ABSTRACT
In introducing some of the main themes of the following contributions, this chapter emphasises the importance of local communities and societal actors as sources of security and justice, and as critical players in the emergence of social order and peaceful political community. The emphasis on peace formation allows a fundamental range of peace-making practices to come into view – practices that are often obscured by the prevailing focus on statutory institutions, excessively narrow definitions of the state and state failure. In considering people’s efforts to create relative peace and social order under challenging conditions, discussion engages current debates about peacebuilding and statebuilding, the formation of political community and the state and the foundations of security and social order in conflict-affected or fragile environments. The chapter also addresses the significance of drawing on cases from the diverse regions of West Africa and the Pacific Islands.
