States of Conflict: Lessons in conflict prevention and peacebuilding

Article

This briefing paper draws out some of the lessons learned about conflict prevention and peacebuilding through the work of IPPR's Commission on National Security in the 21st Century.

The report draws heavily on four published case study reports on conflict prevention and peacebuilding in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia, as well as the findings presented in the Commission's interim and final reports.

It seeks to identify those lessons that will be most relevant to governments and international organisations, and argues that in spite of the difficulties there is still a compelling case for policymakers investing more political and financial capital in both conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Related items

  1. Aerial view of the Borders General Hospital on the edge of the Scottish Borders town of Melrose

    More for less? Employment, productivity and reform in Scottish public services

    Excellent public services should be foundational to a flourishing society.

  2. What would it take to eradicate child poverty in Scotland?

    Delivering on the First Minister’s commitment to ‘eradicate’ child poverty seems a long way off.
  3. A wind farm in the hills to the south of Glasgow, Scotland.

    Apathy and opposition: Understanding the real threats to net zero

    Climate action is under siege from populist and far-right actors. Delivering under that pressure demands fresh confidence and commitment from government.