Zivilgeselisehaft und Friedenskonsolidierung. Erfahrungen in Bosnien-Herzegowina
In: Die Friedens-Warte: Journal of International Peace and Organization, Band 85, Heft 4
ISSN: 0340-0255
Since the mid 1990s, international organisations have emphasised the significance of social actors in peacebuilding efforts. Based on the assumption that these actors have a strong potential for democratisation, "strengthening civil society" became a keyword in international missions for post-war peacebuilding. In general, this increasing interest is a very positive development. However, civil society actors should not be overloaded with unrealistic expectations. Looking at the example of Bosnia and Herzegovina, this contribution analyses some of the shortcomings and dilemmas of external strategies for peacebuilding. It critically reviews initiatives aiming at establishing democratic structures and state institutions as well as civil society support. The author argues that the endeavours on different levels have not been well interlinked and have generated very ambivalent effects. Moreover, it is concluded that the guiding norms and concepts have to be questioned, and peacebuilding strategies should be revised accordingly. Adapted from the source document.