Democracy and Governance in Post-conflict Countries

In countries riven by conflict, weak institutions, social divisions and grievances, political strife and security threats can hinder efforts to build or rebuild democracy and good governance. Donors and implementers need evidence of what works to better support partners in these contexts, optimize resources and adapt and improve programs.

How can democracy and governance programs navigate challenges in post-conflict environments and enhance the likelihood of interventions yielding successful and sustainable outcomes?

Using data from more than 25 years of democracy and governance programs implemented by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) in 18 countries, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) has published two reports under the project Identifying Successful Democracy and Governance Approaches in Post Conflict Countries. The previous report examined challenges for programming in post-conflict contexts. The second paper of this series, Increasing the Success and Sustainability of Democracy and Governance Interventions in Post-conflict Countries: Analyzing Literature Findings and Partner Perspectives, focuses on the perspectives of partners on the receiving end of CEPPS assistance, examines specific approaches that CEPPS took to support democratization and stabilization in post-conflict environments and analyzes the success and sustainability of these interventions. Its recommendations can be used by donors and implementers to design and implement more effective programs.

Authors: Fernanda Buril, Ph.D., Research Specialist, Center for Applied Research and Learning; Bailey Dinman, Research Coordinator, Center for Applied Research and Learning

Project Lead: Chad Vickery, Vice President Global Strategy and Technical Leadership, IFES

Published on January 10, 2022.