Talking Peace: A Vision for the Next Generation

The former president of the United States draws from his past experiences as he discusses how citizens of all ages can contribute to the foundations of world peace.

Grade 7-12-Like other former presidents, Jimmy Carter tends to justify himself in his memoirs; unlike them, his actual post-presidential conduct supports his justifications. The author of several books for adults, Carter here addresses teenagers as future world citizens, advocating free and fair elections and the art of negotiation as alternatives to civil and international war. Illustrating his points with his own experiences, both as president and later as founder of the Carter Center, he also shows how food, shelter, and health care are the foundations of peace, and how poverty leads to environmental degradation and personal desperation. Most interesting is his discussion of how the International Negotiation Network Council, an organization he founded, mediates between warring factions in civil wars when intergovernmental organizations such as the United Nations cannot. Well organized and written in clear, lively, free-flowing style, this account does not oversimplify the complex problems it addresses, and will hold the interest of readers concerned about them. Other books on Carter for this age group stop at the end of his presidency; few books on peace deal with underlying causes with as much depth.
Jonathan Betz-Zall, Sno-Isle Regional Library System, Edmonds, WA
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This thought-provoking, timely offering from former president Carter introduces readers to the often-unnoticed process of peace negotiations and lays the groundwork for a new understanding of the role peace plays in everyday life. Relying heavily on his experiences, both in the White House and as current head of the Carter Center, Carter opens with a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at his participation in the landmark 1977 Camp David Accords. Using that event as a stepping stone, he outlines the nature of conflict and the conditions necessary for resolving problems and achieving peace. Carefully constructed chapters deal with such topics as the problems facing American cities; the importance of free elections; the rights of children; and the need for protecting the global environment. Numerous complicated political situations are explained in clear, concise language; the text is further enlivened by the inclusion of various first-person reminiscences from people actively involved in the issues in question. A concluding chapter offers practical techniques to achieve a more peaceful world. In a time when conflict of all kinds seems on the increase, this soft-spoken yet powerful book brings home the importance of understanding and education. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

In lucid detail, Carter surveys the ills that thwart peace and suggests constructive ways to address them, opening with a moving account of his own role in the Camp David Accords, an agreement that was based on his thorough understanding of the antagonists' personalities and agendas. This isn't a mediation manual, though there's a chapter on mediation, but an exploration of causes, and cures for, conflict. In this time of ``peace,'' internal strife abounds; Carter includes succinct descriptions of a sobering 41 such conflicts; 34 have resulted in at least 1,000 ``battle-related deaths.'' He also discusses many other concerns with which the Carter Center, and he personally, are actively involved: food, shelter, health; the environment; human rights; free elections; inner-city strife; children's rights. Carter's humanitarian agenda is somewhat like a political platform; but the range and depth of his understanding of real problems and his courageous, persistent pursuit and achievement of at least partial reconciliation or improved conditions, often against enormous odds, are inspiring. Most impressive is his lack of egoism; Carter's goal is truly the betterment of humanity. It would have been nice if he'd given sources for more of his statistics (``One dollar spent on immunization saves ten dollars''); on the other hand, several useful documents are included (e.g., his personal letter to Begin inviting him to Camp David; the American Academy of Pediatrics' statement on youth and firearms). The book closes with feasible, effective ways young people can address the problems discussed--first: ``find out more [in your] library.'' A must. B&w photos; index. (Nonfiction. 12+) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.