From War to Democracy: Dilemmas of Peacebuilding - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521713277 ISBN 13: 9780521713276

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2008

Synopsis

Attempts to introduce democracy in the wake of civil war face a critical problem: how can war-torn societies move towards peace and democracy when competitive politics and hard-fought elections exacerbate social and political conflict? Through a study of six themes (peacekeeping, management of violence, power sharing, political party transformation, elections, civil society and international reactions to democratization crises) this volume considers the dilemmas that arise in pursuing peace after civil war through processes of democratization. The contributors' research highlights the complex relationship between democratization, which is competitive, and peacebuilding or efforts to achieve reconciliation. The book offers insights into more effective action in peacebuilding in light of the short-term negative effects that democratization can introduce. It is a thought-provoking work that seeks both to advance theory and to provide policy-relevant findings to facilitate more effective and durable transitions from war to democracy.

About this title

Review:

'This is an excellent and thought-provoking book that addresses many of the dilemmas inherent to peacemaking and peacebuilding. It nicely marries theory with practice, and should help policy-makers formulate more integrated strategies for future operations.' Karin Von Hippel, Co-Director, Post-Conflict Reconstruction Project, Center for Strategic and International Studies

'Can building peace after civil war conflict with building democracy? If so, when does it happen and what should be done about it? The theory of intervention by the "international community" assumes that this doesn't happen, but there have always been doubters. This well focused group of essays is the best available treatment of this critical (and often overlooked) issue. Individual chapters focus on particular aspects of the problem, and the editors tie it together with a useful conceptual framework and some helpful conclusions.' Roy Licklider, Rutgers University

'This book offers a rich collection of essays on the fascinating, complex, and often troubled relationship between the promotion of democracy and peace in countries emerging from war.' Roland Paris, Associate Professor of Public and International Affairs, University of Ottawa

'From War to Democracy is an important reminder that not all good things necessarily go together. Democracy and peace are two laudable goals, but the efforts to promote peace and stability may not always promote democracy, and vice versa. This analytical, thought-provoking work tackles one of the most serious international issues of our age: how societies shattered by war can move toward peace and democracy. It recognizes that practitioners, at times, face the choice between promoting democratization and peacebuilding. The book provides policy-relevant findings, based on peace processes from all over the world, on how to avoid or manage dilemmas in improving international peace operations.' Jan Eliasson, Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Darfur

'... this volume considers the dilemmas that arise in pursuing peace after civil war ... The book offers insights into more effective action in peace-building ...' Oxfam: Development Resources Review

Book Description:

How can war-torn societies move towards peace and democracy when competitive politics and hard-fought elections exacerbate social and political conflict? This book explores the peacebuilding efforts of the international community through the promotion of democracy and some of the problems, challenges, opportunities and trade-offs these efforts entail.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0521713277
• ISBN 13: 9780521713276
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 310
• Editor: Jarstad Anna K.