Constitution-Building in Deeply Fragmented States: The Role of Local Governance

Authors: Kimana Zulueta-Fülscher and Christina Murray

This discussion paper highlights the challenges faced by states where control over the territory is contested by various groups, leading to fragmented governance. It emphasizes the importance of understanding governance structures at the local level, and their potential impact on peace- and constitution-making processes. It argues that peace- and constitution-making processes often overlook the diverse forms of local governance that exist in these contexts and, as a result, may set up arrangements that are inappropriate or ineffective in some, or perhaps many, localities.

The paper also emphasizes that the variety, complexity and fluidity of substate—mainly local but also regional—governance arrangements in conflict-affected states makes any engagement with them and assessment of their potential impact on peace- and constitution-making processes a difficult task.