Addressing Societal Divisions in Post-conflict City Settings

Abstract

Cities are often theorised as having great potential to transcend societal divides and foster coexistence, with diverse populations mixing in everyday life. The post-war city may, however, be contested by ethno-nationalist actors who regulate, territorialise, and symbolise space in a way that sustains polarised communities and war gains. ‘Divided cities’, as such post-war cities are often labelled, are stuck in war-to-peace transitions. This rapid literature review surveys interventions aimed at overcoming post-conflict divisions in city settings, centring primarily on academic and NGO studies of programmes and projects implemented in the Western Balkans. There is also some discussion of initiatives in Northern Ireland as they were prominent in the literature. The review also looks at everyday encounters that can counter divisions.