21st Century Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute (PKSOI) Papers - Ground Truth in Building Human Security - Land Rights, Cadastres and Cadastral Systems, Land Tenure, USAID

From the Foreword: Land has been at the center of human conflict throughout recorded history. Although there are now fewer interstate conflicts concerning land, we increasingly see conflict fueled by land tenure issues exacerbated through the inability of failing states to address such fundamental concerns of their populace. Doug Batson provides a history of land governance issues and how such issues are integral to stability. He describes a world in which indigenous peoples are vulnerable to exploitation and forced eviction when land disputes occur. He shows us the role of land disputes, in places like Afghanistan, in which spoilers and insurgents have stepped in to exploit such situations. Through it all, he reminds us that land administration underpins development and supports social justice, economic growth, and environmental sustain-ability. In short, Mr. Batson draws a fundamental linkage between proper land administration and human security. We are pleased to offer this monograph to help illuminate the essential role that good land governance plays in conflict prevention, conflict mitigation, and peacebuilding.