A monthly selection of the best new research and resources on local peacebuilding worldwide, as chosen by Insight on Conflict. This month's edition features articles on dispute resolution in Afghanistan, DDR in the Great lakes and more. To receive the email newsletter each month, please sign-up here or email joel@insightonconflict.org.
The politics of dispute resolution and continued instability in Afghanistan
This report (pdf) from USIP looks at the relationship between formal and informal dispute resolution in Afghanistan. The paper argues that, contrary to the widespread assumption that each are in competition, most successfully resolved disputes use a combination of the two.
The complexity of resource governance in a context of state fragility: the case of Eastern DRC
In this paper (pdf), International Alert examines the trading networks in DR Congo's informal mining sector. The paper looks at the links between military, economic and political actors and highlights some of the challenges to governance.
Civil society organisations and the International Dialogue on Peacebuilding and Statebuilding
This series of policy briefs (first (pdf), second (pdf), third (pdf), forth (pdf)) discusses the International Dialogue on Peacebuilding and Statebuilding (IDPS) and the contributions civil society organisations have been making to the process. The IDPS was started in 2008, with the aim of improving peacebuilding and statebuilding in fragile and conflict affected countries.
Reintegrating ex-combatants in the Great Lakes region: lessons learned
This report (pdf) examines the World Bank's Multi-country Demobilisation and Reintegration Programme (MDRP). It ran from 2002 to 2009 and aimed to demobilise and reintegrate 400,000 fighters in the Great Lakes region. The report looks at the challenges and successes of the project, and seeks to draw lessons that can influence future programmes.
Statebuilding in Timor-Leste: the undermining of state legitimacy?
In 'Statebuilding in Timor-Leste' NOREF looks at the international community approached building the peace in Timor-Leste. The report is critical of the process, arguing that the lack of local leadership in relation to macroeconomic policy undermined the legitimacy of the state.
Local civil society and US‐sponsored development
This short paper (pdf) from 3P Human Security discusses existing mechanisms in US development policy for funding and partnering with local civil society organisations. The paper includes recommendations on how this can be improved.
From the Blog
- In Uganda 'peace marathons' are teaching people how to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. Read more >>>
- An interview with Professor Rohan Gunaratna on the challenges faced by Sri Lanka after the end of its armed conflict. Read more >>>
- An interview with Bassam Aramin - one of the founders of Combatants for Peace, an organisation made up of ex-fighters from both sides of the Israel-Palestine conflict who have renounced violence. Read more >>>
- Josh Gryniewicz from CeaseFire writes about the new film 'The Interrupters' which follows CeaseFire workers stopping gang violence in Chicago. Read more >>>
- Sarah Jefferson showcases the work of Ashoka Fellow Joanne Bajjaly who uses cultural heritage as a tool for peace in Lebanon. Read more >>>
- At the height of the London riots 'The Chaos Theory' was persuading young people to stay away from the violence. Read more >>>
- An interview with the Colombian organisation Yira Castro about Colombia's new 'victims law' and if it successfully address the concerns victims of the conflict. Read more >>>
- The Other Voice is one of Israel/Palestine's most unlikely peace groups, bringing together those living on the fault line of the conflict. Read more >>>
