Why a Merger of Peacebuilding and Development would Reform rather than Transform War-torn Societies
Aug 2006, Vol. 151, No. 4
By Michael Pugh
War-torn societies have particular developmental problems, but the favoured answers have been framed by the way that development has become a security issue. However, this new consensus fails to transform.
The difference between reform and transformation may seem obscure but it can mean the difference between a fragile or temporary peace and a sustainable one. Reform means changes to ‘governing principles and procedures of institutions and structures’. Reform can certainly bring about change to benefit some people, usually governing elites and entrepreneurs. But transformation is required to change the structures and agencies of world order that would benefit the multitude. In other words, transformation is a two-way phenomenon that requires change in the reformers as well as the reformed. There are, however, substantive reasons why the new consensus fails to transform.
Building peace is a much broader issue than sending in peacekeepers. In addition to protecting people from abuse, alternative forms of development to the Western model of the 'free market' should be considered.
Add your comments
By Michael Pugh
War-torn societies have particular developmental problems, but the favoured answers have been framed by the way that development has become a security issue. However, this new consensus fails to transform.
The difference between reform and transformation may seem obscure but it can mean the difference between a fragile or temporary peace and a sustainable one. Reform means changes to ‘governing principles and procedures of institutions and structures’. Reform can certainly bring about change to benefit some people, usually governing elites and entrepreneurs. But transformation is required to change the structures and agencies of world order that would benefit the multitude. In other words, transformation is a two-way phenomenon that requires change in the reformers as well as the reformed. There are, however, substantive reasons why the new consensus fails to transform.
Building peace is a much broader issue than sending in peacekeepers. In addition to protecting people from abuse, alternative forms of development to the Western model of the 'free market' should be considered.
You need 4 credits to access this item
If you are a member or registered user, please login
Not already a member and have not yet registered?
Add your comments
Copyright © 2009 RUSI