ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book starts with a overview of governance and natural resources following conflict, defining key terms and concepts. It highlights the mutually reinforcing relationship between natural resources, good governance, and peace. The book explores lessons from past and ongoing peacebuilding efforts; and illustrates how those lessons may be applied to the formulation and implementation of more effective governance initiatives. It presents an emerging theoretical and practical framework for policy makers, researchers, practitioners, and students. The book explores impacts of peacekeeping and military operations on the natural environment and governance of natural resources, and ways in which peacekeeping and military operations can prevent and manage these impacts. It also illustrates the potential for exploitation of natural resources to undermine peacebuilding goals in the absence of effective regulation and accountability. The book provides suggestions for future inclusion of natural resource-related issues in transitional justice processes.
