ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book explores how the various elements of the constitution-making process related to one another and which of these elements has a critical impact on the outcomes in which we are interested, i.e. constitutional stability, democracy and conflict resolution. It addresses the relationship between the constitution as a text and the principles of constitutionalism. The constitution itself is a formal instrument that defines the formal parameters of the legal and political order. Moreover, as the case of Bosnia demonstrates, constitutions that are elaborated as part of a peace-making process risk being unwieldy and inflexible once the peace is actually established. The Swiss constitution gradually gained acceptance from all sides, formed the basis for modern Swiss democracy and put an end to civil conflict.
