Democratic Constitution Making

Democratic Constitution Making

Sunday, July 13, 2003

By: Vivien Hart

Summary We live in an era of constitution making. Writing a constitution is part of many peace processes. New nations and radically new regimes that seek democratic credentials make writing a constitution a priority. In a changing world, constitutional practice is also changing. Twenty-first century constitutionalism is redefining the long tradition of expert constitution making and bringing it into the sphere of democratic participation.

Type: Special Report

A Comprehensive Resolution of the Korean War

A Comprehensive Resolution of the Korean War

Tuesday, May 13, 2003

By: William Drennan

Summary Although the Korean War Armistice Agreement stopped the fighting in 1953, it has yet to be replaced by a permanent settlement. A U.S. initiative to convene, under the auspices of the United Nations Security Council, a four-party conference to craft a political settlement of the Korean conflict, in return for the verified dismantling of North Korea's nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, would: Meet the U.S. requirement for a multilateral solution to the nuc...

Type: Special Report

Establishing the Rule of Law in Iraq

Establishing the Rule of Law in Iraq

Sunday, April 13, 2003

By: Robert Perito

Summary In Iraq, the immediate post-war period is likely to be difficult, confusing, and dangerous. Based on the experience of previous peace operations, the U.S.-led coalition's most important objective should be establishing the rule of law. The Fourth Geneva Convention makes this an obligation for the U.S. military administration. It will also be necessary to ensure that post-conflict reconciliation and reconstruction go forward successfully. Saddam Hussein exercised power in Ira...

Type: Special Report

Unfinished Business in Afghanistan: Warlordism, Reconstruction, and Ethnic Harmony

Unfinished Business in Afghanistan: Warlordism, Reconstruction, and Ethnic Harmony

Sunday, April 13, 2003

By: Deepa Ollapally

Summary In comparison to the quick and successful U.S. military campaign to oust the Taliban, the political task of creating a stable and secure democratic state in Afghanistan is proving much more difficult. There are some hopeful signs since January 2003 with sections of President Hamid Karzai's government apparatus becoming more functional. But the central government continues to be severely hampered in the absence of adequate funds, security structures, and infrastructure.

Type: Special Report

Can Faith-Based NGOs Advance Interfaith Reconciliation? The Case of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Can Faith-Based NGOs Advance Interfaith Reconciliation? The Case of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Thursday, March 13, 2003

By: Branka Peuraca

Summary Reconciliation can be an immense challenge in the pursuit of sustainable peace. Progress toward postconflict reconciliation is being made in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as evidenced by some previously unthinkable recent events. Some early initiatives toward promoting interfaith reconciliation undertaken by international actors were not well conceived and proved counterproductive.

Type: Special Report

Religion

Kosovo Decision Time: How and When?

Kosovo Decision Time: How and When?

Thursday, February 13, 2003

By: Daniel Serwer;  Sloan Mann

Kosovo today is an international protectorate created by UN Security Council Resolution 1244, which foresees establishment of substantial autonomy and self-governance under the aegis of the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) followed by a decision on final status. In the three and a half years since the NATO/Yugoslavia war, officials have generally avoided discussion of Kosovo final status and sought to postpone the decision foreseen in resolution 1244. At the same time, pressures are building and ...

Type: Special Report

Lethal Ethnic Riots: Lessons from India and Beyond

Lethal Ethnic Riots: Lessons from India and Beyond

Thursday, February 13, 2003

By: Judy Barsalou

Briefly Because deadly ethnic riots are activities undertaken by crowds, understanding why these riots occur and how they unfold requires analysis of the dynamics of crowd behavior. Rioters display a mixture of lucid calculation and irrational passion in their behavior, carefully targeting their victims but finding emotional release in their killing.

Type: Special Report

Conflict Analysis & Prevention

Would an Invasion of Iraq Be a "Just War"?

Would an Invasion of Iraq Be a "Just War"?

Monday, January 13, 2003

By: David Smock

Summary Ethical Analysis of War Against Iraq, Gerald Powers The United States, in collaboration with others, has not only a moral right but a grave obligation to defend against mass terrorism and the threat Iraq poses. But the difficult moral issue is not mostly about ends but about how to defend the common good against such threats.

Type: Special Report