Since the early-1990s, peacebuilding has emerged as a distinct conflict prevention domain which encompasses a range of activities undertaken to resolve violent conflict between groups or states, and to prevent the re-emergence of conflict once it has ceased. The essence of peacebuilding was captured by then United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali in his manifesto, "An Agenda for Peace":

“[peacebuilding is] action to identify and support structures which will tend to strengthen and solidify peace in order to avoid a relapse into conflict.”

Recent experiences of peacebuilding in states undergoing transitions following conflict point to the acute challenges and opportunities facing citizens, emerging political leaders, and inter-governmental stakeholders in supporting a process of transition that prevents further conflict. Challenges include the need to reconcile potential political and ethnic differences in new governance structures; maintenance of security during periods of political transition; disarmament and reintegration of former combatants; and legal and institutional reform. Many of these challenges also constitute opportunities for breaking the cycle of violence and moving towards a society in which citizens can fulfill their legitimate socio-economic, political and cultural aspirations.

Recognizing these challenges and opportunities, Conflict Dynamics has identified Peacebuilding in Transition State (PTS) as one of the organization's three core program areas. The two other core program areas of the organization are: New Frontiers in Humanitarian Policy; and Pressure Points for Conflict Prevention and Resolution.

CDI's Peacebuilding in Transition States program encapsulates a range of activities intended to support peacebuilding as a means of conflict prevention and resolution following violent conflict. The objectives of the PTS program are to:

• develop innovative, outcome-oriented approaches and strategies for peacebuilding in key sectors, including: building political structures and institutions; constitutional drafting processes; institutional reform; re-integration of combatants; etc.
• undertake policy-directed research to provide timely inputs and recommendations to key stakeholders on specific peacebuilding issues (e.g. options for structuring transition of political institutions in Iraq);
• convene stakeholders, and initiate and facilitate dialogue and cross-case learning among key national and international actors, including emerging national authorities and inter-governmental organizations.