Conflict Transformation and Reconciliation

Sarah Maddison is Associate Professor in the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne. Recent publications include Beyond White Guilt (2011) and Unsettling the Settler State (with Morgan Brigg, 2011).

• Introduction: Truce or transformation? Part 1: Conceptualizing Reconciliation and Conflict Transformation Chapter 1. Understanding divided societies Chapter 2. Conceptualising reconciliation Chapter 3. The problem of time Part 2: Constitutional Challenges Chapter 4. Who needs to reconcile? Chapter 5. Settlements and agreements Chapter 6. New constitutional frameworks Part 3: Institutional Change Chapter 7. Equity and redistribution Chapter 8. Education, policing and justice Chapter 9. Civil society and religion Chapter Part 4: Relational Challenges 10. Truth, justice, healing and forgiveness Chapter 11. Sharing space Chapter 12. The need for ongoing dialogue

'Maddison perceptively and convincingly argues against the view of reconciliation as a utopian state where conflict is absent, and instead emphasizes the role of agonistic relationship in constructing a shared polity where disagreements and tension remain part of democracies and post conflict societies. The book is essential to scholars and practitioners who search for a more realistic understanding of conflict resolution and reconciliation' -- Elazar Barkan, Columbia University, USA'Maddison writes that she hopes that this book will facilitate a deeper understanding of reconciliation in countries scarred by histories of violence and oppression. Maddison eloquently achieves this aim by presenting a complex understanding of reconciliation at the constitutional, institutional and relational levels. Through rich and original comparative material primarily focusing on South Africa, Australia, Guatemala and Northern Ireland, Maddison leaves the reader with a profound sense of the complexity of what it takes to build meaningful conflict transformation and reconciliation. Through in-depth interview work with a range of stakeholders, Maddison charts a way forward, both at the micro and macro levels, for those grappling with the challenges of coming out of conflict. The insights contained in Conflict Transformation and Reconciliation means it should be a key reference point for practitioners, academics and policy makers working in and with societies transitioning from a legacy of political violence' -- Brandon Hamber, Ulster University, Northern Ireland