Apocalyptic Imaginaries and the Future of Peace: Decolonial and Critical Approaches

In this edited volume, the field of peace and conflict studies is reimagined through critical perspectives. By applying post-colonial, feminist, critical normative, post-structuralist, and decolonial approaches, the book charts a new path forward in a time of crisis. Drawing upon the powerful imagery of the Judeo-Christian eschatological imaginaries--the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Death, Famine, Conquest, and War) and the Whore of Babylon--the contributors challenge the assumptions, authority, and traditional approaches in peace and conflict studies. These apocalyptic symbols serve as a prism to radically rethink contemporary issues, dismantling the dominance of liberal peacebuilding.
The volume's unique framework explores the connections between these eschatological themes and pressing concerns, such as the spatial variations of climate crisis natural disasters, the prevalence of violent armed conflicts, and the breakdown of societal relations inpolarized communities. By doing so, the authors raise critical questions and propose innovative concepts that can more effectively address the challenges of our time.
This book offers a timely and necessary critique of the field while presenting alternative frameworks that transcend the Western tradition. It challenges the dichotomy of righteousness and damnation, urging readers to reconsider prevailing paradigms. With its multidisciplinary approach and engaging perspectives, this volume provides a valuable resource for scholars and students seeking to navigate the complex landscape of peace and conflict studies in the 21st century.