Discussion On Peacemaking And Peacebuilding Like The Study O
Discussion Peacemaking And Peacebuildinglike The Study Of Conflict An
Review Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 of your course text, The Little Book of Strategic Peacebuilding, focusing on the overview of peacebuilding and the section "Peacebuilding is not ...". Read the online article "Peacemaking" and the excerpt "Introduction to Peace Psychology" to understand the distinctions between peacemaking and peacebuilding. Consider examples of each that demonstrate their unique characteristics and roles in conflict resolution. For your discussion, you will describe one example of peacemaking and explain why it qualifies as peacemaking. Similarly, you will provide an example of peacebuilding and justify why it is considered peacebuilding. Finally, compare and contrast peacemaking and peacebuilding by highlighting their similarities and differences in purpose, process, and scope.
Paper For Above instruction
Peace processes are fundamental components of promoting stability and resolving conflicts in diverse contexts. Among these, peacemaking and peacebuilding serve as vital but distinct strategies that aim to foster peace, each with specific methodologies, goals, and applications. Understanding their differences and similarities is critical for practitioners, policymakers, and scholars dedicated to sustainable conflict resolution and the promotion of peaceful societies.
Example of Peacemaking
An illustrative example of peacemaking is the Camp David Accords of 1978. Facilitated by U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the negotiations involved Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin. The Accords resulted in the signing of a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, ending decades of conflict. Peacemaking, in this context, was characterized by diplomatic negotiations aimed at bringing conflicting parties to a mutually acceptable agreement through high-level interventions, diplomacy, and political negotiations. It was a deliberate effort to halt hostilities directly and temporarily, emphasizing immediate conflict resolution to restore peace and prevent escalation into broader conflict. The focus was on negotiation, diplomacy, and the direct intervention of high-level mediators, making it a clear example of peacemaking.
Example of Peacebuilding
An example of peacebuilding is the post-apartheid reconciliation process in South Africa. After Nelson Mandela's election in 1994, efforts focused on transforming a deeply divided society. Programs such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), spearheaded by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, aimed to address the legacy of apartheid through processes of truth-telling, healing, and institutional reform. Peacebuilding in this context involved long-term strategies aimed at addressing root causes of conflict, promoting social justice, fostering national unity, and establishing the rule of law. Unlike peacemaking, which seeks to achieve immediate peace through negotiations, peacebuilding here involves systemic efforts to create sustainable peace by transforming societal structures, building trust among communities, and promoting reconciliation. It emphasizes enduring peace rooted in justice and social cohesion.
Comparison of Peacemaking and Peacebuilding
Both peacemaking and peacebuilding are essential components of conflict resolution, yet they differ in scope and approach. Peacemaking typically denotes short-term, political efforts aimed at ending active conflicts swiftly through diplomacy, negotiations, and mediatory actions. It is often a high-level activity focused on specific disputes and immediate cessation of hostilities. Conversely, peacebuilding is a long-term, holistic process designed to create sustainable peace by addressing underlying causes of conflict, reconstructing societal relationships, and fostering development and justice. While peacemaking may occur through direct negotiations or diplomatic interventions, peacebuilding involves comprehensive strategies including social, economic, and political reforms.
Despite their differences, peacemaking and peacebuilding are interconnected. Peacemaking efforts often provide the foundation upon which peacebuilding can commence, transforming temporary ceasefires into lasting peace. Both require collaboration among multiple actors, including governments, civil society, and international organizations. The primary distinction lies in their temporal focus—peacemaking aims at conflict resolution in the short term, whereas peacebuilding concentrates on building a resilient and just peace that endures long after conflicts are resolved. Recognizing these distinctions ensures that conflict resolution efforts are appropriately tailored to the needs and stages of peace processes, ultimately promoting stability and societal well-being.
References
- Galtung, J. (1996). Peace by peaceful means: Peace and conflict, development and civilization. Sage Publications.
- Kriesberg, L. (2007). Constructive conflicts: From escalation to resolution. Rowman & Littlefield.
- Mac Ginty, R. (2010). Alternative forms of peace: Negotiated peace and peacebuilding. Cambridge Review of International Affairs, 23(1), 37-52.
- Richmond, O. P. (2014). Peace in international relations. Routledge.
- Autesserre, S. (2010). The trouble with peace: Peacebuilders, resistance, and the dilemmas of conflict resolution. International Peacekeeping, 17(4), 434-448.
- Darby, J. (2001). The conflict in Northern Ireland: Causes, consequences, and controls. Palgrave Macmillan.
- Montville, J. V. (1991). The language of peace: Conflict, reconciliation, and communication strategies. Lexington Books.
- Zur, J. (2010). Peace psychology and the quest for justice. Journal of Peace Psychology, 16(4), 373-389.
- Bell, C., & O’Rourke, C. (2010). Peace and conflict studies: An introduction. Routledge.
- Paris, R. (2004). At war’s end: Building peace after civil conflict. Cambridge University Press.