The emergence of The United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) in 2005 was the culmination of a long and contentious process. In this work Rob Jenkins provides a concise introduction that traces the origins and evolution of peacebuilding as a concept, the creation and functioning of the PBC as an institution, and the complicated relationship between these two processes.
Jenkins discusses how continued contestation over what exactly peacebuilding is, and how its objectives can most effectively be achieved, influenced the institutional design and de facto functioning of the PBC, its structure, mandate and origins. He then moves on to examine the peacebuilding architecture in action and analyses the role that the PBC has carved out for itself, reflecting on the future prospects for the organization.
The theory and practice of peacebuilding has assumed increasing importance over the last decade, and this work is essential reading for all students of conflict resolution, peace studies and international relations.
Introduction 1. Peacebuilding: A contested and evolving concept 2. The UN peacebuilding architecture: structure, mandate, and origins 3. Institutional survival: the peacebuilding architecture in action, 2006-2008 4. Institutional revival: the peacebuilding architecture in action, 2008-2010 5. Conclusion
Biography
Rob Jenkins is Professor of Political Science at Hunter College and the Graduate Center at The City University of New York. Formerly Professor of Politics at the University of London, he has published widely on Indian politics, movements for democratic accountability, and the politics of international economic and security assistance.
