About Book

"Peacebuilding: The Twenty Years' Crisis, 1997-2017" critically examines the evolution of peacebuilding over two decades. David Chandler traces its origins from an ad-hoc extension of peacekeeping to a formalized UN-supported project aimed at constructing liberal democratic states. The book argues that foundational assumptions—promoting democracy, rule of law, and free markets as universal remedies for conflict-prone societies—have proven to be overly optimistic, if not hubristic and Eurocentric. Chandler provides a chronological analysis, highlighting the shifts in policy and academic discourse surrounding peacebuilding, and questions the efficacy of these liberal interventions in achieving sustainable peace. In an era marked by complex conflicts and the questioning of liberal internationalism, Chandler's critique of peacebuilding is highly pertinent. The book sheds light on the limitations of imposing Western-centric models of governance on diverse societies, a practice that has often led to unintended consequences. As global policymakers and practitioners reassess strategies for conflict resolution and statebuilding, this work offers valuable insights into the necessity of context-specific approaches and the pitfalls of one-size-fits-all solutions. "Peacebuilding: The Twenty Years' Crisis, 1997-2017" is a thought-provoking and essential read for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners in the fields of peace and conflict studies and international relations. Chandler's incisive analysis challenges conventional wisdom and encourages a re-evaluation of how the international community approaches post-conflict reconstruction. While the book is academically rigorous, its accessible prose makes it suitable for both specialists and general readers interested in understanding the complexities of modern peacebuilding efforts.