Potential and Limits of Traditional Approaches in Peacebuilding

Handbook 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)