Citizens' role in political settlements

Author: Rao, S. (for GSDRC - Governance and Social Development Resource Centre)
Publication date: 2013

This Helpdesk Research report by GSDRC outlines the concept of political settlement and introduces literature on potential citizen roles in such settlements. In particular, this report draws on an upcoming, unpublished document which synthesises current thinking and draws insights from an on-going project on civil society participation in peace processes.

By means of a literature study, the report aims to:

Identify literature on the role of citizens in creating and maintaining political settlements. Where possible identify material that discusses the role citizens are allowed to play; how citizens view their roles; compromises citizens are prepared to make; and differences, if any, between their roles in national and subnational political settlements