European Union Civil Society and Conflict

<p>Until recently the European Union tended to view violent mass conflicts predominantly through the lens of negotiations between conflict leaders and powerful external actors. Today the EU has begun to recognize the imperative of understanding and influencing developments on the ground in conflict situations by engaging with local civil society.</p><p><em>The European Union Civil Society and Conflict </em>explores the EU's relations with civil society organizations at the local level in an effort to improve the effectiveness and relevance of its conflict and peace strategies. Looking in particular at the eastern and southern neighbourhoods the volume analyses five case studies of EU and local civil society interaction in: Georgia & Abkhazia Nagorno-Karabakh Moldova & Transnistria Israel & Palestine and Morocco & Western Sahara. Through the comparative examination of these cases this volume draws broad policy guidelines tailored to governmental and non-governmental action. </p><p>Exploring the impact of the European Union in conflicts beyond its borders through its engagement with civil society this book will be of interest to students and scholars of the EU civil society and conflict.</p>