Good Intentions Do Not Prevent Conflict

Abstract

When we speak of the international community we think of states, the United Nations, development agencies, or non-government organisations. Yet other groups and individuals are often as relevant to development: multinational and local companies and private security firms. These groups, however, often fail to unite behind effective strategies for conflict prevention: reconciling positions, reaching compromise and securing consent are often difficult. While states, multilateral organisations and NGOs claim to be struggling for peace, an end to poverty and for human rights, their actual strategies are not always helpful.