Abstract: This paper considers some of the implications of applying a complexity theory lens to the peacebuilding field. Amongst others it finds that for a peace process to become self-sustainable, resilient social institutions need to emerge from within the social system, i.e. informed by the local culture, history and socio-economic context. International peacebuilders can assist this process, but if they interfere too much they end up undermining the self-organizing processes necessary to generate and sustain resilient social institutions. A Complexity informed approach to sustaining peace suggest that international peacebuilders focus their efforts on safeguarding, stimulating, facilitating and creating the space for societies to develop resilient capacities for self-organisation.
The full paper is available at: http://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/5mTibRfkVcuDduHwNfk9/full
Complexity 4 Peace Operations 