This report summarizes the key points that
emerged from the 2008 IPI New York seminar, situates them in recent research
on international responses to armed conflict, and provides some thoughts
on how to strengthen the multilateral architecture for mounting an improved
response. Discussions at the seminar highlighted two core challenges that,
while recognized in international policy circles, are not effectively addressed
by the institutional mechanisms at our disposal. The first of these is
that all conflicts are fundamentally rooted in political dynamics, which
highlights the critical importance of understanding local context and finding
solutions that resonate with local actors. Although this theme is often
repeated as a mantra, international efforts continue to operate without
a nuanced understanding of context and tend to marginalize local actors,
preventing them from becoming the true drivers of their own recovery. The
second is a lack of a coherent and strategic approach by international
actors in any given conflict or postconflict situation. Departments, agencies,
and organizations within and beyond the UN continue to operate in silos,
often at crosspurposes, and fail to fully leverage their collective strength.
The proliferation of actors and interests that results from the growing
multidimensionality of peace operations and peacebuilding activities seems
only to exacerbate the problem.
The first section of this paper explores
these two challenges. The second section highlights recent reform efforts
and reflects on shortcomings in current practice. The third section analyzes
the core obstacles faced by these reform efforts. The final section offers
suggestions for overcoming these obstacles.