Peacebuilding and Peace Processes

This chapter begins by discussing the meaning of peacebuilding and the limitations of liberal peacebuilding, that is, building peace through focussing on creating a liberal state. Then it examines peace processes—what they are and why they appear. It looks at peace agreements and one of the common political solutions that has been applied to conflicts, power-sharing between former enemies. Next, the chapter discusses a central element in most peace processes, third-party mediation. Following this, the chapter considers the potential for people in different conflict-affected societies to share and cooperate directly with each other, enhancing their mutual impact—this is called the ‘trans-local turn’ in peacebuilding. Lastly, the chapter discusses how environmental threats can be the spur and subject of peacebuilding.