Examining the linkages between pastoralism and conflict using a sustainable livelihoods-based conflict analysis, this paper looks at the challenges posed by conflict in pastoral regions. In particular it focuses on the challenges to development as well as the risk conflict presents to domestic and international security. A new generation of emerging pastoral projects share many common characteristics. They: acknowledge pastoralists as capable environmental custodians and managers; allow for patterns of mobility and livelihood diversification; include the systematic participation of pastoral communities; enhance access to and options for extended information and communication; improve representation of pastoral interests vis-à-vis external agents (other land users, government bodies, market agents, civil society, etc.); stress the development of pastoral markets.