Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation Terminology

A conditional surrender or yielding of rights by a party engaged in a conflict. Capitulation is usually in the form of an official document.

A bilateral (between two parties) or multilateral (between several parties) halt in all or select offensive military actions among parties engaged in official war, guerrilla warfare, or violent exchanges with one another.

Minimally aim to reduce immediate tensions and extreme losses while providing opportunities for the initiation of other forms of conflict resolution or management efforts.

The act of openly disobeying an unjust, immoral, or unconstitutional law as a matter of conscience, and accepting the consequences, including submitting to imprisonment if necessary, to protest an injustice.

The intentional breaking of immoral laws represented a form of remaining true to one’s beliefs.

A sphere of society distinct and independent from the state system. This collective realm, or ‘public space’, includes networks of institutions through which citizens voluntarily represent themselves through cultural, ideological, and political means.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are often considered the backbone of civil society, yet informal social institutions, professional associations, and interest groups constitute further examples. The strength of civil society is generally considered critical in providing protection and institutional hedges for individuals and groups against potential authoritarianism or intrusive government.

An individual who is not a combatant. A government civilian works directly for the state. A nongovernmental civilian does not work for the state.

A policy designed to accomplish a full range of defensive objectives, including deterrence as well as preparations to defend against internal and external acts of aggression. The term is quite literal, indicating planned defense by citizens (as opposed to military personnel).

Civilian-based defense has also been variously referred to as ‘civil resistance’, ‘non-military defense’, ‘non-violent defense’, and ‘social defense’.

Threat of the use of force to gain submission and obedience.

Participation in the objectives established by another with which one identifies and is willing to support.

A situation where national structures or institutions that are meant to implement their responsibilities have disappeared, dissolved, or lost their ability to act.

In armed conflicts, a member of the armed forces of a party to the conflict except medical and religious personnel.