This chapter will provide a broad overview of the various elements and issues associated with governance in a post-conflict environment. We will go over key terms and concepts in the field and take a brief look at Afghanistan and Liberia where some of the issues of post-conflict governance have been at play. We will also examine how governance during war-to-peace transitions fits into USIP’s larger framework for reconstruction and stabilization.

This chapter examines the contradictions and challenges of good governance that are important to consider in war to peace transitions. We will look specifically at the principles of good governance, various methods for implementing good governance, theories of democracy that are applicable to transition environments, and the role of the international community in these contexts. By the end of this session we hope that you are able to think more strategically and comprehensively about these challenges when you encounter them in your own work.

This chapter examines the contradictions and challenges of good governance that are important to consider in war to peace transitions. We will look specifically at the principles of good governance, various methods for implementing good governance, theories of democracy that are applicable to transition environments, and the role of the international community in these contexts. By the end of this session we hope that you are able to think more strategically and comprehensively about these challenges when you encounter them in your own work.

Implementing programs that improve governance in emerging political systems requires an understanding of the complex dynamics among funding, organizational mandates, interim governments and groups who are the intended beneficiaries of international interventions. This session will also address issues related to post-conflict administration, accountability and strategies for public administration reform.

Have you witnessed corruption in your community? Your region? Your state? Most people have witnessed some form of corruption but how do we know what corruption is? What does it look like? What impact does corruption have on society? How do we combat corruption? We will explore these and other questions in this session.

This chapter will examine the challenges to accountable fiscal management, accountable handling of natural resources and combating corruption. What are strategies for supporting local reform constituencies and pressure groups, as well as meeting transparency, inclusion and participation needs? Economic reconstruction is vital to the development of society, but it is particularly complex. In this chapter, we will explore five steps that will help ensure that economic reconstruction in conflict-affected states is impactful, sustainable and effective.