OEF’s work is based on some basic theories that guide our thinking in program design. The first, captured in our “Theory of Peace” is that all wars are caused by the combination of multiple pressures and sustainable peace requires working to address all of these pressures simultaneously. This means that peace will always require multiple organizations, from multiple different sectors, working together to deliver the conditions necessary for sustainable peace.
This foundational premise leads to our second major theory of impact, our “Theory of Networked Coordination.” Rather than ignoring the work of other actors or relying on hierarchical systems where all entities attempt to follow one unified strategy, One Earth Future’s programs work to embrace or establish networks of organizations across all sectors in a given conflict context. As our programs work to solve a concrete problem at the root of armed conflict, we actively build and cultivate a broader set of linkages required to produce systemic impact. OEF’s rigorous monitoring and evaluation of its programs over a decade of accomplishments globally, demonstrates that our Networked Coordination approach not only fosters productive collaboration, but advances positive outcomes in resolving the drivers of conflict.
