Journal of Peacebuilding and Development

The interconnections between conflict, development and peace are many and profound. One only needs to examine the current global context characterised by high levels of violent protracted conflict and inexcusable and rising levels of poverty and inequality – two phenomena that are often found together intermingling in complex ways. For many countries and regions in conflict and transition from war to peace in the Global South, the role of economics and development cannot be separated from understanding the causes of conflict and forms of peacebuilding that will endure. Where peace and conflict resolution efforts fail to address economic and social development issues – so often the roots of conflict – the result is the building of straw houses rather than strong institutional foundations rooted in human development needs of people necessary for securing a lasting peace. From the other end of the spectrum development policies and programmes at all levels have historically generated ‘winners’ and ‘losers’, catalysing and/or exacerbating social conflicts. Such conflicts often take on an identity focus where increased poverty and other negative socio-economic conditions generate struggles for scarce resources. These struggles often have differential socio-economic impacts, benefits and burdens on different ethnic groups.

Recognising these and other conflict-development interconnections, the need to rigorously and routinely examine these issues in an integrated manner with an eye towards developing joint conceptual and practical peacebuilding strategies becomes compelling.

The Journal of Peacebuilding and Development or “JPD” is a new bi-annual, refereed journal seeking to provide a forum for practitioners, activists, policymakers and academics to share critical thinking and constructive action on issues at the intersections of conflict, development, and peace. As such, the Journal engages contemporary debates such as:

Development policies and processes – their impacts on, and implications for, conflict and peace
The economics of war and peace
Reconciliation and justice
Strategic approaches to building peace and human sustainable development
Social and economic policy: conflicts and possible resolutions
Identities and relationships in conflict and development
Violent conflict prevention
Poverty elimination and the building of participatory democratic processes
People-centred development in divided societies
Human security
Globalisation: impacts, trends and agency
Rights-based approaches to development and environmental justice
Impact assessments, and other methodologies for advancing peace and development interventions in conflicted societies

Aiming to develop theory-practice and South-North dialogues, JPD foregrounds qualitative methodologies that seek to voice the micro, hidden impact of dominant policies and practices. The mix of theory, practice, policy analysis and recommendation ensures that JPD offers a holistic, visionary set of approaches for those striving to advance collaborative efforts between the fields of peacebuilding and development.

JPD’s authors, advisors, and staff represent global scholarship, practice and activism.

We invite you to help ensure the journal thrives and is a product of those engaged with these issues.

In our First Issue
Editorial - Second Issue
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