Abstract

In earlier research in the area of land administration in conflict and post-conflict contexts the relation between land administration and state building was recognised. This paper aims at increasing the understanding of this relation. Available literature is explored to learn more about the concepts of state building, and land and its administration in post-conflict contexts. The most suitable methodology to increase the understanding of the relation under investigation here is a qualitative research approach using a multiple case study for data collection. In doing so, the cases of Kosovo and Rwanda are used as the two main case studies, and the cases of Mozambique, Cambodia and Timor-Leste are used as supportive case studies. The empirical data from the main case studies and data collected through literature review from the supportive case studies has been used to derive lessons learned from those cases. For analyses of the collected data a three-dimensional matrix has been generated, which is supported by the findings from our cases results in analytical generalisation of the relation. Discussions and analysis of collected evidence indicate how interventions in land administration facilitate post-conflict state building.

Key words: conflict, post-conflict, land administration, state building.