Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the immediate task of consolidation and stabilisation presented to an outside force in the aftermath of armed conflict. It argues that the distinction between 'war' and 'peace' – much like that between 'conflict' and 'post-conflict' – is always likely to be blurred, and that it would be futile to seek to define the length of the early and critical period with any great degree of precision. The book explores the nature and characteristics of the 'peacebuilding' environment. It examines the organisational and policy responses to peacebuilding challenges. The book addresses the ways in which governments and international organisations have responded to these challenges, the analysis moves beyond immediate 'post-conflict' tasks to look at the relationship of these to longer-term objectives and priorities.