Cambodia’s untreated wound
The Khmer Rouge regime and its genocidal aftermath have left a psychological legacy that has crippled the development of Cambodia. The Khmer Rouge regime collapsed almost three decades ago; however, the lack of a healing process for the victims of the trauma, the erosion of trust initiated by the regime, and the delayed establishment of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal and the public distrust in the hybrid court, have still trapped the victims in the past trauma, which prevents them from letting go of their past traumatic experiences to fully contribute to the development of Cambodia.
Non-State Conflict Management: Opportunities and Limitations of NGOs Engaging Non-State Armed Groups
Muhammed Nawaz Khan provides a comprehensive analysis of opportunities and challenges for interaction between non-state armed groups (NSAGs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Afghanistan. If such interactions are approached strategically and in a principled way, Khan argues, NSAGs may be brought into development and peacebuilding efforts, and provide the necessary space for negotiation and conflict resolution.
People Power: Between Reality and Conjecture
The successful overthrow of unpopular regimes in many political communities through popular uprising is often adduced as evidence of the potency of people power. Oftentimes, such changes have occurred without any real social transformation. Alozieuwa argues that a change in the political leadership without corresponding takeover of the mantle exposes the contradiction in the concept of people power as a catalyst for social transformation. Alozieuwa concludes that the people, in addition to stimulating the change, must be able to take over power in order to institute the desired social order. Absence of a coherent strategy has often hindered this.
The relationship between civil society and public institutions in Burundi
Vital Nshimirimana discusses the relationship between civil society and public institiutions in Burundi.He argues that a permanent tension exists in defining civil society. He suggests that such a tension might be resolved in the light of the definitions adopted by several international organisations of which Burundi is party.Indeed, he assesses the achievement of civil society in Burundi and asserts that what makes it be seen by public institutions as a threat is because it is working and actually committed to defend the common good.
Key words : civil society, public institutions,associations,labour unions, synergy, citizenry,media, common good
The Creation of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala: Miscalculation by a ‘Corporate Mafia State’?
This paper traces the development of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG). A UN affiliated hybrid International-National quasi-judicial entity, CICIG was mandated to help investigate and prosecute organized crime groups in Guatemala and was heralded as an important step forward in the fight against impunity. This paper explores the often heard narrative that human rights groups successfully convinced first the Portillo administration and then the Berger government to agree to support CICIG, and analyzes alternative rationales. The paper suggests that the Portillo government sought to derive short term benefits from supporting the agreement but may have miscalculated in its assessment of long term risks. The Berger administration clearly derived benefits from the agreement, including the reinstatement of certain US military aid, as did the Colom administration. The paper also suggests that despite its mandate to strengthen national investigations and the judiciary system, some of CICIG’s greatest successes were achieved through public actions and the eventual resignation of the founding Commissioner Castresana. The paper concludes that even though CICIG’s institutional reform efforts have been piecemeal, they are significant nonetheless.
Why should we know where Saja is?
Why does a small village in Southern Tanzania seem like a hotbed of international intrigue a la Cold War era? Hang on, looks like all the international powers are there only to help.
In this “parable” of international development, Saumava Mitra critically reflects on the strategies of charity givers, technologists, and commercialists, and questions the real impact they have had on the people of Saja.
Water Security in the Sixaola River Basin
The Sixaola River Basin crosses the border between Costa Rica and Panama, and is home to Yorkín and Bribrí communities, raising legal and social challenges for equitable and secure water management. This paper outlines some of these challenges and makes recommendations for reducing human vulnerability to hazards (particularly floods) and for improving relationships among stakeholders.
Promoting Gender Equality in Postconflict Liberia: Challenges and Prospects
Horace Nagbe analyzes post-conflict Liberia through a gender lens. By analyzing the post-conflict recovery and development in the country, Nagbe reveals the vast inequalities between men and women. Further, Nagbe discusses the importance of women in the Liberian economy and their efforts in post-conflict reconstruction. Finally, the author presents various suggestions for empowering the women of Liberia and improving the state of the country as a whole.
UN’s Choice: Millennium Development Goals vs. Financial Crisis!
Key words: UN, millennium development goals (MDGs), financial crisis, poverty, economic turbulance, collective security, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Progress Can Prevail in El Salvador
Last month, Paula LeRoy’s article “Violence and Poverty Entangled in El Salvador” described the many interlocking challenges to peace and prosperity in the country. This article offers an inspiring range of potential solutions and practical ideas for how those challenges an be overcome.