Multi-Stakeholder Service Provision and State Legitimacy in Situations of Conflict and Fragility

This Policy Brief is based on one of the first in-depth studies about the impact that multi-stakeholder processes
(MSPs) for service delivery can have on state legitimacy in fragile situations. Strengthening the legitimacy of the
state and its institutions is an important aspect of processes of post-conflict reconstruction. How service delivery
through joint state/non-state initiatives impacts such legitimacy, however, has so far remained largely unexplored.

Research was conducted in four countries: Burundi, Nepal, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Palestinian
Territories. It took place under the auspices of the ‘Multi-Stakeholder Processes, Service Delivery and State Institutions’
working group of the Peace, Security and Development Network (PSDN). This Policy Brief presents main
findings, challenges and recommendations for donors and other stakeholders involved in MSPs.

Peace, Security and Development Network 2012

This publication is an outcome of the in 2008 established ‘Network for Peace, Security and Development’. The Network aims to support and encourage the sharing of expertise and cooperation between the different Dutch sectors and organisations involved in fragile states. The PSD Network is an initiative under the Schokland Agreements in 2007.