Introduction

Abstract

This introductory chapter aims to situate the research puzzle by positioning its main object in the state-of-the-art. It introduces the main argument of the book which is that protracted peace processes occupy a central position in the cycle of protractedness insofar as the policies, narratives, norms and practices associated with them have the double potential of affecting identities in conflict by promoting dehumanization or reconciliation. While the former is the dominating feature of othering in protracted conflicts, what tends to be reinforced by the interactions and new grievances sparked by protracted peace processes through time, their parallel and coexisting dynamics point to the appearance of empirically observable activities and practices that have emerged alongside—as a consequence—and within the very framework—as a desired outcome—of the protracted peace process. By exploring the dual process of dehumanization and peace-less reconciliation in ongoing conflicts, this chapter delineates the contribution of the book connected with the analysis of the conditions that have allowed for one process to prevail over the other, which points to avenues for positive conflict transformation.