Localising WPS in the Post-Soviet Space Reconfigurations, Copy-Pasting and Conceptual Gaps

The localisation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda has been a growing trend over the past years. Its aim is to turn the often somewhat abstract aims of WPS National Action Plans (NAPs) into tangible 'on-the-ground' activities; to allow for broader and more diverse participation; and to expand the issues covered by NAPs, focusing on local needs. Localisation has taken different forms, ranging from more heavily 'top-down' to mainly 'bottom-up' approaches, and combinations of these. Based on an analysis of WPS processes in Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova and Ukraine, I examine the different approaches taken, hurdles encountered, and emerging re-configurations of WPS. Using these five case examples, I examine to what degree the high hopes placed in localisation have materialised, and where potential future entry points lie. As the massive 2022 escalation of the Ukraine War occurred during the revision process, it will only be reflected upon briefly.