Introduction

This section provides an in-depth overview of democracy and governance issues in post-conflict peacebuilding contexts. The first part addresses definitions and conceptual issues related to the notions of democracy and governance and rule of law. The second part examines how democratic governance has become a central political framework for post-conflict peacebuilding over the last two decades. The third part briefly presents the five sub-sections of the democracy and governance thematic area:
It also provides further explanation regarding the choice made for this portal to propose a specific sub-section on media, distinct from civil society. The last part briefly presents four overarching debates on democracy and good governance:
  • The limits of normative approaches;
  • The debate about the liberal peace model;
  • Timing and sequencing versus gradualism of democratization; and
  • The debates about democratic consolidation and sustainable governance.  
These debates are addressed in greater detail and with some variation in each sub-section of the democracy and governance thematic area.
 

The news, reports, and analyses herein are selected due to there relevance to issues of peacebuilding, or their significance to policymakers and practitioners. The content prepared by HPCR International is meant to summarize main points of the current debates and does not necessarily reflect the views of HPCR International or the Program of Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research. In addition, HPCR International and contributing partners are not responsible for the content of external publications and internet sites linked to this portal.