Section IV: Structural Reforms, Institution Building and Violence Control

Takes a critical look at the debate on state failure, examining the various ways that state-building programmes have impacted on the successor states of the former Yugoslavia. The author shows how unchallenged assumptions, unrealistic expectations and ignorance of local contexts can lead to political orders being imposed with little regard for domestic legitimacy or locally-driven solutions. Instead of explaining away the predictably poor outcomes, she suggests the need for critical appraisal of those driving the state-building agenda. (The article builds on ideas first contributed to Dialogue Series No 8)

Download

Dialogue Series No 8)"> Share

Offers a comprehensive overview of current strands of debate, in the light of growing international interest in security sector reform. Highlighting how responsible and accountable security forces are crucial to the long-term success of peacebuilding and development efforts, the author surveys the engagement and experience of a broad range of military, diplomatic, development, security and other actors, identifying varied goals and some of the dilemmas faced in trying to instigate coherent reforms. (revised and updated for 2011 print edition; a previous version was first published in Dialogue Series No 2 in 2004)

Download

Share

Explores answers to the question of why companies and conflict transformation advocates have difficulties in hearing each other in the debate on transforming conflict, or in working together to create just and stable environments. The author proposes a range of options for more constructive engagement along various stages of the investment cycle. (updated and revised for 2011 print edition)

Download

Share

Puts forth the claim that conflict transformation and peacebuilding need to be of a hybrid nature and combine traditional, state- and civil society-centred approaches in order to be successful. The authors critically discuss the discourse on failing states and the current state of the art in state-building. They review successes and failures in the context of Somaliland, Bougainville and East Timor.

Download

Share

Presents a wide range of examples for roles of local business in conflict resolution. It looks specifically at why it is useful to engage local businesses in peacebuilding, how this can best be approached, what forms such engagement can take - from the micro to the macro level - and with whom it is most likely to succeed.

Download

Share

Explores the significance of state reform for transformation of war-torn areas. The author presents three strategic approaches: participatory strategies (i.e. democratisation, strengthening of civil society, dialogue); institution building and institutional reform (i.e. federalisation, decentralisation, constitutional and judicial reform); and security needs (i.e. human rights, human security). (revised for 2004 print edition)

Download

Share

Discusses the dual goal of controlling violence while rebuilding cooperative relationships, which calls for an integration of academic approaches with peacekeeping practice. The authors highlight the relevance of conflict resolution theory for peacekeepers, commenting on areas of application and addressing future peacekeeping needs. (revised for 2004 print edition)

Download

Share

Highlights the role of development assistance for the structural aspects of peacebuilding. Exploring the nexus between participation, empowerment and conflict transformation, the authors critically discuss the potential of common participatory approaches at the community level and their impact for conflict transformation on the local level. (revised for 2004 print edition)

Download

Share

Presents proposals for reporting on ethnopolitical conflicts in a manner that fosters peace. The author offers a basic model to explain the impact of media, as well as discussing NGO activities and a proposal for reform efforts on the European level. (revised for 2004 print edition)

Download

Share

A case study of the role media can play in ethnopolitical conflict. The authors portray initiatives by the NGO European Centre for Common Ground in Greece and Turkey, Macedonia, Sierra Leone and Burundi and share lessons about the design, implementation and assessment of projects aimed at cooperating with media, promoting pluralism and fostering ethical standards in journalism.

Download

Share

Debates opportunities and limits for conflict transformation through youth and educational work. The author explores theoretical and conceptual approaches, catalogues key methodologies, learning principles and desired outcomes for both formal and informal education. She also addresses on-going challenges.

Download

Share