Cycle of Violence Theories and Conflict Resolution in the Post-Yugoslav States

Abstract

This paper examines the implementation of non-governmental programs in the post-Yugoslav states. Current conflict resolution initiatives are informed by theories of deviancy and the idea of cycles of violence. The presumption of such programs is that conflict has resulted from a culture of violence. Whilst some non-governmental organisations have expressed doubts about the effectiveness of their peace education work, the reasons for the problems they experience are often misunderstood. One reason that is never addressed is that people from the region are already familiar with the concept of peace education, but have seen it fail. Ironically, postwar Yugoslavia was very important in the development of the field of peace education and was held up as a model of ethnic conflict management for other countries to follow.