Peacebuilding in Traumatized Societies

Massive trauma at the hands of others threatens ethnic, national, religious, and ideological large-group identities. Accordingly, traumatized societies, and often those of their descendants, become involved in various societal/political processes in order to protect and maintain their identities. Some of these processes may engender serious resistances to peacebuilding or may even lead to new violence...There is no doubt in my mind that this important book will stimulate new ideas and strategies for dealing with traumatized societies and enrich the peacebuilding field. -- Vamik D. Volkan
Case examples from three different societies illustrate the multi-layered dimensions of struggle to recover from individual and community trauma, move forward the social reconstruction processes, and negotiate the demanding path of peacebuilding to break the cycle of violence. -- Dean Ajdukovic
Not paying enough attention to the post-conflict needs of communitites has frequently meant a return to violence. This book is an excellent reminder of the kind of work that needs to be undertaken once an agreement has been signed, i.e. the need for justice to be addressed, trauma to be healed, new institutions to be developed, and communities to start on the long road to reconciliation. This work, which is the fruit of many years work in the field by the authors, will be an invaluable resource for those who wish to ensure that their considerations are of the width and depth necessary to ensure sustainable peace. -- Mari Fitzduff, Professor and Director of Masters Program in Coexistence and Conflict, Brandeis University