ABSTRACT
The chapter presents an overview of the development of peacebuilding as an approach to the continuum in the management of armed conflict and provides some background on the succeeding case studies. First, it critically reviews previous international efforts and practices providing support for conflict countries’ transition to peace. After which, it introduces the new notion of ‘sustaining peace,’ which shows a non-linear and expansive understanding of crisis management in relation to armed conflict. Traditional peacebuilding follows a fundamentally linear timeframe of crisis management, from post-conflict peacebuilding, preventive diplomacy, peacemaking, to peacekeeping. Long-term development follows, after initial elections for state building. ‘Sustaining peace’ is interpreted as joint efforts to advance peace in the continuum by cutting across these segments of peacebuilding. However, political nature of peacebuilding and neutral humanitarian assistance cannot easily overcome humanitarian dilemmas and integrate relevant actors into one single strategy. The chapter finally examines possible key factors that are required to help bring together relevant actors, necessary resources and useful policy instruments under the notion of strategically conceived ‘continuum.’ For this purpose, consolidating local ownership and international support in the form of a continuum for peace is no longer a matter of choice but of necessity.
