"Undeclared wars"

More about the book

In many regions, armed gangs and criminal organizations are causing more civilian casualties than traditional warfare. These forms of armed social violence, often termed "undeclared wars," involve criminal, gang, and extremist violence but have historically received less attention than politically motivated conflicts. As their impact—social and political destabilization alongside high victim counts—grows, both national and international actors are starting to confront this issue. The authors of the lead article argue that peacebuilding's inclusive and participatory methodologies can provide effective strategies for the international community to engage with armed social violence. Five sets of respondents examine the actors, factors, and dynamics of violence in various contexts, including Colombia, the UK, Nigeria, Mexico, Myanmar, and Guinea-Bissau. They discuss the interconnectedness of political, social, and private violence, emphasizing collaboration with government agencies, civil society, and even perpetrators. The dialogue evaluates the successes and shortcomings of peacebuilding initiatives. The piece concludes with an introduction by the editors and a response from the lead authors to the respondents' insights.