Alternatives to Neoliberal Peacebuilding and Statebuilding in Africa

This book challenges the neoliberal peacebuilding and statebuilding model and proposes a popular progressive model that is based on the lived realities of African societies. It combines bottom-up and top-down, popular and elite, and long-term evolutionary processes of societal construction to empower locals to construct their own societies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 134 pages
Publication date: 03 September 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The neoliberal peacebuilding and statebuilding model, which gained prominence after the collapse of state socialism in the aftermath of the Cold War, has come under critical scrutiny in this book. It argues that this model is primarily short-term, top-down, and imposes Western norms and values on conflict and post-conflict societies. In contrast, the book proposes a popular progressive model that is grounded in a rigorous examination and analysis of the realities of socio-economic development, structures, institutions, politics, and cultures in developing societies. This model combines bottom-up and top-down, popular and elite, and long-term evolutionary processes of societal construction as essential elements for sustainable peacebuilding and statebuilding.

By comparing and contrasting the dominant neoliberal peacebuilding and statebuilding model with a popular progressive model, the book aims to empower locals, including elites and masses, to take the lead in constructing their own societies. This approach seeks to break away from the one-size-fits-all approach that characterizes the neoliberal model and instead recognizes the unique contexts and needs of different African societies.

The book makes a significant contribution to scholars, activists, policymakers, civil society organizations, NGOs, and anyone concerned with peace, stability, and development in Africa and other developing countries. It offers a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing these societies and provides valuable insights into alternative models of peacebuilding and statebuilding that can promote sustainable development and social justice.

Weight: 302g
Dimension: 144 x 222 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367558949