These Syntheses are very brief summaries of the most recent research and academic debates on specific issues written by experts in an accessible manner. We hope you will find them helpful.

Gender and Post-Conflict Statebuilding
by: Kathleen M. Jennings

Abstract

This synthesis focuses on one of the missing links in the theory and practice of post-conflict statebuilding: gender. After this introduction, it is divided into four parts. The first section briefly introduces the interaction (or lack thereof) between the theory and practice of post-conflict statebuilding and gender. The following section outlines two arguments, one instrumentalist and the other normative, for why gender should matter to statebuilding. The final sections consist of a short conclusion and some implications for policy.
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Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration: The co evolution of concepts, practices, and understanding
by: Walt Kilroy

Abstract

Programs for the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants have become more common as an element in the peacebuilder's toolkit. They have evolved over the last 15 years, and can interact positively with an ongoing peace process. The literature assessing DDR is reviewed in this paper. Results have not always been positive, however. Despite recognition of the need for a more holistic, integrated approach, there are real challenges in implementing such a complex program in a post-conflict environment. Qualitative studies have highlighted these difficulties, and the few quantitative assessments of the outcomes are mixed. However, understanding of DDR is being advanced by a rich policy literature, together with specific "best practice" studies. Recognition of the importance of a participatory approach, and ownership of the process by the beneficiaries, has added to this understanding. The paper concludes that DDR is set to remain an important tool, and that it is most effective when used flexibly, appropriately, and with the genuine participation of those it is supposed to benefit.
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Peacetime Violence: Post—Conflict Violence and Peacebuilding Strategies
by: Séverine Autesserre

Abstract

This synthesis provides an overview of academic findings on the sources of violence in post—war environments and on the strategies to address them. It distinguishes between unaddressed pre—war tensions, war—induced cleavages, and peace—generated conflicts. It shows that, according to the best research, current peacebuilding strategies have two major weaknesses. First, they neglect the micro—level dynamics of violence. Second, they do not devote sufficient attention and resources to state reconstruction (which is distinct from merely holding elections). These weaknesses explain why peacebuilding efforts often fail to end violence even when they produce other positive outcomes.
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The Impact of Transitional Justice in Post-Conflict Environments
by: Eric Brahm

Abstract

Transitional justice provides a potential contribution to the statebuilding process that is both forward-looking and backward-looking. In post-conflict situations, there are often demands for justice for past human rights abuses. A range of transitional justice measures, such as trials, truth commissions, and reparations programs, have emerged around the globe as tools to meet these demands. Post-conflict governments, however, are often confronted with perpetrators who remain powerful and who may have been promised amnesty as a precondition of laying down their arms. A range of other practical and political considerations also frequently come into play in the construction of transitional justice policies. As such, there is potential tension between transitional justice and statebuilding with respect to how these measures are structured and the motivations of their architects.
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Rebel Movements and Political Party Development in Post-Conflict Societies – A Short Literature Review
by: Devon Curtis and Jeroen de Zeeuw

Abstract

In the immediate aftermath of conflict, politics tends to be volatile, insecurity remains high and state institutions are often very weak. Within this challenging context, many international donors hope that political parties will develop so that they can contribute to peaceful politics in the post-conflict period. Yet the post-conflict environment is usually not conducive to the development of political parties, although particular challenges vary from country to country. There are many different types of political parties in post-conflict countries, including parties that were formerly armed movements engaged in conflict. Indeed, the way in which former armed groups contribute to post-conflict governance is seen as a decisive factor in the success or failure of peacebuilding. If armed groups are not integrated into a new national army, transformed into political parties, or disbanded, the recurrence of violence is likely. Certainly, not all former armed movements will transform into political parties and not all post-conflict political parties have links to armed groups. Yet non-state armed groups are significant actors in post-conflict politics, whether or not they become formal political parties. As such, they have received attention within the larger peacebuilding literature. This synthesis provides a non-exhaustive review of the current literature on peacebuilding and post-conflict party development, with particular emphasis on the transformation of armed movements into political parties after conflict. The synthesis is divided into four parts. First, it briefly discusses the literature on post-conflict party development. Second, it reviews the particular challenges facing the transformation of armed movements to political parties. Third, the synthesis assesses the role of international actors in the process of rebel group transformation and discusses why international programs have not always had their desired effect. Lastly, this study makes some suggestions for policy-makers, arising from the insights of this research.
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Natural Resource Wealth, Conflict, and Peacebuilding
by: Ingrid Samset

Abstract

What connections exist between natural resource wealth and violent conflict? What do such connections imply for policies to build peace in resource-rich areas? This synthesis takes stock of what social science research has to say about these questions. In the first part, it reviews the academic literature on resource wealth and conflict. Key findings include that dependence of resource exports is more closely tied to conflict than resource abundance; that resource wealth is more important in explaining why civil wars endure than why they break out; and that resources with attributes that make them easy to extract and sell are more closely linked to civil war duration than other resources. The second part presents policy implications of these findings as well as other research on pro-peace resource management. Recommendations relate to conflict financing, war economies, fiscal transparency, conflict-sensitive business, and revenue sharing. In concluding the debate is summed up and an agenda for research and policy is outlined.
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Aid in Post-Conflict (Non) State Building: A Synthesis
by: Sumie Nakaya

Abstract

This brief overview of aid in post-conflict state building concludes that a significant gap remains in donor approaches to the reform of public administration and finance in the aftermath of armed conflicts, despite the fact that control over economic resources is often one of the main causes of civil war violence. International assistance to institution-building in post-conflict states remains focused on economic liberalization and private forms of service delivery to the relative neglect of security sector reforms, contrary to the emphasis in peacebuilding policies on the demilitarization of politics. The result may be the formation of a state that is weak and patrimonial, prone to conflict or lacking legitimacy, central authority, or territorial control.
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Economic Incentives for Peacebuilding
by: Ingrid Samset

Abstract

What does social science literature tell us about economic incentives for peacebuilding? A variety of such incentives exists in post-civil war situations. This synthesis reviews academic research on economic incentives for peace that relates to foreign aid and state building, to allocations to conflict-affected groups such as ex-soldiers and war victims, and to aid coordination. It also identifies implications from this literature for peacebuilding policy.
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Corruption and Post-Conflict Peacebuilding
by: Dominik Zaum and Christine Cheng

Abstract

Corruption has been recognized as a key challenge to post-conflict peacebuilding efforts, undermining the legitimacy and effectiveness of state institutions, and compromising key peacebuilding tasks such as disarmament and reconstruction. However, in the short run accepting corruption might be necessary to finding a political settlement and stabilizing a post-conflict order. Our review of the debate suggests that corruption in these contexts is first and foremost a political problem and needs to be addressed as such. Anti-corruption measures, such as promoting accountability and the rule of law, need to be considered in the context of wider peacebuilding objectives.
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