Peacebuilding Case Study

An alternative model of peacebuilding would be an approach that is built upon community initiatives, similar to transformative peacebuilding. It is important that each situation is evaluated and the best suited institutions and structures are established. This means that in some situations the structures of politics, economics, justice and governance will not conform to the formulaic liberal model. Bottom up initiatives allow for engagement with local institutions, customs and norms (Newman,et Al.,2009,46). Furthermore, a transformative peacebuilding approach would empathize addressing the underlying sources of violence in each post- conflict community. This alternative model of peacebuilding would also promote growth oriented adjustment policies

The current norm of one to three years is not enough time to ensure the development of peace and stability. The United States occupied Germany and Japan for ten years and seven years after WWII (Paris,1997,58). Within that time frame they were able to build the foundation for democracy and capitalism. While the situation is different for peacebuilding agencies given that they must rely on the continued cooperation of the local government and that they can not impose peace, they should offer extended support (Paris,1997,58). Peacebuilding operations are often scheduled to be terminated after the first round of free and fair elections; however, problems rarely dissipate after this point. Ideally, peacebuilding initiatives should be extended to after the second round of elections. Another important component that needs to be included in the peacebuilding process is the promotion of social justice and accountability for past human rights abuses (Newman,et Al.,2009,47). This could include forms of transitional justice, such as punitive justice, restorative justice ad distributive

Peacebuilding only became prominent in the Post-Cold War period and is the newest in the measures for achieving peace and security (Busumtwi-Sam, Module 7). It rests on the premise that democratization, liberalization and pacification are idea for long term peace and security (Tziarras,2012,3). This premise is considered the liberal peace or democratic peace theory. However, liberal democratic polity and a market oriented economy have the potential to impede the consolidation of peace. These two practices paradoxically encourage societal completion as a means of achieving political stability and economic prosperity (Paris,1997,57). Policies related to market liberalization lends itself to sever inequality, which generates violent political polarization. War shattered states are expected to effectively complete a transformation that took several centuries in the oldest European states all while emerging from the tumultuous situation of a civil war (Paris,1997,78). It is unrealistic to expect war shattered states to become democracies and market economies in such a short time frame. There are examples throughout history that showcase the short coming of liberal internationalism as a strategy of peacebuilding. For example, in Rwanda and Angola political liberalization contributed to the resurgence of violence and in Mozambique, El Salavdor, and Nicaragua, the effects of