CCDP Working Paper Series

Role and Governance of Islamic Charitable Institutions: Gaza Zakat Organizations (1973-2011) in the Local Context

Authors: Emanuel Schaeublin

Details: CCDP Working Paper Number 9

Abstract: The paper analyzes institutionalized zakat practices in the Gaza Strip from 1973 to 2011 and complements a previous working paper on the West Bank. This Working Paper argues that prior to 2007 the zakat sector in the Gaza Strip was successful in effectively serving local communities thanks to a decentralized system of governance that allowed for a certain degree of local autonomy. However, research shows that the system was compromised by the intervention of political networks, the Palestinian security apparatuses, and the Israeli occupation. As a consequence, the effectiveness of zakat-based relief activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories has been severely diminished since 2007. In 2011, the political situation continued to be detrimental to an efficient and transparent zakat sector able to enhance local communities.

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Oil, Gas and Minerals: The Impact of Resource-Dependence and Governance on Sustainable Development

Authors: Gilles Carbonnier, Fritz Brugger and Natascha Wagner

Details: CCDP Working Paper Number 8

Abstract: This Working Paper takes adjusted net savings (ANS) as an indicator of weak sustainability in order to examine the link between resource dependence and sustainable development. The results highlight a negative relationship between natural resource extraction and ANS but indicate that this is not inevitable. Effective checks on the power of the executive appears to be critical for sustainable outcomes. Moreover, effective legislative chambers, an independent judiciary and broad acceptance of established institutions all have a positive impact on ANS per capita. The results further confirm that armed conflict and armed violence as measured by homicide rate have a negative impact on ANS.

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A Review of Practices and Expert Opinions: Linking Humanitarian Action and Peacebuilding.

Author: Masayo Kondo Rossier

Details: CCDP Working Paper Number 7

Abstract: Written by Masayo Kondo Rossier during her four-month UN Sabbatical Leave Programme, this CCDP Working Paper considers the actual and potential linkages between humanitarian action and peacebuilding. It examines synergies through a comparative review of the practices and policy approaches of both fields. On the basis of extensive survey questions with specialists in both areas, the Working Paper seeks to demonstrate practical ways in which humanitarian action can contribute to sustainable peacebuilding.

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Grasping the Strenghts of Fragile States: Aid Effectiveness Between 'Top-Down' and 'Bottom-Up' Statebuilding

Author: Achim Wennmann

Details: CCDP Working Paper Number 6

Abstract: This Working Paper reviews various strands of literature on development assistance in fragile states, with the aim of identifying research streams supporting initiatives on aid effectiveness. The first part reviews the evolution of policy concerns with fragile states and introduces the objectives and dilemmas of major aid effectiveness instruments. The second part charts various research streams on fragile states, including the various definitions and rankings of state fragility, historical perspectives on state formation, functionalist approaches to governance in developing countries, case study contributions, and finally sub-state governance arrangements as alternatives to ‘the state’. The third part distils options for future research and emphasises the policy opportunities deriving from the notion of ‘bottom-up’ statebuilding.

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Dawr al mu'assasât al khayriyya al islâmiyya wa uslûb idâratiha:

Lijân al Zakat fi-l-diffa al gharbiyya (1977-2009) fi-l-siyâq al mahalli

Author: Emanuel Schaeublin

Details: CCDP Working Paper Number 5, Arabic Translation

Abstract: This publication contextualizes the religious and humanitarian aspects of zakat committees as well as their governance since the 1970s. It enquires into the politicization of the West Bank zakat committees' roles and their dissolution and radical reorganization implemented by the emergency cabinet heading the Palestinian Authority since 2007. An allegation against the zakat committees, used to justify the reorganization, was that their work had entailed political benefits for the opposition in general and Hamas in particular. The Working Paper draws on interviews with local actors and published research to argue for a more nuanced interpretation of the role of zakat committees within Palestinian society.

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Role and Governance of Islamic Charitable Institutions: The West Bank Zakat Committees (1977-2009) in the Local Context

Author: Emanuel Schaeublin

Details: CCDP Working Paper Number 5

Abstract: This publication contextualizes the religious and humanitarian aspects of zakat committees as well as their governance since the 1970s. It enquires into the politicization of the West Bank zakat committees' roles and their dissolution and radical reorganization implemented by the emergency cabinet heading the Palestinian Authority since 2007. An allegation against the zakat committees, used to justify the reorganization, was that their work had entailed political benefits for the opposition in general and Hamas in particular. The Working Paper draws on interviews with local actors and published research to argue for a more nuanced interpretation of the role of zakat committees within Palestinian society.

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Summary of Results for a Comparative Research Project: Civil Society and Peacebuilding

Author: Thania Paffenholz

Details: CCDP Working Paper Number 4

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Managing the Economic Dimensions of Peace Processes: Resource Wealth, Autonomy, and Peace in Aceh

Author(s): Achim Wennmann and Jana Krause

Details: CCDP Working Paper Number 3

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Economic Issues in Peace Processes: Socio-Economic Inequalities and Peace in Nepal

Author(s): Achim Wennmann

Details: CCDP Working Paper Number 2

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Wealth Sharing Beyond 2011: Economic Issues in Sudan's North-South Peace Process

Author(s): Achim Wennmann

Details: CCDP Working Paper Number 1

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