We live at a time of sobering realism – indeed pessimism – regarding rule of law building after conflict. There are many reasons for this. The inherent difficulty of the endeavor itself is one fundamental factor. Although each country emerging from violent conflict is unique in its history, leadership, culture, and possibilities for progress, they often also face many common challenges. Governing institutions may be discredited, law enforcement and judiciaries may be distrusted, civilians may be recoiling from egregious injury, social divisions may run deep, infrastructure may be devastated, economic opportunities may be limited, and confidence in the very idea of the rule of law may be at an all-time low.