Ethics for Peacebuilders

Recent incidents involving sexual exploitation and corruption have highlighted what some have called the ‘dark side of peacekeeping.’ Less intentional are peace-keeping’s ‘unintended consequences,’ in which operations produce negative outcomes, such as economic distortions. This book fills an important gap by going beyond documenting problems to offering guidelines for ethical behavior in peace-building operations. The book’s subtitle, ‘A Practical Guide,’ does not do it justice. The analysis does offer more on general guidelines about how to think about the key issues and decisions than provide specific solutions. Illustrative is chapter 4, in which the author applies four moral theories to peace building and raises key questions for peace-keepers suggested by each. Nevertheless, the book is far from an abstract philosophical exercise. The chapters contain specific examples and scenarios (often set off in text boxes) as well as activities and ‘thinking tasks’ that focus readers on real-world applications of the elucidated principles. Particularly effective are the ‘For Further Exploration’ sections that conclude the chapters. This is essential reading for policy makers and upper-level peace-keeping officials, but scholars will find much of value here as well. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals. * CHOICE *
In the growing field of peacebuilding, ethical practices have become necessity for each practitioner. Whether an academic institution or a civil society organization, adopting a clear set of ethical standards for peacebuilding is not only crucial, but also imperative to enhance the field’s credibility, as well as to ensure effective results. This book is a pioneer text that offers practitioners and academics the tools, conceptual frameworks, and illustrations needed to be an ethical peacebuilder. The real life cases and the author’s experience enhance the relevancy of the guide for all peacebuilders. It is a must for practitioners and educators. -- Mohammed Abu-Nimer, School of International Service, American University
Reina Neufeldt has illuminated a critical issue for peacebuilders, namely the ethical base of their work as it translates into practice. Her discussion is apt, thorough and practical with careful discussion of moral theory and frameworks as well as practical examples (good and bad) and tools for anticipating field based ethical challenges and addressing them. Everyone who imagines him or herself to be a peacebuilder should read this volume. -- Mary Anderson, author of Do No Harm: How Aid Supports Peace or War
This book offers a paddle and a map to canoe through the waters of moral conflict and ethical dilemma inherent in peacebuilding. Essential reading for every student practitioner, and policymaker navigating conflict. -- Lisa Schirch, North American Research Director for the Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research, Senior Policy Advisor with the Alliance for Peacebuilding, and Research Professor at the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University