How changing institutions can reduce the risk of recurring wars and crises

• Peace requires institutions through which people can pursue security, rights and livelihoods without violence.

Why is a new system needed?

• The systems we depend on for public service were designed for a world that no longer exists; an Industrial-aged economy based on extraction, exploitation and the colonization of people, land and resources.
• Science proves that all life is connected–and therefore, nothing is independent–all life is interdependent, interconnected.
• The Industrial-aged system created conflict, wars, and battles between people.

What does it look like?

• A locally legitimate prevention network connecting community mediators, rights organizations, public services, accountable security institutions and diplomacy.
• Its purpose is to resolve disputes early, protect people and provide credible political participation.

How does it work?

• Warning indicators trigger agreed responses: mediation, protection, investigation, service restoration or negotiation.
• Independent oversight checks abuses. Shared-resource agreements establish rules for distributing costs and benefits. Peace settlements include implementation and monitoring mechanisms.

What are the benefits to the builders?

Communities gain influence over decisions affecting their security. Institutions can earn legitimacy through reliable services and fair treatment.

Public agencies and businesses gain a more predictable environment. The reporting should also identify actors who benefit from conflict and may obstruct change.

What are the public benefits?

• Potential reductions in death, displacement and disruption to education, healthcare, food supplies and livelihoods.
• Measure safety alongside rights and accountability. Low reported violence can conceal intimidation.

What steps are needed for success?

• Map the conflict and its incentives; include affected communities; establish credible mediation and civilian protection; secure sustained funding; monitor commitments; preserve independent reporting.
• Follow a specific dispute through the process and investigate whether violence recurs.

Living examples

• Northern Ireland: The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement established power-sharing and cross-border institutions supporting peace. Political breakdowns also demonstrate the continuing need for implementation and institutional reform. GOV.UK
• Senegal River Basin Organization, West Africa: Guinea, Mali, Mauritania and Senegal cooperate through shared infrastructure and benefit arrangements. It demonstrates institutionalized resource cooperation, without establishing that such arrangements prevent every regional conflict. blogs.worldbank.org

Investigate an existing prevention or mediation organization and identify what would make its services more accessible and accountable.