A new study introduces the concept of "Peacebuilding influencers"

How can social media foster dialogue in one of the world's most complex and polarised conflicts?

In a new article published in Israel Affairs, Stefania Manca (CNR-ITD) and Sara Torre examine 106 Instagram and TikTok videos produced by the Builders of the Middle East initiative to explore how non-state actors use digital storytelling to promote bottom-up civic diplomacy, recognition, and non-violent internal critique.

The study introduces the concept of peacebuilding influencers, highlighting how digital creators can help sustain spaces for dialogue and mediation, even in highly polarised contexts.

📖 The article is available in Open Access at https://doi.org/10.1080/13537121.2026.2688169