Conflict prevention : path to peace or grand illusion? (revised MS)

This document looks at all aspects of conflict prevention and contributors reflect on how existing mechanisms and instruments for conflict prevention can be properly evaluated and improved. Conflict Prevention evaluates the institutional record on conflict prevention, identifies current trends in conflict prevention practice, and makes recommendations on improving organizational capacity.The first part of the book looks at what is successful conflict prevention? Conflict prevention can be understood as an important but understated element of statecraft and coercive diplomacy, as the physical presence of a deterrent force, or as a rehabilitative action taken to prevent the re-emergence of violence. Collectively, these interpretations point to the malleability of conflict prevention as a theory and as a policy.In the second part of the volume how existing mechanisms and instruments for conflict prevention can be properly evaluated and improved are assessed. They focus on several institutions that are at the forefront of conflict prevention policy: the EU, the OSCE, and NATO. They further show how informational and analytical needs can be used to enhance the quality of conflict analysis and its policy relevance. From experiences in Africa and the Americas, Conflict Prevention concludes with reflections on the efforts and challenges of building regional capacity in the developing world.