"Frameworkers" and "Circlers" – Exploring Assumptions in Impact AssessmentHandbook Article

Unpacks some of the hidden hypotheses underlying current assessment methodologies. The author argues that two (ideal type) constituencies interact – and sometimes clash – in development and peacebuilding work. She sets out to clarify their contending perspectives and illustrates ways in which both approaches can enrich each other and further the ultimate task of achieving effective impact monitoring and evaluation. (updated and revised for 2011 print edition)

Year2011
Author(s)Reina C. Neufeldt

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Preparing for Nonviolence – Experiences in the Western BalkansHandbook Article

Reflects on experiences and lessons learned from an insider activist’s and practitioner’s point of view. The author looks back at over a decade of training practice at the Centre for Nonviolent Action (CNA) in the Western Balkans, offering provocative thoughts on goals and methods, trainer-participant relations and dilemmas such as sustaining momentum, the risk of individual burn-out and the hope for achieving social change. (Updated for the 2011 print edition.)

Year2011
Author(s)Nenad Vukosavljevic

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Civil Society and Conflict Transformation: Strength and LimitationsHandbook Article

Focuses on the potential contribution that civil society actors can make to peacebuilding. Central questions are: what types of activities do NGOs undertake? What problems and dilemmas are faced in the development of civil society in war-torn societies? Taking the example of Bosnia-Herzegovina, what are the limitations of civil society's contributions, and how does civil society relate to state-building? And, finally, how do these considerations impact on theoretical conceptualisations of the term "civil society"? (updated and revised for the 2011 print edition)

Year2011
Author(s)Martina Fischer

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A More Violent World? Global Trends in Organised ViolenceHandbook Article

Presents robust quantitative data challenging the widespread notion that worldwide trends in violent conflict are increasing. This reflects changes in the nature of warfare, but also points to some possible successful outcomes of recent peacebuilding work. The analysis, conducted as part of the Human Security Report Project, extends beyond state-based conflicts to also cover non-state actors involved in conflict and assaults that target civilians.

Year2011
Author(s)Tara Cooper, Sebastian Merz, Mila Shah

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Training for Conflict Transformation – An Overview of ApproachesHandbook Article

Seeks to provide a first orientation for an audience less familiar with the field of conflict transformation and its educational possibilities. Questions raised include: who is offering training for which target audience? What are strengths and shortcomings? Are there criteria that help assess training? What challenges remain, what recommendations can be made for improving training offers? The article has an extensive reference section covering training manuals and materials, organisations, resources and analyses. (updated and revised for 2011 print edition)

Year2011
Author(s)Beatrix Austin

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New Thoughts on Power: Closing the Gap between Theory and ActionHandbook Article

Contrasts two familiar models of power: domination and cooperation. Arguing that the dominant concept of “power over” has given rise to a damaging global culture of militarism which blurs the line between pacification and peace, the author sketches a thought-provoking vision of how choosing instead to pursue “power with” could bring about a major paradigm shift. Drawing on real-life examples, she champions nonviolent assertiveness and asks: how much could “people power” achieve if it were taken as seriously as war now is?

Year2011
Author(s)Diana Francis

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Potential and Limits of Traditional Approaches in PeacebuildingHandbook Article

Explores the role of traditional or customary methods in transforming violent conflicts, assessing both strengths and weaknesses. The author embeds his discussion in the debate about failing/weak states, globalisation and the relationship between the global North and South, putting forth the concept of ‘hybrid political orders’. Drawing on the prime example of Bougainville, he is able to characterize “one of the rare success stories of peacebuilding in today’s world”. (updated and revised for 2011 print edition)

Year2011
Author(s)Volker Boege

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Transitional Justice and Reconciliation - Theory and PracticeHandbook Article

Outlines two major strands of activity aimed at helping societies come to terms with the legacy of a violent past. The emerging paradigm of transitional justice is broadened out to incorporate gender justice and the many different aspects of truth recovery. The concept of reconciliation is discussed in light of its relevance to conflict transformation, also addressing the problems posed by selective remembrance, denial and victimhood. The author identifies open questions and stresses the need for more practice-orientated research.

Year2011
Author(s)Martina Fischer

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Introduction to the second print volume of the Berghof HandbookHandbook Article

Introduction to the second print volume of the Berghof Handbook, "Advancing Conflict Transformation", published in 2011.

Year2011
Author(s)Beatrix Austin

Seeking Compromise? Mediation through the Eyes of Conflict PartiesHandbook Article

Adopts an empathetic view on mediation from the perspective of conflict parties who may or may not choose to engage in it. Addressing five crucial questions - why, when, where and from whom third-party mediation might be sought, and what results are expected of it - the authors draw up recommendations for those trying to offer or support mediation processes. They put special emphasis on the role of insider mediators and the need for multi-partiality.

Year2011
Author(s)Hans-Joachim Giessmann, Oliver Wils

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