Unlocking Civic Contributions to Development

Donors and international development organisations often rhetorically embrace inclusive and participatory theory, but struggle to put these concepts into practice when designing and implementing interventions. This book uses Libya as a case study to demonstrate that if people in conflict-affected settings are seen as principal actors, it is possible to create more effective interventions for advancing human development and reducing conflict by incorporating a variety of perspectives.

This book examines the utilisation of diverse perspectives to enhance human development in post-conflict environments. It employs an interdisciplinary approach, framing development challenges as wicked problems and integrating participatory action research. In contrast to a mainly state-centred viewpoint, this book demonstrates a different orientation and process. Beginning at the community level, inclusive, diverse, and participatory contributions emerge, bolstering the influence of the people most affected in conflict-affected settings. The book highlights the importance of civic logic in strengthening governance and rule of law, using a case study to illustrate the dynamics among involved actors, their ambitions, and approaches. It identifies questions, criteria, and conditions that guide development interventions while recognising the need for inclusive and participatory contributions. Ultimately, it provides practical examples and direction for shifting development approaches amidst conflict and resource scarcity, prioritising the ambitions and dynamics of those involved.

Offering key insights for transforming global approaches to development, this book will be a valuable resource for researchers of development, humanitarianism, and peace-and state building, as well as policy professionals seeking guidance on the design and implementation of development interventions.