Date of Award

Spring 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

Department

Public Policy and Administration

Committee Chairperson

Francis Atuahene, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Allison H. Turner, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Peter Loedel, Ph.D.

Abstract

Ending conflict through political settlement or military victory, supplemented by external aid, marks only a fragile beginning. While often necessary, such measures prove fundamentally insufficient to rebuild nations shattered by war, frequently failing to heal the deep invisible wounds, social fragmentation, generational trauma, and eroded trust that impedes presumable peace, potentially risking further societal fracture or conflict relapse. I argue that strategically implemented peace education is not a plus but a foundation for authentic, sustainable transformation. Standing on the shoulders of giants Galtung, Freire, and Danesh, grounded in rigorous qualitative and quantitative analysis of Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery (1994–2024), this study reveals that well-designed peace education, when integrated with community engagement, transitional justice, and traditional reconciliation practices, acts as a catalyst for holistic reconstruction. The research confirms statistically significant correlations between peace education implementation and improved indicators of social cohesion, intergroup trust, and reduced violence. Further associations link these gains to economic growth, voluntary refugee return, border security, and regional stability. These findings demonstrate that peace education bridges a critical gap in conventional post-conflict reconstruction models, offering a human-centered approach that addresses structural and cultural violence. Findings underscore the centrality of collaborative governance, robust teacher preparation, trauma-informed pedagogy, and inclusive practices that elevate the voices of marginalized communities. These dimensions generate learning, shared identity, resilience, and dignity. This dissertation offers an evidence-based, adaptable framework essential for navigating the profound challenges of reconstruction in contexts like post-Assad Syria, urging a move beyond “reinventing the wheel” toward proven strategies for resilient peace.

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