1. When do we speak of (post)conflict and peace(building)?
The terms (post)conflict and peace(building) are used in the context of efforts to address, resolve, or
prevent violent conflicts and establish lasting peace
● Conflict: refers to an active stage of disagreement or incompatibility, often involving
violence, between groups, states, or other actors over interests, power, resources, or identity
● Post-conflict: refers to the period after large-scale violence has subsided, but the
underlying causes of the conflict may still exist → this phase is often fragile, as unresolved
issues can lead to a resurgence of violence
Characteristics of Post-Conflict Phases:
● Ceasefire or peace agreement in place
● Efforts to rebuild institutions, infrastructure, and trust
● Transitional justice measures to address past abuses
● Socio-economic recovery and reconciliation processes
Peace is not merely the absence of violence (negative peace) but also the presence of social justice,
equity, and functioning institutions (positive peace)
● Peacebuilding involves efforts to create sustainable peace by addressing the root causes of
conflict, rebuilding relationships, and establishing mechanisms to prevent future violence.
Examples of Peacebuilding Activities:
● Strengthening governance and rule of law
● Promoting dialogue and reconciliation among conflicting parties
● Economic recovery and development initiatives
● Ensuring transitional justice and accountability
● Supporting civil society and local actors
Conflict, particularly in the context of asymmetric power dynamics, can be a driver for transforming
unjust social relationships and achieving social justice. Conflict transformation aims to address the
root causes of conflict, including structural inequalities and historical injustices, to achieve lasting
peace.
● The effects of conflict extend far beyond the cessation of violence, impacting subsequent
generations through collective and transgenerational trauma. This concept of the "afterlife" of
conflict suggests that understanding post-conflict situations requires examining the enduring
legacies of violence, social divisions, and psychological wounds that persist long after the
formal end of hostilities.
● Achieving positive peace requires addressing structural inequalities, promoting social
justice, fostering reconciliation, and healing collective trauma → peacebuilding efforts
must go beyond ceasefire agreements and address the underlying social, economic, and
political conditions that contribute to conflict.
● Importance of understanding the specific historical, cultural, and political context of each
conflict when engaging in peacebuilding efforts; advocating for locally led and nationally
owned peace processes that prioritise dialogue, trust-building, and adaptive approaches
tailored to the unique needs of each context.
The terms (post)conflict and peace(building) are used in the context of efforts to address, resolve, or
prevent violent conflicts and establish lasting peace
● Conflict: refers to an active stage of disagreement or incompatibility, often involving
violence, between groups, states, or other actors over interests, power, resources, or identity
● Post-conflict: refers to the period after large-scale violence has subsided, but the
underlying causes of the conflict may still exist → this phase is often fragile, as unresolved
issues can lead to a resurgence of violence
Characteristics of Post-Conflict Phases:
● Ceasefire or peace agreement in place
● Efforts to rebuild institutions, infrastructure, and trust
● Transitional justice measures to address past abuses
● Socio-economic recovery and reconciliation processes
Peace is not merely the absence of violence (negative peace) but also the presence of social justice,
equity, and functioning institutions (positive peace)
● Peacebuilding involves efforts to create sustainable peace by addressing the root causes of
conflict, rebuilding relationships, and establishing mechanisms to prevent future violence.
Examples of Peacebuilding Activities:
● Strengthening governance and rule of law
● Promoting dialogue and reconciliation among conflicting parties
● Economic recovery and development initiatives
● Ensuring transitional justice and accountability
● Supporting civil society and local actors
Conflict, particularly in the context of asymmetric power dynamics, can be a driver for transforming
unjust social relationships and achieving social justice. Conflict transformation aims to address the
root causes of conflict, including structural inequalities and historical injustices, to achieve lasting
peace.
● The effects of conflict extend far beyond the cessation of violence, impacting subsequent
generations through collective and transgenerational trauma. This concept of the "afterlife" of
conflict suggests that understanding post-conflict situations requires examining the enduring
legacies of violence, social divisions, and psychological wounds that persist long after the
formal end of hostilities.
● Achieving positive peace requires addressing structural inequalities, promoting social
justice, fostering reconciliation, and healing collective trauma → peacebuilding efforts
must go beyond ceasefire agreements and address the underlying social, economic, and
political conditions that contribute to conflict.
● Importance of understanding the specific historical, cultural, and political context of each
conflict when engaging in peacebuilding efforts; advocating for locally led and nationally
owned peace processes that prioritise dialogue, trust-building, and adaptive approaches
tailored to the unique needs of each context.
