Peacemaking

From the overview: "...this two-volume set makes a radical departure from previous analyses that emphasized the application of formal models towards peacemaking." The emphasis here is on "systematic understanding of the various practices adopted by peacemakers around the globe." In short, the idea is to study what works, rather than to impose a theoretical model and blame poor results on its implementation. Forty-eight contributions are arranged thematically, each section introduced by one of the editors, on peacemaking in practice, inclusive peacemaking, new directions, and interpreting peacemaking. The range of topics is extraordinary. A sampling: engaging youth to combat Hindu extremism in India, Switzerland's peace promotion in Nepal, 10 lessons from 10 peace processes, Gandhi, Buddhism, Confucianism, Islam, African traditions of justice and reconciliation, arts and movement-based approaches to peacemaking, gender and women's rights in contemporary peace agreements, and social media as a new track of multi-track diplomacy--to name just a few. The three editors are affiliated as follows: Susan Allen Nan (conflict analysis and resolution, George Mason U.), Zachariah Cherian Mampilly (political science, international studies, and Africana studies, Vassar College), and Andrea Bartoli (conflict analysis and resolution, George Mason U.). Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Susan Allen Nan, PhD, is associate professor of conflict analysis and resolution at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA.

Zachariah Cherian Mampilly, PhD, is assistant professor of political science, international studies and Africana studies at Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY.

Andrea Bartoli is Drucie French Cumbie Chair and Dean at the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA.