Peacebuilding and Peace Studies: An Analysis of Peacebuilding Policy from a Conflict Resolution Perspective

Abstract

This paper examines the often taken-for-granted relationship between peacebuilding and peace studies. Section 1 reviews the peacebuilding literature and asks implications of the statement that statebuilding has become the only approach to peacebuilding policy. Section 2 clarifies the relationship between Conflict Resolution, Peace Studies, and peacebuilding policy by asking what it means to apply an original Conflict Resolution perspective to peacebuilding policy. Section 3 considers the implications of incorporating the Conflict Resolution perspective to peacebuilding policy with a focus on the “everyday peace” concept. “Everyday peace” is part of new emerging studies that incorporate a perspective “from below.” These studies focus more on ordinary people and their potential, and are thus highly compatible with Peace Studies. Through these examinations, the paper points to more diverse approaches to peacebuilding.