebuilding practice and peace research journey, forming the autoethnographic approach to researching International Relations in this project, also inform conceptualization of visual peace technology” (Glybchenko, 2025, see abstract).
Parts of Lisa Glybchenko’s research have directly or indirectly received several international awards, such as:
- the 2024 Prize for Transformative Futures in Peace and Security (3rd place), awarded by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (after competing with 165 projects from 65 countries and 5 continents).
- the 2023 Jon Rieger award for excellent work in visual sociology, awarded by the International Visual Sociology Association;
- and the 2023 Creative Achievement Award, awarded by the International Visual Literacy Association.
Lisa Glybchenko’s research will be insightful for peace practitioners, policymakers and peace entrepreneurs looking to include digital technologies into their practices in the fields of peacework, politics, democracy-building, digital diplomacy, art for change, strategic digital communications, and nuanced social work. More information about the dissertation can be found on its website.
Public defence on Wednesday 21 May
The doctoral dissertation of M.Sc. Yelyzaveta Glybchenko in the field of International Relations titled Visual PeaceTech: Digital Visual Images as Security-Building Tools will be publicly examined at the Faculty of Management and Business at Tampere University at 14:00 on Wednesday, 21st of May. The venue is City Center campus, Pinni B building, auditorium B1096 (Kanslerinrinne 1, Tampere). The Opponent will be Professor Mareile Kaufmann, University of Oslo. The Custos will be University Lecturer, Dr. Reiko Shindo, Tampere University.