Publications

This is an assessment report (available in English, Turkish and Kurdish languages) of recent events in Turkey by Ali Bayramoğlu.  It contributes to DPI’s ongoing evaluation of on-the-ground situation in Turkey with regard to the Kurdish resolution process. It is one of a number of assessments on this topic, undertaken by experts both in the … Read moreThe Process of Resolution: from Politics to Arms

This is an assessment report of recent events in Turkey by Vahap Coşkun.  It contributes to DPI’s ongoing evaluation of on-the-ground situation in Turkey with regard to the Kurdish resolution process. It is one of a number of assessments on this topic, undertaken by experts both in the region and internationally. Download Here [PDF] Download … Read moreProcess of Resolution: Gains and Dangers

The decentralisation and devolution of governance in post-conflict states can prove to be essential in maintaining a lasting peace and developing democratic practices. This paper examines the ways in which devolved regions across the world use different methods in order to build peace in post-conflict societies and to create democratic institutions and practices.   Download … Read moreDegrees of Governance: A Study of the Decentralisation of States in Enabling Democratic Progress

This paper, by renowned expert in the area of minority languages, Professor Ned Thomas, offers three concise case-studies of very different situations within Europe where the measures adopted in respect of language have had some success in bringing an end to conflict and preventing its recurrence.   Download Here [PDF]

In recent years, truth commissions have increasingly become a standard component of conflict resolution and help play an essential role in clarifying history and contributing to a culture of accountability. Focusing on case studies in Lebanon and Guatemala, this report explores the role civil society can play in engaging with the past in post conflict situations. … Read moreLegacies of Silence: The Role of Civil Society in Truth-telling, Memory and Reconciliation

This annex seeks to provide an update from the paper ‘Prospects and Problems for Peace in the Southern Philippines’ by the Democratic Progress Institute. It aims to showcase what has happened in relation to the peace process since 2012 and will be split into two parts: the first part detailing the aspects and challenges of … Read morePhilippines Peace Process- An Update From 2012-2015

This paper analyses the manner in which the subjects of transitional justice and access to justice are interlinked and can develop together as a means of achieving democratic advancement, and of facilitating sustained conflict resolution.   MOSCATI_TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE-Proof

Women are crucial stakeholders in peacebuilding and democratic reform and yet they are too often sidelined because of entrenched gender biases that continues to uphold gendered socio-cultural inequalities. This is despite the united nations security council resolution 1325 which was passed unanimously in the year 2000. As a result, this working paper examines the role resolution 1325 has had in peacebuilding as well as women’s past exclusion from peacebuilding processes in various countries. It further posits some methods available to states to ensure women’s effective and adequate participation within negotiations and constitution drafting, as it is important to work towards women’s increased topical representation within constitutions, parliamentary politics, and within all levels of state.

This brief aims to answer key questions relating to sexual and gender based violence in conflict. It also examines key international legal instruments available in this area, and explores mechanisms for their implementation.

This report provides an overview of the Belfast Project, an oral history project conducted by researchers at Boston College with former combatants from the Northern Ireland Conflict. It discusses the implications that this project has had for peace and justice in Northern Ireland and for similar oral history research elsewhere.

Democracy plays a crucial role in post-conflict societies and most societies emerging from conflict adopt some form of democratic government. This paper demonstrates that even though differences in societies and patterns of conflict pose complex challenges for the post-conflict reconstruction,democratic governance can lead to long-term reconciliation of parties in conflict by transferring the fight to the halls of politics.

This paper considers three case studies and the different political structures that Bolivia, South Africa and Sri Lanka have in place, in order to provide examples of both positive and less effective methods of ensuring political representation. In doing so, this paper aims to demonstrate the way in which greater political representation can lead to a successful resolution of conflict and/or help to assist democratic progress more generally.

The paper summarizes and analyses the Good Friday Agreement as a centrepiece of the Northern Irish conflict resolution process. It offers an overview of the main actors, negotiations and agreements as well as presenting observations and lessons learned from the process.

This paper argues that the placing of minority languages within a comparative framework and a wider context of cultural diversity has become more relevant within a globalising economy, and that the earlier European experience deserves revisiting and may call for some rethinking by majorities and minorities of the way they think of each other.

Women are crucial stakeholders in peacebuilding and democratic reform and yet they are too often sidelined because of entrenched gender biases. This working paper examines women’s past exclusion from peacebuilding processes in various countries and posits some methods available to states to ensure women’s effective and adequate participation within negotiations and constitution drafting, as well as … Read moreIncorporating Women into Peacebuilding and Democratic Reform

This paper aims to examine and compare the sources of conflict and processes of negotiation and conflict resolution within the southern Philippines in relation to the communities and insurgent groups in Muslim areas of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago.

This paper aims to examine and compare the sources of conflict and processes of negotiation and conflict resolution within the Spanish state in relation to the autonomous communities of Catalonia and Euskadi – roughly from the death of Franco in 1975 up to the 2012 elections in both these communities. While the years of armed conflict between ETA and the … Read moreAfter ETA? Catalonia, Euskadi and the Spanish Constitution

This paper considers two major issues currently faced by Turkey: that of the Kurdish Question and that of the Syrian predicament.

Civil society can play a crucial role in all aspects of conflict resolution, including mediation, and yet they are often not provided with the opportunities to do so within official, government-led peace processes. This working paper examines the suitability of different civil society actors as mediators in conflict resolution both as part of the official process and independently through an … Read moreCivil Society Mediation in Conflict Resolution

Access to justice is often a reflection of broader socio-political trends in society. Effective access to justice is a crucial element of engagement between society and the state that allows citizens to seek fair remedy for their grievances regardless of their position in society. This report examines why access to justice contributes to conflict-resolution and the promotion of democracy and … Read moreDemocracy Promotion and Conflict Resolution: The Role of Access to Justice

Women are crucial stakeholders in peacebuilding and democratic reform and yet they are too often sidelined because of entrenched gender biases. This paper contributes evidence-based research to consolidate policy awareness of the importance of incorporating gender perspectives into all aspects of civil and political life in ‘conflict societies’ in order to advance inclusion and democracy, … Read moreGender, Development and Conflict Resolution: Enhancing Rights & Equitable Practice

Questions of constitution building and constitutional reform are of paramount importance, particularly when the constitution making process arises in the aftermath of violent conflict or as a transitional arrangement in post-conflict societies. This paper aims to examine the nature of constitution building and constitutional reform.

Turkey will soon hold its first election in which the presidency will be awarded according to a popular vote. Mr Erdoğan and Mr Gül are eager to contest the position and hold unrivalled positions of power and influence within AK Party. This paper examines in detail aspects of key speeches given by Turkish Prime Minister … Read moreBriefing Paper: ‘The Next Two Years Ahead of Turkey: Two Leaders, Two Different Lines, Two Readings’

This paper intends to investigate the challenges facing disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) programmes in post-conflict societies and suggests that inclusive approaches based on dialogue can be successful in overcoming them. Through an exploration of the complex nature of contemporary conflict this paper shows that post-conflict environments are not as straightforward as their name implies. … Read moreDDR and the Complexity of Contemporary Conflict

This paper investigates the potential of New Media in helping to develop localised democratic cultures based on inclusive dialogue, participation and engagement, which are key components of the development of democracy. It investigates the capacity of New Media, with its non-hierarchical, networked structure to help develop a healthy civil society which engages with the key … Read moreNew Media and the Development of Democracy

This paper takes a comparative approach to assess some of the major strengths and weaknesses associated with TRCs. By drawing on the wealth of knowledge available through case studies of transitional societies, obstacles and opportunities for TRCs are identified. The influence of international organisations such as the UN is also be taken into account. These … Read moreObstacles and Opportunities for Transitional Justice: TRCs

The growing body of international law and legal commentary offering a gendered perspective on conflict includes international conventions, United Nations Security Council Resolutions, commentary by international legal bodies as well as international conferences on the issue. All have contributed to an established recognition of the disproportionate effect of conflict on women and of the importance of women’s participation for … Read moreThe Gendered Effect of Conflict