ABSTRACT
This chapter compares the backgrounds to each of the conflicts and the anatomy of the two disputes. Similarities in historical contexts, anthropology, economics and governance are identified. The characteristics of each civil war are examined, such as the causes and trigger points, the opposing parties and their forces, the ostensible goals of the antagonists and both the military results and wider societal effects. Furthermore, the local peacemaking efforts within these violent environments are compared. The chapter culminates with a discussion of the main strategic differences and their relevance to developing the restorative option. These key concepts are: the focus on a conventional power orientation that contrasts with an emphasis on widespread networks of lower and mid-level peace advocacy; reliance on the formal strictures of an aggressive military philosophy as against more productive and engaging tactical possibilities; and the imposition of coercion from outside as opposed to mobilization of local capacity in finding reconciliation and the roots of societal renewal.
