This book is a timely study of peacebuilding in war-torn societies. Its purpose is to encourage students, policy makers and practitioners (in governments, intergovernmental organisations, international and local NGOs) to understand and reflect on processes designed to promote social stability and peace. Through an examination of themes and case studies, it offers conceptual analysis of interest to theorists and practitioners alike and draws on perspectives from law, political economy, social work, development studies, anthropology and international relations.