Product Description

This book seeks to examine the causes of escalation and de-escalation in intrastate conflicts.

Specifically, the volume seeks to map the processes and dynamics that lead groups challenging existing power structures to engage in violent struggle; the processes and dynamics that contribute to the de-escalation of violent struggle and the participation of challengers in peaceful political activities; and the processes and dynamics that sustain and nurture this transformation. By integrating the latest ideas with richly presented case studies, this volume fills a gap in our understanding of the forces that lead to moderation and constructive engagement in the context of violent, intrastate conflicts.

This volume will be of great interest to students of conflict management, peace studies, conflict resolution, ethnic conflict and security studies in general.

Product Description
From violence and abuse within family units, to communities and regions torn apart by inter-group conflict and wars among nations, the human condition is rife with turmoil. The consequences of this seemingly perpetual strife weigh heavily on humanity, often creating feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness that only serve to breed more conflict and violence. In the face of these monumental challenges, initiatives for peace struggle to take root. Seeking effective ways to encourage these efforts, the United Nations adopted three declarations on the eve of the 21st century, including the 'Declaration on a Culture of Peace' that broadly defines what the vision looks like and the actions necessary to build cultures of peace. Taking up this central challenge of our time, this volume of collected essays presents multiple perspectives on the critical issues of peace and conflict resolution that pervade the globe, addressing the UN's charge to develop 'values, attitudes, modes of behavior and ways of life conducive to the promotion of peace among individuals, groups, and nations'. Bringing together scholars and practitioners from fields including education, sociology, criminology, political science, and peace studies, this work constructively engages the task of creating peace and fostering hope in a conflict-ridden world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

LISTEN, LENNY, I STUDIED THIS CLOSELY A QUARTER CENTURY AGO
and still study it and find its definitions of just cause and just war (just reasons to go to war and just conduct in warfare) to be more crucial today than ever.

Sure, this was written when nuclear war with the USSR was promoted our greatest concern and reason for funding the warmakers. But now that we go through the latest reason for being in Iraq without yet getting the truth, we need to contemplate carefully this important document by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops of a generation ago. Nowadays they are too afraid of bankruptcy for the perversion of a few clergy to speak out as prophetically as we need right now today.

This document will bring you to the correct conclusion that no Catholic can go fight in Iraq, etc. There is no just reason for going to war and there is no just conduct of the war. Indiscriminate warfare in particular is condemned, yet the well respected British medical journal the Lancet, after a careful and dangerous comprehensive survey in the field estimates we have killed up to a million Iraqis. Just look at our genocide of Fallujah and targetting innocent civilians, mothers and children, attempting to flee our horror and our terrorizing their people.

Please get and study this book, now under a dollar, plus shipping. It reveals the theological and moral truths which absolutely condemn our current very profitable warmongering.

Then get anything by the Reverend Father John Dear, SJ, who is not afraid to speak theological truth to wordly powers and dominations.

... Read more

Product Description
A major work from a seminal figure in the field of conflict resolution, Building Peace is John Paul Lederach's definitive statement on peacebuilding. Marrying wisdom, insight, and passion, Lederach explains why we need to move beyond "traditional" diplomacy, which often emphasizes top-level leaders and short-term objectives, toward a holistic approach that stresses the multiplicity of peacemakers, long-term perspectives, and the need to create an infrastructure that empowers resources within a society and maximizes contributions from outside.

Sophisticated yet pragmatic, the volume explores the dynamics of contemporary conflict and presents an integrated framework for peacebuilding in which structure, process, resources, training, and evaluation are coordinated in an attempt to transform the conflict and effect reconciliation.

Building Peace is a substantive reworking and expansion of a work developed for the United Nations University in 1994. In addition, this volume includes a chapter by practitioner John Prendergast that applies Lederach's conceptual framework to ongoing conflicts in the Horn of Africa. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great peacebuilding and conflict overview
This book by John Paul is a very very useful discussion of peacebuilding and how peacebuilders can best engage in thier work. His use of graphics and diagrams makes complex theories accessible. When asked what to read about conflict and peace, this book is at the top of my recommended list. It is thoughtful, compact and applicable in many contexts. My unqualified recommendation!

Conflict transformation: crisis intervention and long-term radical strategy integrated into peacebuilding
One of Lederach's most useful revelations in assessing the work of third-party nonviolent interventionists -- from humanitarian workers to nonviolent direct-action trainers -- is the idea of an integrated framework for peacebuilding. Instead of always focusing on either crisis intervention or a future-to-come; instead of focusing on either a local issue or only visioning about addressing root causes, Lederach explores the role of transformation -- how to get from crises to radical change.

"We must ... think about the design of social change in time-units of decades, in order to link crisis management and long-term, future-oriented time frames," he writes. "We must understand crisis issues as connected to systemic roots ... [and] recognize the integrative potential of middle-range leaders, who by their locus within the affected population may be able to cultivate relationships and pursue the design of social change at a subsystem level."

This is a vital book for anyone exploring the theory and practice of nonviolent social change, as well as practitioners searching for a framework for their direct action praxis.

Truly cutting-edge
Lederach's work stands at the forefront of the emergent field of conflict transformation study. A professor at Eastern Mennonnite University, he also has extensive field experience. In "Building Peace", he focuses upon the necessity of constructing relationships across multiple social levels, de-emphasizing the role of political elites, and instead focusing both upon mid-level elites (bureaucrats, intellectuals, "influential" persons) and grassroots-level activism.He also stresses the need to develop long-range objectives, to delink expectations of short-term results from questions of involvement, and the need for implementation of training programmes to create what might be termed a "culture of peace" within the society: trained mediators indigenous to the society.In doing this, the hope is that the "parachute" problem of credibility (the idea that mediators are dropped from the above---IGO/foreign gouvernment, etc---and have no particular attachment to the conflict) may be reduced, and transformation of the conflict may be initiated.

Lederach's work is exceptionally lucid, and he draws upon a smorgasbord of substantive examples.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
During the Cold War ideological and politico-military rivalries mostly dictated the actions of the competing blocs, including their involvement in foreign conflicts. In Africa for instance, the East-West rivalry of the time not only fuelled conflicts but also appeared to undermine the use of diplomacy as a tool for peacemaking and conflict resolution. With the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the demise of the Soviet Union however, there was a transformation of the conflict arena in the continent, which presented new opportunities and threats. This therefore raises a fundamental question of how the end of the Cold War has affected the character of conflicts and their successful management in Africa. Using Liberia and Somalia as case studies, Post-Cold War Conflicts in Africa analyses how the post Cold War conflicts in these two countries and their management differed from what they would have been during the Cold War era. It shows for instance that while in Liberia the major powers appeared content to cede the management of the conflict to the sub-regional group, ECOMOG, in Somalia, the conflict appeared to be turned into an arena for simple military experiment without any of the old Cold War ideological rivalries playing any role in its trajectory or management. The book argues that the end of the Cold War offers an opportunity for the successful use of a new approach to conflict management in the continent, which would be anchored on traditional African diplomacy. This new approach would involve a triumvirate of eminent men and women from the continent, regional peacekeeping forces, and the warring factions themselves working in concert to replace the rifle with 'talking till every one agrees'_______________________ Augustine C. Ohanwe holds a PhD in International Politics. He has researched extensively on Cold War conflicts in Angola, Ethiopia, Somalia and Nigeria as well as post-Cold War conflicts in Liberia and Somalia. His books include The UN and post-Cold War Conflicts in Africa, (Helsinki University Press, 2000) and the collection of poems, Petals of Rose, (2005, Kirja Kerrallan) ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Volume Two: Nationalism Versus Europeanization

At the forefront of its field, The Broken Olive Branch examines the dynamics of ethnonationalism in Cyprus, a country mired in a decades-long struggle fueled by ethnic rivalry. Harry Anastasiou's analysis of Cyprus's historic conflict examines the logic of nationalist thinking, assesses the rise of Greek and Turkish nationalism, and traces the division of Greek and Turkish Cypriots since the country won independence from British rule in 1960.

In the second volume, Anastasiou focuses on emergent post-nationalist trends, their implications for peace, and recent attempts to reach mutually acceptable agreements between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. He documents the transformation of Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey within the context of Europeanization and globalization. While leaders of both communities have failed to resolve the conflict, Anastasiou argues that the accession of Cyprus into the European Union has created a structure and process that promises a multiethnic, democratic Cyprus. With great depth and balance, The Broken Olive Branch presents a fresh analysis of the Cyprus conflict and new insights on the influence of nationalism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The EU as a viable alternative
The author's diagnosis of the causes of the inter-ethnic strife between the two communities of Cyprus correctly identifies nationalism on both sides as being the primary culprit behind the unfortunate events of the 1950s and onwards. However, the author's subsequent analysis of the process leading to the referenda, as well as of the prospects of a future settlement in general, is unduly based on the assumption that abandoning the nationalist policies and attitudes which drove a wedge between the two communities in the past would enable the two sides, which are now full-fledged polities, to successfully merge into a common, federal state. After all, despite the cordial relationship that has developed between former arch-foes France and Germany, there is no underlying assumption that the two countries should (or could) merge into a common, federal structure. Instead, France and Germany, along with another 25 countries, have opted for the European Union framework, which allows countries to retain most of their national sovereignty while providing ample opportunities for cross-border cooperation. A French citizen can freely move to Germany to work, study, start a business, buy property etc. He remains however a French citizen, is not entitled to any special minority rights in Germany, and does not have the right to vote in German national elections. France has no right to tell Germany whom it should grant citizenship to, and under what conditions. France is not responsible for providing unemployment or other similar benefits to German citizens. While the author lavishly praises the EU for its vast achievements in the last 40 years, he does not explore to what extent adopting the EU framework in Cyprus would provide a viable alternative serving the interests of all Cypriots while minimizing friction.

Nationalism and the modern nation state
Possibly the best analysis of the Cyprus conflict. Dr Anastasiou begins with an early childhood memory of witnessing a brutal murder in his native Cyprus to a powerful, exhaustive and convincing analysis of the underlying cause of this crime and the continuing conflict on the island. The cause? Nationalism. The rise of modern nationalism, ironically not of Greek or Turkish origin, and it devastating, evil effects are chronicled.
This book is essential reading not just for those of us who live on the island but for anyone wanting to understand the Cyprus and Greek-Turkish conflicts. But is also a very valuable read for any who would want to understand the rise and deification of the modern nation state and its inevitable propensity to barbarism.
Thank-you, Dr Anastasiou. ... Read more

Product Description
Contemporary Peacemaking brings together the expertise of leading scholars on peace and conflict and seeks to identify and explore the essential components of peace processes. Each chapter examines comparatively a different element in recent peace processes. The collection is organised around five main themes: planning for peace during periods of violence; the process of negotiations; the effects of violence on peace processes; peace accords - constitutional and political options; and securing the settlement and building the peace. This authoritative review of peace processes covers examples ranging from South Africa, Northern Ireland and Guatemala to Papua New Guinea, Bosnia and the Middle East. ... Read more

Product Description
The world has changed dramatically since the 1988 first edition of this work ("valuable...breaks fresh ground in educational reform"—Library Journal). The very notion of what is meant by peace, at least domestically, has been profoundly affected by the events of September 11, 2001.

New to this edition are additional discussions of the contributions of feminist theorists to the understanding of peacemaking, the role of the family in peace education, and the creation of visions and hope for the future. The present volume begins with a discussion of the concepts of peace and peace education. It then considers religious and historical concepts of war, peace and peace education, describes how peace education can move people to work for social change and look for alternatives to violence, and discusses ways to begin implementing peace education in schools, churches and other community settings such as youth groups. It goes on to address sensitive issues in peace education, key concepts and topics, important biological and cultural factors, and barriers facing those who teach peace. It provides the "how" of peace education by examining optimal pedagogy and practices. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A solid academic tool for peace building..making..& keeping
Authors Ian M. Harris and Mary Lee Morrison do an outstanding job of explaining what peace education is.Moreover, the serious study of militaristic thinking and the worldwide struggle for peace is both succinct and provocative.

"Peace Education," is a comprehensive book.I found chapter two, "Religious and Historical Concepts of War, Peace and Peace Education," and chapter three, "The Practice of Peace Education--What Does it Look Like?Types of Peace Education," excellent.

The authors explain, "the struggle for peace, if it is to be successful, must also provoke courage, must be understood as a heroic task, and must recruit thousands if not millions of converts willing to renounce violent means to settle disputes."They also suggest that there must be a strong understanding of the calamity of war to promote peace.

The practice of nonviolence and love in the affairs of human beings is an important field of study.This book covers sensitive issues in peace education, how to overcome obstacles and visions for a more hopeful and interdependent world.Professor's Harris and Morrison provide a clear-cut analysis of peace education and the practice of pragmatic rules to seek positive social change.

Bert Ruiz ... Read more

Product Description
What causes war? How can wars be prevented? Scholars and policymakers have sought the answers to these questions for centuries. Although wars continue to occur, recent scholarship has made progress toward developing more sophisticated and perhaps more useful theories on the causes and prevention of war. This volume includes essays by leading scholars on contemporary approaches to understanding war and peace.The essays include expositions, analyses, and critiques of some of the more prominent and enduring explanations of war. Several authors discuss realist theories of war, which focus on the distribution of power and the potential for offensive war. Others examine the prominent hypothesis that the spread of democracy will usher in an era of peace. In light of the apparent increase in nationalism and ethnic conflict, several authors present hypotheses on how nationalism causes war and how such wars can be controlled. Contributors also engage in a vigorous debate on whether international institutions can promote peace. In a section on war and peace in the changing international system, several authors consider whether rising levels of international economic independence and environmental scarcity will influence the likelihood of war.Contributors: Dale C. Copeland, Charles L. Glaser, Thomas F. Homer-Dixon, Carl Kaysen, Robert O. Keohane, Charles A. Kupchan, Clifford A. Kupchan, David A. Lake, Christopher Layne, Sean M. Lynn-Jones, Edward D. Mansfield, Lisa L. Martin, John J. Mearsheimer, John Orme, John M. Owen, Donald Rothchild, John Gerard Ruggie, Jack Snyder, Stephen Van Evera, Alexander Wendt. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

All You Need to Know about International Relations?
"Theories of War and Peace" edited by Brown, et. al. gives the reader of International Relations a "one stop shop" of various theories of International Relations. The list of contributors to this volume is impressive and the editors arrange the essays in such a way as to naturally follow and even (at times) rebut that which came before.

A good book
Like most of "International Security" readers, this is also a compendium of realist authors in IR theory. It is more of the same until you read the wonderful response to John Mearsheimer written by AlexanderWendt. His text is worth the book. Even today Mearsheimer doesn'tunderstand what Wendt has to say so well. If you're really into realism,maybe you should check (from the same series) "Perils ofAnarchy". I think it's a lot better. ... Read more

Product Description
A practical guide to understanding and transforming conflict based on biblical and Anabaptist principles.Edited by Carolyn Schrock-Shenk and Lawrence Ressler.200 Pages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Making a Difference Right On Your Block
The Mennonite Conciliation Service's well-practiced manual provides a practical system of conflict mediation for use in one-on-one and group conflict mediation. The book assumes a Mennonite Christian perspective on why and how we seek to resolve conflict in our lives. The system is somewhat complicated, so I would urge you not to just dive in and assume you can solve people's problems on your own. However, taken in conjunction with some practical experience and guidance, or as an addition to conflict training on your own, this manual will help you to solve conflict without resorting to win or lose situations. ... Read more

Product Description
Does democracy reduce conflict? Triangulating Peace tackles today's most provocative hypothesis in the field of international relations: the democratic peace proposition. Drawing on ideas originally put forth by Immanuel Kant, the authors argue that democracy, economic interdependence, and international mediation can sucessfully cooperate to significantly reduce the chances of war. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Kantian Tripod of Peace
Bruce Russett and John R. Oneal make a great contrubution to the epistemology of war and peace by Triangulating Peace. The book is about democracy, interdependenceand international organizations. In Triangulating Peace, Russett and Oneal argue that democracy, economic interdependence and international organizations together lead to peace and they prevent war and/or conflict. They reach this conclusion after a well-studied statistical analysis that embraces all militarized inter-state disputes from 1885 to 1994. The data is gathered by the University of Michigan's Correlates of War Project. Russett and Oneal give many references to Kant's treatise on peace and even they label Triangulating Peace as the Kantian Peace. They argue that the Kantian Peace thesis is superior to democratic peace thesis. The three legs of Kantian peace, democracy, economic interdependence and international organizations generate virtuous cycles of peace in opposed to vicious cycles of war. These three factors also positively affect each other. However, the authors do not argue that all three factors have equal power in leading to peace. Economic interdependence has the most explanatory power while international organizations have the least one. How does democracy lead to international cooperation and peace? Russett and Oneal mention the factors of legitimacy, accountability, institutional checks and balances, transparency, and credibility of international agreements, through them democratic states produce patterns of cooperation and it leads to peace. Economic interdependence, on the other hand, creates processes of reciprocal attention and communication, perceptions of needs and responsiveness, and bonds of mutually rewarding transactions and feelings of community. Economic interdependence also increases the prospects for international peace throughout international trade. It generates security communities by creating sense of `we feeling' among cooperating states. It finally reduces the possibility of conflict. Like democracy and economic interdependence, international organizations also reduce the likelihood for conflict. International organizations and institutions teach set of norms that sharply revise states' conceptions of power. In sum, Russett and Oneal points out that the Kantian tripod for peace is the strongest pathway in reducing international conflict.Their statistical study also demonstrates that realist and liberal explanations of conflict/war are superior to Samuel P. Huntington's 'the clash of civilizations' thesis. In regard to current world politics, Russett and Oneal urge that incorporating Russia and China into the Kantian system will increase the prospects of a peaceful feature. They also urge that unilateral pattern of behavior for the U.S. would be dangerous for the future of international system while the U.S. multilateralism will make positive contribution to the world peace and stability. Overall, this book can be easily considered as a must reading for students of international relations. It can be higly recommended for general public alike. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Covering topics such as law, economics, and finance
World Peace is a noble goal, but not one that can occur in one move. "Building States to Build Peace: A Project of the International Peace Institute" explains that World Peace starts at a national level. Like many things when they first begin, the early years of a state are vital for establishing it for stability and enduring peace. Covering topics such as law, economics, and finance, it also outlines examples ranging from Somalia to Afghanistan. "Building States to Build Peace" is an enlightening political book, which is recommended reading for those who care about the future of our world.
... Read more

Product Description
"Peace . . . constitutes the very heart of Christian existence. It does so because God is our peace so that not only our relationship is with one another, but also our relations to God's creation as well as to God, are reconstituted peaceably through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ".--Stanley Hauerwas, Duke University. ... Read more

Product Description

This book explores the unintended consequences of security governance actions and explores how their effects can be limited.

Security governance describes new modes of security policy that differ from traditional approaches to national and international security. While traditional security policy used to be the exclusive domain of states and aimed at military defense, security governance is performed by multiple actors and is intended to create a global environment of security for states, social groups, and individuals. By pooling the strength and expertise of states, international organizations, and private actors, security governance is seen to provide more effective and efficient means to cope with today’s security risks.

Generally, security governance is assumed to be a good thing, and the most appropriate way of coping with contemporary security problems. This assumption has led scholars to neglect an important phenomenon: unintended consequences. While unintended consequences do not need to be negative, often they are. The CIA term "blowback," for example, refers to the phenomenon that a long nurtured group may turn against its sponsor. The rise of al Qaeda, which had benefited from US Cold War policies, is only one example.

Raising awareness about unwanted and even paradoxical policy outcomes and suggesting ways of avoiding damage or limiting their scale, this book will be of much interest to students of security governance, risk management, international security and IR.

Christopher Daase is Professor at the Goethe University Frankfurt and head of the research department International Organizations and International Law at the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF/HSFK).

Cornelius Friesendorf is lecturer at the Goethe University Frankfurt and research fellow at the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF/HSFK).

Product Description
Part of the Peace Skills Set, this Manual is designed as a take-home resource to support workshop participants as they return to their communities and both apply their mediation skills and share their insights with others. It covers conflict analysis, the role of mediation, the stages of mediation, communication skills, and working with group conflicts and in cross cultural settings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

From a community mediator
This is a marvelous book.Some mediation texts teach from a distance, seeming to say "you only get to watch while you are learning", but this book drew me into the learning
experience and made me part of it. Often it seemed to be speaking to me personally. The language and writing style not only make it clear and easy to read, but pull the reader into the essence of the mediation experience.The foundation of the authors' years of experience is evident in the clear and focused organization of this book.

I also thought that Peace Skills helps bridge the gap between concepts and practice by asking questions and offering application exercises which can help one discover one's practice potential.The exercises are extremely helpful for those who want to use it as a teaching manual.The text would stand alone for those who want a reference book, or an introduction to mediation.

A Practical Guide to Peacebuilding
I am very enthusiastic about this book. It is very practical and should be useful in conflict situations throughout the world. It is based on the collaborative work of the authors in South Africa during the transition from apartheid. The book is intended to build the peacemaking skills of non-professional community leaders and it succeeds admirably in achieving this goal. The authors approach peacemaking from a religious perspective, but the book can be used in both religious and secular settings. ... Read more

Product Description
“The Quest for Viable Peace develops a simple and essential idea—that security is necessary for peace to become viable and that peace must pay for it to endure. The authors have much to share on how to plan intervention operations effectively; indeed, this volume will serve as a manual for establishing priorities in such operations. It should be read not only by planners and practitioners but also by U.S. policymakers who remain unconvinced that the effort is worthwhile and/or unaware of the steps to take in devising such operations.”—Mark BaskinSenior Associate, Center for International Development, SUNY“The Quest for Viable Peace is a first-rate contribution to the literature on this vitally important topic. Thoroughly researched, it deserves to be widely read, discussed, and, indeed, acted upon.” —Mats Berdal Professor of Security and Development, Department of War Studies, King’s College London“Taking international operations in Kosovo as its starting point, The Quest for Viable Peace broadens our understanding of the nationbuilding process as a whole and provides valuable guidelines for the conduct of future such missions. Campaign analyses of this sort, which look equally at the military and civil elements of an operation through its entire length, are essential building blocks in the development of a much-needed national and international doctrine for the conduct of such missions. Jock Covey, Mike Dziedzic, Len Hawley, and their coauthors move us closer to that goal, illuminating both the recent past and the near future as they do so.”—James DobbinsDirector of the International Security and Defense Policy Center, RAND Corporation“Success in any stability operation depends on weaving the various civilian and military lines of effort together like strands of a rope. The campaign plan needs to ensure that all dimensions are brought into play: not only security but also the political, economic, and humanitarian aspects. Peace support operations are a test of patience, understanding, and endurance; perhaps the most difficult task is to establish the rule of law where none previously existed. The Quest for Viable Peace captures all of this vividly and comprehensively, not least in its use of the hard-won lessons acquired by the British Army in Northern Ireland. I commend it to all those, civilians and soldiers alike, who have an interest in peace support operations.”—General Sir Michael JacksonChief of the General Staff, British Army“Presenting an excellent set of essential strategies for building durable peace by means of intervention, this volume is a prodigious, extremely high-quality, valuable work. It should occupy a prominent position in the literature of peace operations.”—Robert B. OakleyU.S. Ambassador (Ret.)International intervention in failing states that threaten peace and security does not by itself make the world safer. Too often, when intervening forces are unable to change the circumstances that breed violence, the intervention stalls and old animosities reignite. If international intervention is to be effective, its first task must be the attainment of viable peace. As the editors of this groundbreaking volume explain, viable peace is achieved when the capacity of domestic institutions to resolve disputes peacefully overtakes the powerful motives and means for continued violent conflict. Getting to this point quickly demands the careful design and coordinated implementation of four mutually reinforcing strategies to moderate political conflict, defeat militant extremism, inculcate the rule of law, and establish a political economy that reduces rather than ignites conflict. Drawing on their firsthand experience of Kosovo, the contributors—all seasoned practitioners and policymakers—identify the concrete challenges that must be confronted and lay out the practical steps that must be taken to transform a society habituated to violent conflict in ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Five Pillars of Peace a Great Start--USG/DoD Start with the Last, No One Manages the First Four!
This is a first rate long-overdue book, and has motivated me to take a close look at other US Institute for Peace publications, such as "Engineering Peace."

The book presents, with varied contributions, a clear-cut model with four parts: moderating political conflict, defeating militant extremists, institutionalizing the rule of law, and developing a legitimate political economy.As William Shawcross teaches us in "Endless Conflict," most humanitarian interventions are so inept that they create an instant black market and make continuing conflict even more profitable than it was before.

Throughout the book, reading the polite observations here and there, it is clear that we no longer lack the knowledge needed to execute complex emergencies, but rather than the United Nations and its Members nations are still refusing to be serious about providing the manpower and resources in both a timely and sustainable fashion.Throughout the book one reads of clear-cut situations where the force commander knew precisely what was needed in the way of people, tools, and dollars, and "the system" simply refused to provide it for years at a time.

The concepts are now mature: Pillar I is Humanitarian Assistance; Pillar II isCivil Administration; Pillar III is Democratization and Institution Building; and Pillar IV is Reconstruction and Economic Development.

I was especially impressed by two aspects of the book early on:

1)A comprehensive list of intelligence requirements for advance inter-agency planning, **all** of which could be satisfied by open sources of information; and

2)A list of eight coalitions needed for Kosovo that could serve as a model for any Combatant Commander: political, military, relief, rule of law, democratization, reconstruction, human rights, and donor.

The book comes with an interesting poster useful for classroom environments.

I put the book down thinking to myself that we need to split the Special Operations Command in two: a black hat side for dealing with bad guys one on one, and the traditional black behind the lines skulduggery; and a white hat side to serve as a hub for stabilization and reconstruction missions, in partnership with the Northern Command, which is correctly seeking to recast the National Guard as both a homeland defense force and a short term foreign stabilization force with military police, combat engineering, medical, PAO, JAG, and other capabilies.The only problem with that is that they are mostly white boys that have never left their counties.Combining them with an over-lain special operations force with deep inter-agency collaboration and foreign langauge and area skills, might be workable proposition.

I also put the book down believing that Ambassador Bolton needs a three star military deputy and a very big stick.We have to clean out the fat-cat first-class junkies from the UN, and replace them with serious people capable of doing real-world campaign planning with military precision and discipline.We need a UN Decision Support Centre with a global open source information collection and processing network, supported by regional Multinational Information Operations Centers (MIOC) funded by and supported by each regional Combatant Commander.

Bottom line:this book is quite excellent, but it loses one star for not having detailed of manning and organization as well as detailed budgets for notional complex emergency planning and operations staffs and force structures.

This book should be translated into French immediately, for the half of the UN that hates English.

See also:
Peacekeeping Intelligence: Emerging Concepts for the Future
The New Craft of Intelligence: Personal, Public, & Political--Citizen's Action Handbook for Fighting Terrorism, Genocide, Disease, Toxic Bombs, & Corruption
Via Internet: Defense Science Board, Transitions to and From Hostilities

Not to be Missed
What spurred me to look at this book was a post I found by Democratic insider, Lorelei Kelly, on her blog DemocracyArsenal.org.Kelly points out that the authors want peace to be "guiding principle for all policy decisions during an intervention to how to deal with extremists-- including use of force."This is important, she continues, because in today's wars there is no post conflict stage."The violence never stops."

I found this to be profound and integral to understanding how today's wars are different from those of the past - a basic prerequisite if we are going to win them.

This is a book policymakers should not miss.

A How To Do It Manual
The book is very good - meaty and sensible and based on valid real-life experience as promised. It is probably as close to a how-to-do manual for post-conflict stabilization and recovery as is possible. It is also, incidentally, an important contribution to the history of the Balkans in the immediate aftermath of the break-up of the Soviet Union.

I can also see it as a useful text for government officials, commentators, and other observers dealing in the less well order areas of the world. In other words, it is a useful political text on the dynamics of politics in failed and failing states. Given the state of the world today, we will pay for ignoring the lessons painfully learned and carefully outlined in this book. (Uncharitable people at this point might turn their thoughts to Iraq).

Finally "Viable Peace" has important things to say about the United Nations and its actual and potential role in today's world. The Kosova operation was a UN Trusteeship regime in all but name. East Timor was another example and other situations appear to call for a similar role by the UN. Given the success in those situations, and the obvious need of something similiar in other places, we might wish to review the Trusteeship authorities in the UN Charter as part of meaningful UN reform.

Ambassador (ret) Edward Marks
Joint Interagency Coordinating Group on Combating Terrorism
United States Pacific Command
Camp Smith, Hawaii
... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Important and Timely
Immaculately researched and beautifully written, Paths To Peace is required reading at this time when the US is strategizing to exit out of two wars. ... Read more