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ID: 090858

Is peacebuilding sustainable in Sierra Leone? / Sola-Martin, Andreu

Sola-Martin, Andreu	Journal Article
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Publication

2009.

Summary/Abstract

This paper explores the role of the international community in promoting liberal peacebuilding in Sierra Leone. It identifies two key challenges to the sustainability of peacebuilding: insufficient opportunities for the social reintegration of ex-combatants and the escalation in social tensions as a result of the exploitative nature of international mining ventures operating through patrimonial networks. Despite the success of the UN peacekeeping mission to Sierra Leone, the institutionalisation of peacebuilding initiatives by the international community has not addressed the root causes of the conflict. Sierra Leone still lacks basic material capabilities to sustain peace and support development. This paper is based on UN documents, policy reports, relevant literature and field work interviews.

Key Words

Conflict ; Sierra Leone ; Peacebuilding ; Mining ; Patrimonialism ; United Nations

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ID: 072897

Lessons from MINURSO: a contribution to new thinking / Sola-Martin, Andreu

Sola-Martin, Andreu	Journal Article
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Publication

2006.

Summary/Abstract

This article examines the role of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) in promoting conflict resolution in this former Spanish colony occupied by Morocco since 1975. It argues that MINURSO was not able to provide space for transformative policies in the fields of human rights and democratization because the mission was constrained by power politics. It outlines the theoretical basis of peacekeeping and its linkage with a Focauldian approach to the production of power/knowledge. It then assesses the role of MINURSO in the promotion of conflict resolution and the extent to which the parties' disagreements in the identification of voters and UN bias hindered the process which was to lead to the organization of a self-determination referendum for the Western Saharan people. Finally it explores how the UN failure to promote conflict resolution in Western Sahara is related to a western approach to the settlement of disputes, which is more concerned with promoting stability by containing violence rather than with attempting to address the root causes of conflict.

Key Words

Peacekeeping ; Conflict Resolution ; UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara ; MINURSO ; Self-Determination Referendum

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ID: 106673

Liberia: security challenges, development fundamentals / Sola-Martin, Andreu

Sola-Martin, Andreu	Journal Article
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Publication

2011.

Summary/Abstract

This research article argues that security challenges in post-conflict Liberia cannot be addressed effectively without synchronising current stabilisation policies with the implementation of development fundamentals. The article explores key strategic sectors of the Liberian economy and their impact on the security and development dimensions of peace building. The political economy of post-conflict Liberia has not structurally modified an economic model which relies on the concessionary system and the extraction of raw materials at the expense of developing productive sectors which could be used to secure sustainable livelihoods. It is suggested that a shift in the political economy pursued by national and international actors is needed to link current peacebuilding efforts to sustainable development processes; one policy measure recommended to achieve such a goal is enhanced support for land reform and small farmers' rights.

Key Words

Violence ; Security ; Economy ; Economic Conditions ; Agriculture ; Liberia ;
Land Dispute ; Community Rights

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