Synopsis
How do wars end? Why are some societies capable of peaceful political transitions while others descend into violence? In this compelling narrative, Tim Phillips draws from 20 years experience on the front lines of peace negotiations around the world to offer lessons for our current foreign policy challenges. He relates stories of six individuals from South Africa, Guatemala, Northern Ireland, Israel, Chile and Czechoslovakia who stood up to dictatorship, sat down with their enemies and confronted their greatest fears to pave the way for lasting peace and reconciliation. Individuals include: Jan Urban, a Czech dissident, journalist and leading figure in the Velvet revolution to end communism; Roelf Meyer, South Africa's principal government negotiator during the end of Apartheid; Naomi Chazan, a senior Israeli political leader and women's rights activist who pursued peace with the Palestinians; Monica McWilliams, founder of the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition who secured a place for women in negotiating an end to the violent conflict in Northern Ireland; Jose Zalaquett, the Chilean lawyer and human rights activist who helped establish Chile's truth and reconciliation commission following the Pinochet era; and Jose Maria Argueta, a senior Guatemalan statesman who risked his life to help end his country's bloody civil war. Beyond Conflict travels the globe, giving voice to courageous individuals who have led their nations from seemingly-intractable conflicts through peaceful transitions. It explores the dynamics that must be present before societies can move towards peace, and showcases how even long-standing simmering hatreds have been overcome. In an era in which war and devastation dominate the headlines, Beyond Conflict is a timely, relevant and fascinating reminder that peace is not an illusion, but a reality. Book includes an introductory tribute to Nelson Mandela and an endorsement from US President William Clinton.
Review
"Beyond Conflict is hopeful and pragmatic as it presents creative solutions, and honest in its acknowledgment of the difficulties in implementing them. An engaging book from an organization with an important, hopeful story to share."- Kirkus Reviews
"Illuminating. As a war correspondent who has covered many of the conflicts described in this book, I can attest that BEYOND CONFLICT offers a deeply insightful, accurate, grounded and inspiring account of conflict resolution. A must read for journalists, students and anyone working on international issues." --Janine DiGiovanni, Middle East Editor of Newsweek and author of "Ghosts by Daylight" (Knopf)
"Beyond Conflict applies one of the simplest human insights to some of the world's most complex problems. By bringing leaders together who can share their own experiences of crossing the divide of hatred and entrenched conflict with politicians and fighters still struggling to find peace, Beyond Conflict has lit a path of hope and possibility out of rage, violence, and despair. This new book tells us how, in moving first-hand accounts that will be valuable for practitioners, teachers, activists, and engaged citizens." -Anne-Marie Slaughter, President and CEO, New America Foundation
"In wonderful often first-person stories and gorgeous photography documenting its inspiring twenty year journey, Beyond Conflict overflows with both unfailing optimism that the most difficult global conflicts can be resolved, and hard-nosed, cool-headed realism about specifically what it takes to actually do so. The book gives me hope that peace is possible even in the most seemingly intractable struggles." - Marty Linsky, Faculty, Harvard Kennedy School and Co-Founder/Principal, Cambridge Leadership Associates
"This fascinating and beautifully produced book is a fitting tribute to the outstanding programs of Beyond Conflict. It captures the essence of twenty years of great achievement. I recommend it for anyone with an interest in foreign policy and especially in assisting nations in transition to democracy." - Richard Goldstone, former South African judge and first chief prosecutor of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and for Rwanda
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