Addressing Societal Divisions in Post-conflict City Settings
This review surveys interventions aimed at overcoming post-conflict divisions, centring on studies of projects implemented in the Western Balkans
Abstract
Cities are often theorised as having great potential to transcend societal divides and foster coexistence, with diverse populations mixing in everyday life. The post-war city may, however, be contested by ethno-nationalist actors who regulate, territorialise, and symbolise space in a way that sustains polarised communities and war gains. ‘Divided cities’, as such post-war cities are often labelled, are stuck in war-to-peace transitions. This rapid literature review surveys interventions aimed at overcoming post-conflict divisions in city settings, centring primarily on academic and NGO studies of programmes and projects implemented in the Western Balkans. There is also some discussion of initiatives in Northern Ireland as they were prominent in the literature. The review also looks at everyday encounters that can counter divisions.
This report was prepared for the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and its partners in support of pro-poor programmes
Citation
Haider, H. (2020). Addressing divisions in post-conflict city settings. K4D Helpdesk Report 867. Brighton, UK: Institute of Development Studies
Link
Addressing Societal Divisions in Post-conflict City Settings