Watching the Wind: Conflict Resolution During South Africa's Transition to Democracy - Softcover

Marks, Susan Collin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1878379992 ISBN 13: 9781878379993

Publisher: United States Inst of Peace Pr, 2000

Synopsis

A compelling, inspiring account of peacemaking in action, Watching the Wind takes us to the front lines of South Africa's struggle to manage the tempestuous transition from apartheid to democracy.

When Mandela, de Klerk, and other political leaders launched the 1991 National Peace Accord in a far-reaching effort to staunch political bloodshed and promote consultation and cooperation between bitter adversaries, Susan Collin Marks was one of thousands of South Africans who committed themselves to making the peace process work where it mattered most―at the local level. Over the next three years, Marks and other leaders of the conflict resolution movement adopted and adapted a vast array of tools and techniques: they mediated, facilitated, and counseled; they created forums for open discussion and trained community leaders; they fostered community policing; and they anticipated crises and stood between demonstrators and security forces.

And, as Marks explains, “something extraordinary happened.” The international community had expected a bloodbath, but what it saw instead was a near-miraculous process of negotiation and accommodation. With passion and eloquence, the author captures the drama, the personalities, and the heroism of this grassroots peace process.

About this title

About the Author

Susan Collin Marks is executive vice president of Search for Common Ground, a nonprofit organization that promotes nonviolent, cooperative solutions to conflict. A South African by birth and a former journalist, she was senior fellow at the United States Institute of Peace in 1994-95.

Review

...Marks offers ... practical advice to others who would work to contain the deadly virus of ethnic or political violence. -- Princeton Lyman, Former U.S. Ambassador to South Africa

A riveting, very personal and passionate account of the National Peace Accord... -- Archbishop Desmond Tutu

An inspiring author who presents a very personal account of her experience as a peacemker in South Africa. -- Conflict Prevention Newsletter

Describes vividly how people at the grass roots can learn alternatives to violence... and reach solutions. -- International Studies Review

No one can fully understand the 'miracle' of South Africa until reading this book.... -- Princeton Lyman, Former U.S. Ambassador to South Africa

Should be studied by societies and citizens who wish to understand how factions scarred by decades of violence and hatred were able to come together to forge a meaningful peace. -- Washington Monthly

Edition details

• Publisher: United States Inst of Peace Pr
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 1878379992
• ISBN 13: 9781878379993
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 256