Even though the United Nations has increased its peacebuilding activities dramatically since the end of the Cold War, this research project proposes that the organisation potentially can be more successful in bringing peace to war torn countries, if it acts in greater concordance with conflict transformation principles. This study leads to an improved understanding of the enduring political and institutional obstacles that hold back the United Nations success and, at the same time, this study proposes suggestions how to overcome them.

Career in cartography (Berlin), geographic information systems (Cape Town), doctorate in international affairs (Northern Ireland). Involved in research, capacity building, amongst others, with Swiss Development Cooperation (Lesotho), UN DPKO (New York) and UN OCHA (Liberia). Active as conflict transformation specialist and accredited mediator.