This paper examines the role of education in (re)constructing civil society in societies emerging from conflict or violence. After examining the nature of civil society and its importance for democracy and peace, the paper looks at three areas: legal education (including human rights education); information, media and the public space; and citizenship education (exploring nationalism, democracy and accountability). It aims to dispel any romanticised mythology about the possibilities of civic regeneration, particularly if this means returning to a nationalistic, exclusionary or heroic past. The "new normality" should be active citizens who will challenge social injustice, corruption or aggression; this is argued to apply to countries who are the instigators of international conflict as well as those traditionally labelled conflict or post conflict.