Post-Conflict Public Sector Reconstruction: A Literature Review

Abstract

Linking public sector reconstruction to peacebuilding this article provides an overview of some fundamental definitions and debates in the literature of post-war public administrations. Indeed, Post-conflict public sector reconstruction is perceived as a tool to reintroduce legitimate and effective government institutions. The article highlights the necessity to create the conditions for durable peace and human development in post-conflict countries. After reflecting on the concept of ‘’post-conflict’’, the article introduces the concept of ‘’liberal peace’’ that emerged at the end of the cold war from the ‘’Washington Consensus’’ as a mean to achieve ‘’Sustainable peace’’ in war-torn environments. In this context, the article also presents an overview of some fundamental definitions and debates in the literature of state-building, neo-liberalism, liberal peacebuilding, as well as the role and involvement of international organizations in the entire reestablishment of public services with an in-depth analysis of challenges related to them.