NUMBER 2, 2009 Conflict transformation: Three lenses in one frame

This issue of New Routes is largely about theory, or rather theories. A great number of scholars have developed theories on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, conflict management, conflict transformation, etc. But theory without practice in the context of peacebuilding is, if not dead, at least lifeless and of little use. Therefore, the descriptions and explanations of theory are accompanied by practical examples in order to make them more comprehensible and more based on real life experiences.

Since the late 1980’s, the Life & Peace Institute (LPI) has been engaged in community-based peacebuilding and nonviolent conflict transformation in Africa. Therefore, the aim of this issue is to reflect on different aspects of conflict transformation, to explain its basic theory, to compare it with other approaches to peacebuilding and to describe its effects in reality. Two of the most well-known researchers on conflict transformation, John Paul Lederach and Thania Paffenholz, have kindly contributed to this issue with their wealth of knowledge and experience. Paula Dijk from the Dutch interchurch organisation ICCO expounds their efforts within conflict transformation to help people create sustainable peace. The activities of the military within conflict transformation are described by Thomas Boehlke, with examples from the Philippines.

Other examples form the field are found in an article from LPI’s field office in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, and from one of its partner organisations, the farmers’ syndicate the UPDI, respectively. These texts depict the interaction between theory and practice, regional and local. We hope that this issue will be useful and instructive both to readers who are already familiar with the concepts of different peacebuilding theories, and to students and others who have recently become acquainted with them and want further knowledge and inspiration. For this purpose, please see the Resource pages with a number of websites and publications for further reading.

Kristina Lundqvist


Contents

Understanding peacebuilding theory:
Management, resolution and transformation
Thania Paffenholz

Conflict transformation:
A circular journey with a purpose
John Paul Lederach/Michelle Maiese

Together in conflict transformation:
Development co-operation, mission and diacony
Paula Dijk

Conflict transformation by military involvement
Thomas Boehlke

Conflict transformation:
A challenging necessity in a war-ridden region

Espoir de paix grâce à l’action de l’UPDI
Urbain Bisimwa

Conflict Transformation:
Further reading

LPI News

Reviews and Resources

Här går det bra att gratis ladda ner New Routes 2, 2009

Kristina Lundqvist

Publicerad: 2009-07-03

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