The Local Turn in Peacebuilding: The Liberal Peace Challenged

Book Details

• Author: Joakim Ojendal

• Publisher: Routledge

• Language: English

• Edition: 1

• ISBN: 9780367132750

• Cover: Paperback

• Pages: 234

• Release Date: 21-12-2018

• Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.8 x 0.7 inches

About the Book

The ‘Local Turn’ in Peacebuilding by Joakim Ojendal critically explores one of the most vital evolutions in the field of international peacebuilding—the increasing recognition of the importance of local actors and local governance in post-conflict reconstruction. Despite growing evidence that sustainable peace depends on engaging local communities, most peacebuilding efforts continue to rely heavily on top-down, macro-level strategies that often overlook or marginalize 'the local.'

This timely volume presents a threefold aim: first, to highlight the necessity of adopting a more localized approach to interventions in politically sensitive regions; second, to consolidate scholarly discussions around the role of local communities in peacebuilding efforts; and third, to question and unpack the very concept of ‘the local’—exploring its practical integration in globalized and securitized policy environments.

Published as a special issue of Third World Quarterly, this book is essential reading for policymakers, peace practitioners, and scholars of international relations, political science, and development studies. It provides an in-depth critique of the challenges, complexities, and potential of local-level engagement and offers insights into achieving meaningful and everyday peace through grounded, community-driven strategies.