Peacebuilding and Ex-Combatants

<p>The book examines how ex-combatants in post-war and peacebuilding settings engage in politics as seen in the case of Liberia.</p><p></p><p>The political mobilization of former combatants after war is often perceived as a threat ultimately undermining the security and stability of the state. This book questions this simplified view and argues that understanding the political voice of former combatants is imperative. Their post-war role is not black and white; they are not just <i>bad</i> or <i>good</i> citizens but rather engage in multiple political roles: spoilers victims disengaged beneficiaries as well as motivated and active citizens. </p><p></p><p>By looking at the political attitudes and values of former combatants and their understanding of how politics functions the book sheds new light on the political reintegration of ex-combatants. It argues that political reintegration needs to be given serious attention at the micro-level but also needs to be scrutinized in two ways: first through the level of political involvement which reflects the extent and width of the ex-combatants' voice. Second in order to make sense of political reintegration we also need to uncover what values and norms inform their political involvement. The content of their political voice is captured through a comparison with democratic ideals. Based on interviews with over 100 Liberian ex-combatants the book highlights that their relationship with politics overall should be characterized as an expression of a 'politics of affection'.</p><p></p><p>This book will be of much interest to students of peacebuilding African politics democratization political sociology conflict resolution and IR/Security Studies in general.</p>