Integrated community development/conflict resolution strategies as ‘peace building potential’ in South Africa and Northern Ireland

Abstract

This paper argues that integrated community development and conflict resolution strategies could help to sustain peace in post-settlement contexts. The conceptual background to this argument is unfolded through the tracking of key concepts such as convergence, post-settlement contexts, civil society, community development, conflict resolution, peace building, and multi-track approaches to peace building. Empirical evidence for convergences at the practice level is presented through excerpts from two case studies, one from Northern Ireland and the other from South Africa. Some of the key issues around which community development/conflict resolution strategies coalesce relate to addressing human needs, encouraging people participation, and building democracy. These are critical peace building tasks. Despite the positive potential of such integrated strategies, both South Africa and Northern Ireland face crucial challenges.