My academic pursuits have always been motivated by a desire to inform policy, particularly in conflict-prone contexts. I have been privileged with the opportunity to spend my time investigating a topic that is often the subject of important contention: the electoral participation and legitimization of parties rooted in violent conflict. On the one hand there is the normative appeal of democracy as a means for conflict resolution and substitute for violence. On the other hand there is widespread skepticism among civilians and victims of conflict that these strategies will enable peace unless militant parties gain significant political power. What happens when we promote the electoral integration of former rebels groups? Are there a set of conditions under which militant parties can remain peaceful contenders operating within the electoral process, regardless of their political gains? And what are the consequences for democracy and development?