Publisher Description

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.

Author Biography

Anna K. Jarstad is Assistant Professor and Coordinator for the Conflict and Democracy Program in the Department of Peace and Conflict Research at Uppsala University, Sweden. Timothy D. Sisk is Associate Professor in the Graduate School of International Studies at the University of Denver.

Table of Contents

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.

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

Promotional

This book considers the dilemmas that arise in bringing peace and democracy to countries divided by civil war.

Review Quote

'… 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

Promotional "Headline"

This book considers the dilemmas that arise in bringing peace and democracy to countries divided by civil war.

Description for Bookstore

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.

Description for Library

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.

Details