Legitimacy in Conflict: Concepts, Practices, Challenges

von Billerbeck, Sarah BK and Gippert, Birte Julia ORCID: 0000-0002-7960-4725 (2017) Legitimacy in Conflict: Concepts, Practices, Challenges. JOURNAL OF INTERVENTION AND STATEBUILDING, 11 (3). pp. 273-285.

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Abstract

The study of legitimacy in situations of conflict and peacebuilding has increased in recent years. However, current work on the topic adopts many assumptions, definitions, and understandings from classical legitimacy theory, which centers on the relationship between the nation-state and its citizens. In this introduction, we provide a detailed critical overview of current theories of legitimacy and legitimation and demonstrate why they have only limited applicability in conflict and post-conflict contexts, focusing on the three main areas that the articles included in this special issue examine: audiences for legitimacy, sources of legitimacy, and legitimation. In particular, we show how conflict and post-conflict contexts are marked by the fragmentation and personalization of power; the proliferation and fragmentation of legitimacy audiences; and ambiguity surrounding legitimation strategies.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	23 Nov 2017 10:45
Last Modified:	15 Mar 2024 13:58
DOI:	10.1080/17502977.2017.1357701
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3012755