From War to Democracy: Dilemmas of Peacebuilding

Cambridge University Press, 4/3/2008
EAN 9780521885669, ISBN10: 0521885663

Hardcover, 310 pages, 22.9 x 15.2 x 1.9 cm
Language: English

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.

Introduction Anna K. Jarstad and Timothy D. Sisk
Part I. The Perils of War-to-Democracy Transitions
1. Dilemmas of war-to-democracy transitions
theories and concepts Anna K. Jarstad
Part II. The Security Context
2. Peacekeeping and democratization Virginia Page Fortna
3. Violence in war-to-democracy transitions Kristine Höglund
Part III. The Political Process
4. Power sharing
former enemies in joint government Anna K. Jarstad
5. When rebels change their stripes
armed insurgents in post-war politics Mimmi Söderberg Kovacs
6. Post-war elections
uncertain turning points of transition Benjamin Reilly
7. Civil society in war-to-democracy transitions Roberto Belloni
Part IV. International Engagement
8. International responses to crises of democratization in war-torn societies Peter Wallensteen
9. Peacebuilding as democratization
findings and recommendations Timothy D. Sisk.

'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