DOI
Doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-11795-5_134-1

Summary
This publication adopts some insights from Complexity Science to provide a new perspective on how conflict and peacebuilding interventions are theorized and carried out. By referencing to the notions of emergence, self-organization and bifurcation, the author highlights the fallacies of traditional peacebuilding interventions based on top-down, linear approaches. The idea that from a certain input an output can be linearly predicted is rejected, as complexity arises. For this reason, the author advocates for the conscious use of military intervention and international peacekeeping, calling for a more decisive involvement of local authorities and people, in order to reach the consolidation of self-sustainable peace. Thus, the recognition of complexity in conflict and peacebuilding brings to the elaboration of a grassroot, bottom-up approach called “Adaptive Peacebulding”. In conclusion, the author reminds that there are no “magical recipes” for peacebuilding, as it is an iterative, context-specific process based on trial-and-error.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
The chapter is relevant for Complex Systems Knowledge as it directly applies its concepts to the field of International Relations, in particular to conflict and peacebuilding. Complexity Science is used to critically evaluate previous peacebuilding operations and to provide an adequate critique of traditional theories and methodologies used to establish peace after conflicts.

Point of Strength
- It provides a new method of analysis “Adaptive Peacebuilding”
- It presents a good critique of previous foreign interventions for peacebuilding
- It moves the rationale of foreign intervention from a top-down approach to a bottom-up approach aimed at establishing self-sustainable peace