ABSTRACT
The character of peacemaking has changed rapidly over the last few decades. While historically it was a matter for kings, princes, or generals, today, it is conducted at various levels, including United Nations envoys, former heads of state, elders of local communities, or NGOs specialized in mediation services. Peace processes have become so complex that they sometimes involve dozens of actors and as many agendas, and consequently, many mediation practitioners attempt to limit the number of intermediaries in order to keep a peace process manageable. The integration of an economic perspective into peacemaking does not want to add yet another layer of complexity to what is already a tremendously complex and in many ways uncontrollable endeavour. Rather, it is a necessary adjustment of peacemaking practice to the transformation of armed conflict after the end of the cold war. Addressing economic dimensions in peace processes means reaching out to new actors and recognizing the opportunities these partnerships entail.
