Full Description
This book looks at why it's so difficult to create 'the rule of law' in post-conflict societies such as Iraq and Afghanistan, and offers critical insights into how policy-makers and field-workers can improve future rule of law efforts. A must-read for policy-makers, field-workers, journalists and students trying to make sense of the international community's problems in Iraq and elsewhere, this book shows how a narrow focus on building institutions such as courts and legislatures misses the more complex cultural issues that affect societal commitment to the values associated with the rule of law. The authors place the rule of law in context, showing the interconnectedness between the rule of law and other post-conflict priorities, such as reestablishing security. The authors outline a pragmatic, synergistic approach to the rule of law which promises to reinvigorate debates about transitions to democracy and post-conflict reconstruction.
Contents
1. The new imperialism?; 2. Interventions and international law: the impact of legality and legitimacy on building the rule of law; 3. The elusive rule of law; 4. Blueprints for post-conflict governance and their impact on the rule of law; 5. Security as sine qua non; 6. The challenge of long-term justice reform; 7. Moving forward by looking backward? Accountability for atrocities and strengthening the rule of law; 8. Creating rule of law cultures; 9. Strengthening efforts to lay the groundwork for the rule of law: institutions and resources; 10. Conclusion.
