Peacebuilding in Traumatized Societies

by Barry Hart

This work examines trauma, identity, security, education, and development as issues of critical importance to peacebuilding and social reconstruction after large-scale violence. This violence takes the form of war, mass-killings, and genocide, as well as structural violence that has humiliated and impoverished millions of people across the globe. Transitional justice, leadership, religion, and the arts are other crucial issues that are included in this analysis of violence and its transformation. The book explores how each issue can be independently addressed for transformational purposes, but argues for their active interdepdendence in order to more effectively help individuals, communities, and societies emerge from violence and begin the rebuilding process. Peacebuilding for Traumatized Societies examines these issues in theoretical and practical terms through case studies and descriptions of training and problem-solving procedures in Rwanda, the Balkans, Colombia, and the Philippines.

362 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008