Abstract/Summary

This paper commissioned by DFID in 2015 reviewed the evidence underpinning the key elements of DFID's "Building Peaceful States and Societies" framework. It systematically examines the evidence landscape, evaluates how it changed over the last 5 years, and identifies some of the implications of this. The paper proceeds in three steps. First, drawing on BSOS and BPSS, it briefly outlines the peace- and statebuilding model, and critically examines some of the key assumptions underpinning the model in light of the current evidence landscape. Second, it identifies and evaluates research evidence published since 2010, which pertains to the four guiding objectives of the BPSS framework: addressing causes and consequences of conflict; inclusive political settlements; development of core state functions; and responsiveness to public expectations. The final section outlines the changes in the evidence landscape for peace- and statebuilding, and their implications for PBSB policy.