Fragility is required: peacebuilding theory brief overview

Abstract

A state or territory emerging from an armed conflict undergoes a process of constructing a new reality. The peacebuilding process involves a broad range of measures focused not only on rebuilding territories affected by armed conflict but, more importantly, on identifying and strengthening institutions dedicated to fostering peace and preventing the recurrence of conflict. This article attempts to outline the main theoretical approaches and perspectives in peacebuilding research and its implementation. This study examines the perception of peacebuilding through conflict resolution as a key multidisciplinary approach. The conceptual analysis highlighted distinctive features of peacebuilding compared to related interconnected terms, such as conflict prevention, peacekeeping, peacemaking, postwar reconstruction, statebuilding, nation building, and reconciliation. A structural-functional analysis made it possible to differentiate theoretical approaches to peacebuilding activities involvement. The differences between peacebuilding from above (top-down approach) and peacebuilding from below (bottom-up approach) are analyzed. The essence of the hierarchical approach through the liberal paradigm is revealed in contrast to the idea of a hybrid peace. An exceptional impact of the transformative approach on peacebuilding is highlighted. The current trend of cosmopolitan conflict resolution is described. Emphasis is placed on the prevailing perception of peacebuilding as a viable endeavor during the fragile phase of post-conflict interaction and the state of conflict actors, particularly concerning the capacity for flexibility and adaptability to evolving circumstances and changes. This article does not strive to comprehensively present all existing theoretical frameworks to peacebuilding. Instead, it aims to delineate its distinctive attributes and to serve as a catalyst for further scholarly inquiry in this domain.