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03 Understanding Peacemaking and Terrorism in the World - James Miskel, Ph.d.
Much of the civil wars and civil insurrections of the past 20 years, particularly in Africa, have been caused by unscrupulous leaders who have stirred up tribal and clan hatreds. In many cases, these animosities did not exist beforehand. These have been difficult situations because civil society has been nearly destroyed. Thus, post-conflict reconstruction is a major focus of peace building. The situations are additionally challenging because the new government typically has little expertise in the rule of law, the judiciairy is non-existent, and therefore, contract and property rights are nonexistent. Without assurances of contract and property rights, foreign investors are unwilling to enter post-conflict countries. And, Jim says, without critical foreign investment, local economies cannot grow.