Peace and Policy: Entrepreneurship for Change in the Post-Conflict Arena

Policy entrepreneurship can potentially affect the dynamics of border environments by designing opportunities to promote post-conflict cross-border relationships. We develop a novel theoretical framework of post-conflict policy entrepreneurship which we employ in an analysis of the Israel–Jordan border during the decades following the signing of the 1994 peace agreement. This case study demonstrates the essence of post-conflict development challenges and the significance of entrepreneurship in designing and, at times, transforming border-related public policy and cross-border opportunities in a region challenged to promote post-conflict stability and development. In cross-border regions, the post-conflict period presents both potential and challenges for public policy design of new social, economic, and political realities. We identify the social and cultural contexts and psychological qualities correlated with entrepreneurship and analyze the challenges, motivations, and strategies of entrepreneurs dedicated to shaping the realities of post-conflict border regions through policy change. These entrepreneurs operate at both civilian grassroots and institutional levels. We propose a typology to identify the diverse arenas of policy entrepreneurship that ultimately transform alienated border regions toward increased communication and cooperation.