From former enemies to collaborators and peacebuilders: stories of learning and transformation in post-peace-accord Colombia

This qualitative case study examines the story of how, in a polarized context such as post-peace-accord Colombia, befriending former ‘enemies’, and the learning that ensued, transformed the lives of four individuals – these being Ilich, a former leftwing militant turned peace activist, Jota, a retired army sergeant and brew master, Carlos, a former soldier and documentary filmmaker, and Cata, a right-wing journalist and conservative political strategist. It is a story about humanizing the ‘other’ through social encounters and craft beer. Following an armed conflict, learning to accept others, as they are, different from oneself, plays an important role in facilitating a transition towards building more peaceful, just societies. This learning can then lead to collective action. Findings reveal that such is the case here. These individuals come from distinct experiences during the Colombian conflict. Now, as a result of this learning process, they dedicate their efforts to promoting understanding, empathy, respect, and peace in distinct and unique ways. This paper examines the role that learning played in former ‘enemies’/antagonists becoming collaborators and peacebuilders. Primary data collection methods include semi-structured interviews and participant observation. Analysis focusses on the relationship between the learning context, individual transformation, and the learning-action nexus.