1. Copyright © 2005 Robert Ricigliano, all rights reserved
Current Challenges
Some disturbing trends...
Getting to peace is getting harder
“Decisive CR” was very difficult in the 90’s (Wollensteen and Sollenberg, 2001)
Will the success of a specific intervention be muted by systemic failure?
When we try to help, we often hurt
Cases of assistance fueling conflict (Anderson, et al 2001)
Successful intervention in one area can fuel conflict in another
Even when we get “peace,” it is hard to sustain
Cambodia, Mozambique vs. Israel-Palestine, DRC, Angola
What accounts for processes launch and sustainable process and those that do not?
Copyright © 2005 Robert Ricigliano, all rights reserved

2. Copyright © 2005 Robert Ricigliano, all rights reserved
Current Challenges
These trends point to the need to take a systemic view in order to intervene responsibly and effectively…
One that moves beyond individual disciplines (e.g. human rights, development, CR, environment, etc.)
…and argues for taking a holistic approach to peace building that addresses:
Process factors (break downs in how people and groups manage conflict)
Social factors (break downs in basic relations between groups, negative inter-group attitudes)
Structural factors (break downs in basic systems and institutions, e.g. rule of law, economy, governance)
Copyright © 2005 Robert Ricigliano, all rights reserved

3. Copyright © 2005 Robert Ricigliano, all rights reserved
A Holistic Approach
Sustainable and just peace (Coexistence, PWL) require 3 change at three interrelated level:
Process Level
The ability of people (especially elites at the national and local levels) to manage their differences and work together peacefully and constructively (e.g. negotiations and dispute resolution procedures)
Social Level
Relations between groups in society (e.g. reconciliation, trust, social capital)
Structural Level
Basic institutions and systems in society that provide for people’s basic human needs (e.g. governance, media, social services, security, rule of law, environment, economy)
Copyright © 2005 Robert Ricigliano, all rights reserved

4. Obstacles to a Holistic Approach
Combining political, social and structural activity be frustrated by:
Limited Theories of Action
“No agency appeared to analyze a context to decide what, of all possible strategies, would be most effective” (RPP, 2002)
Entrenched Practices
Artificial division of labor (“we don’t do political work…”)
Overemphasis on political negotiations
The “Realist” Critique
Organizational/Political self-interest
Funding pressure/competition
Copyright © 2005 Robert Ricigliano, all rights reserved

5. Copyright © 2005 Robert Ricigliano, all rights reserved
A Holistic Approach
Some Assumptions
Any attempt at integration must start with two key facts:
There is not now any grand theory of peace building (Coexistence work?) that explains how process, social and structural interventions should relate to each other
Collaboration among process, social and structural actors cannot be compelled
The best way to promote holistic approaches to peacebuilding (in theory and practice) is to build the communication infrastructure for inter-field collaboration
Networks of Effective Action are a way to implement this approach
Copyright © 2005 Robert Ricigliano, all rights reserved

6. Networks of Effective Action
Value Inclusivity and Diversity
Include process, social, structural actors
Include official and unofficial actors; International, national and sub-national actors
Enable Learning, Informed Intervention
Promote the sharing of information
Holistic conflict analysis
Mapping actors/activity by sector, unaddressed needs and opportunities for collaboration
Promote iterative approaches to intervention
Operate “Chaordically”
Set out shared purpose and principles among its members; Are decentralized and self-organizing
Copyright © 2005 Robert Ricigliano, all rights reserved