In a relatively recent development a growing number of donors has sought to bring these two closer together, based upon the perception that the challenges posed by (post-)conflict fragile states need to be addressed through an approach that combines both—‘state-building for peace’, as the UNDP has put it.

The article thus seeks to explore how the processes of building peace are related to the processes of building more resilient, effective and responsive states in(post-)conflict settings. It provides an overview of the evolution of these two concepts and analyses key complementarities between peace building and statebuilding. It also explores the challenges that arise for both on the basis of these complementarities. The article goes on to examine some of the most significant tensions that arise between the two, and what these tensions may imply for the international assistance community.

By way of a conclusion the article offers a few key lessons that emerge from the analysis for improved donor policy andpractice in state building for peace efforts.