Why Post-Settlement Settlements?

Issue Date July 2003
Volume 14
Issue 3
Page Numbers 104-118
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This article addresses the issue of the durability of peace settlements, with South Africa as the illustrative case. Settlement failure occurred as parties approached negotiation from different cultural perspectives. These lead to fundamental disagreements about the rules of good faith, the status of contract and approaches to dealing with incommensurables. These disagreements undermine the fairness of the original exchange, putting the legitimacy of the entire settlement at risk. Post-settlement settlements allow for such eroded agreements to be revisited and revised. The agenda should address the theme of relative group status, the objective should be to establish parity of esteem.

About the Author

Pierre du Toit is professor of political science at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. His latest book is South Africa’s Brittle Peace: The Problem of Post-Settlement Violence (2001). He is the recipient of a Fulbright New Century Scholars award for 2002–2003.

View all work by Pierre du Toit