The authors examine the complex interplay of ethical and practical challenges of development and peace processes and strategies aiming to understand the root causes of many intractable conflicts that are often deeply rooted in North-South relations, wealth and power inequalities, and local dynamics, often leading to poverty, exploitation, injustice, violence, war, ecological degradation, and marginalization. The notions of development, poverty reduction, and enhancement of livelihood of people can be at odds with citizen-led development interests, knowledge, and traditional ways of life. How does development intersect with peace? What are the ways communities positioned and respond to the global processes and discourses shaping neoliberalism and capitalist relations at the local and global levels? How can development projects address intractable conflicts considering inequities, and distribution of wealth and power that often drive change and ignore the needs and priorities of communities? 
 
The authors of this volume fill in the gaps by examining the limitations of donor-driven projects and lack of local ownership by civil society organizations in peacebuilding in Northern Ireland, nonviolent civic resistance to constructing a hydropower plant in the Republic of Georgia, reintegration of insurgents through entrepreneurship in Nigeria, and the resettlement of newcomers in the USA, and racial justice issues in healthcare services in Canada. The contributions present complex narratives and the voices of the marginalized in order to show how development projects can address various forms of oppression, and provide support to local systems and priorities to contribute to genuine peacebuilding processes and positive peace. Given the era of marching neoliberalism, forced displacement, and exploitation, these studies are critical in amplifying voices of discernment and commitment of the oppressed to social equity for the well-being and justice for all at local, national, and international levels. This peace ethos is grounded in peace testimonies of the communities advocating for collective well-being that juxtapose violence, oppression, and inequities entrenched in structural violence, systematic racism and oppression.