ABSTRACT
In situations of post-settlement peace building it is often emphasised that, in order to create a self-sustaining peace, a triple transition is needed, combining economic reform and political democratisation with changes in the security regime. The idea of the triple transition can be seen as an international agenda of economic liberalisation and good governance that is adapted to war-torn societies by adding security issues. The three transitions are generally seen as complementary to each other, changes in the economic system, political regime and security situation being interdependent. However, a number of studies have mentioned that in practice the different parts of the triple transition can be at odds with each other and can even lead to new tensions or conflicts. This chapter will have a critical look at the triple transition in El Salvador, a country that is considered to be one of the success stories of post-settlement peace building.
