Peace or Democracy?: Peacebuilding Dilemmas to Transition from Civil Wars

After a civil war, peace and democracy are at a crossroads, according to Pereira Watts. She identifies 14 dynamic dilemmas in democratic peacebuilding with trade-offs and focuses on explaining the contradictions in modern post-conflict recovery, the challenges facing interim governments, and the international community's role.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 290 pages
Publication date: 03 April 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Contrary to the prevailing notion that peace and democracy are inherently linked following a civil war, Pereira Watts presents a compelling argument that they are, in fact, at a crossroads. Through an innovative framework that draws upon philosophical, actor, and tactical considerations, Pereira Watts identifies 14 dynamic dilemmas that characterize democratic peacebuilding, each accompanied by trade-offs. She delves into the complexities of modern post-conflict recovery, the challenges faced by interim governments, and the critical role played by the international community. Drawing from an extensive analysis of over 40 countries between 1989 and 2022 and over 60 United Nations peace operations, Pereira Watts highlights key issues that frequently arise in such scenarios. These include elections and political parties, the constitution, mechanisms for checks, balances, and power-sharing, transitional justice, human rights, amnesty, truth commissions, war crimes tribunals, disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration, as well as media reform and civil society. Addressing these dilemmas invariably leads to other complex challenges that shape the intricate apparatus for restoring peace and establishing a new political regime.

This comprehensive resource is a valuable asset for decision-makers, policymakers, international analysts, and practitioners engaged in peacebuilding. It will also be of immense interest to students of International Relations and Peace Studies, as well as anyone passionate about peacekeeping, democracy-building, and state-building. By shedding light on the crossroads at which peace and democracy intersect, Pereira Watts offers insightful perspectives and practical solutions that can contribute to the ongoing efforts to build more resilient and peaceful societies.

Weight: 502g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032247571