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Emerging issues : Governance, democratization and violent conflict

7 Mar 2008

Finally, the risk of violence is particularly high in post-conflict societies, where the key challenges of political institution-building, economic reform, demilitarization of society, and truth and reconciliation mechanisms are seen to be urgent, simultaneous necessities. [...] Democracy is a form of government that provides for contestation through free and fair elections, participation through inclusive suffrage, and liberties through the protection of freedoms and civil liberties.1 Governance is a broader term, and concerns the state’s ability to serve its citizens. [...] It refers to the rules, processes, and behaviour by which interests are articulated, resources are managed, and power is exercised in society.2 Democratization refers to the transition from non-democratic to democratic forms of government. [...] In democratizing states, the holding of elections and the expansion of individual freedoms open up space for contestation and participation, yet mechanisms for effective mediation of interests are not thoroughly institutionalized.4 This can increase the potential for violent outcomes at least in the short run. [...] Research has suggested that external military competition forced Western European states to strengthen their administrative capacities and become strong states.6 The absence of this pattern of state emergence in other parts of the world similarly helps understand the persistence of weak states.
peacebuilding government politics democracy ngo governance authoritarianism conflict management culture democratization dictatorship ethics law ngos political science political violence war political system election democratic society political process democracy promotion non-governmental organization democracies democratic institutions democratic government democratic regimes transitions to democracy

Authors

Daxecker, Ursula

Pages
19
Published in
Canada

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