*5.1. Technocratic Disposition*

Technocracy has its advantages, especially in conflict-a ffected environments (Mac Ginty 2018). However, liberal peacebuilding has been criticised for being increasingly technocratic and professionalised, which poses barriers to local ownership and participation. Kurtz and Meyer (2018) argue that technocratic understandings of conflict prevention are now widespread, based on positivist conflict forecasting and toolbox approaches to "what works", delivered with a heavy dose of "wishful thinking" about warning–response dynamics. They call for greater focus on the "art" of conflict prevention, paying closer attention to the informal, individual and political dimensions of the endeavour. Religious peacebuilding scholars have also underlined the creativity and discernment needed for sustainable peacebuilding, which technocracy and formulaic approaches can stifle. As Lederach (2001, p. 203) notes, "Authentic reconciliation will never be packaged and delivered at drive-through windows".
