Suchergebnisse

The recent debate about the UN Peacebuilding Commission can be regarded as evidence for the prevaling relevance of post-conflict peacebuilding. During the past 15 years, peacebuilding became indeed a "booming enterprise" of the international community, be it with mixed results. This article provides an overview of the peacebuilding approach, it distinguishes various strategies, including their risks & unintended side-effects, as well as types of peacebuilding operations. Moreover, the article points to the typical dilemmas & challenges faced by external peacebuilder at two levels -- first at the fieldlevel, second at the level of capitals & headquarters. The conclusion is that the gap between these two levels is enormous & that peacebuilder have serious difficulties in fulfilling the demands of both levels adequately. Tables, References. Adapted from the source document.

This essay analyzes some of the political, economic, & social challenges of East Timor's transition to independence. It scrutinizes the ethical dimensions of building peace in a territory devastated by the combined effect of Indonesia's colonial occupation & the violent militia attacks of Sept 1999. The most difficult task ahead does not lie in the physical rebuilding of the territory -- gargantuan as it may be -- but in the more intricate & long-term rehabilitation of a traumatized society. The latter involves competing Timorese factions as well as a range of international actors, including the United Nations Transitional Authority, foreign governments, business institutions, & various multilateral & bilateral donors, each having their own organizational leitmotifs & policy priorities. If not managed carefully, the reconstruction process could further exacerbate existing societal tensions & complicate the search for peace & reconciliation. The essay identifies a number of crucial components necessary to counter such risks, including the need to promote popular participation in the rebuilding process. Without the legitimacy created by strong community involvement & grassroots participation in decision making, the task of national reconstruction may well become overwhelmed by conflict. 41 References. Adapted from the source document.

Examines UN missions which combine both civilian and military responsibilities that engage a variety of agencies within the UN system; focus on El Salvador.