Second Track Citizens' Diplomacy: Concepts and Techniques for Conflict Transformation
This book makes evident the growing contributions and the potentiality for even greater contributions of nonofficial meetings and exchanges in overcoming destructive conflicts in the contemporary world. The authors are distinguished practitioners and analysts doing significant work in this vital field. (Kriesberg, Louis)Despite hopes that the twenty-first century would be the age of maturity and peace, events since September 11, 2001, indicate that many political leaders and nonstate actors have been seduced by the power of violence. This book is an excellent antidote to those who think that force is the best or only way of dealing with complex intractable conflicts. It is an excellent guide to the theoretical underpinnings, development, and practical uses of track-two diplomacy. These track-two initiatives play critical roles in the management and transformation of complex conflicts. The book provides scholars and practitioners with a rich resource of theoretical and practical examples of ways in which civil society actors can play more central roles in the delicate art of peacebuilding around the world. I strongly recommend it to anyone seeking more enlightened paths to peace than those currently being pursued in the Middle East and elsewhere. (Kevin P. Clements)In recent years, conflicts, especially in the developing world, have resulted in untold suffering of innocent civilians. Teaching and research in conflict analysis, management, and prevention are especially needed. This book is a very useful addition to the field, for scholars and practitioners alike. It provides a firm foundation in the theories of conflict resolution, as well as practical approaches to peacemaking and peacebuilding. The contributions are from both scholars and professionals with practical experience, and the book should be a 'must-read' for anybody who wants to gain insight into the field or who is interested in its applications to real-life situations. I would strongly recommend the book to anyone interested in conflict management. (Lebohang K. Moleko)Second-track diplomacy is worthy of attention, and so is this book. . . . Scholars and practitioners interested in approaches to peace will find much in it that is useful, some that is thought-provoking. A few, perhaps, will find it an incitement. (H-Net)I find this book a valuable resource for those of us teaching, researching, and/or working to transform conflicts both in and outside the so-called Western world. It offers powerful conceptual and theoretical frameworks for conflict analysis, as well as an abundance of practical, proven tools for empowering people to deal with complex, protracted conflicts. The authors, an impressive array featuring a welcome mix of top academic scholarship and hands-on experience, incite us to share the challenge of thinking about conflict management within and across different cultural settings. (Gabrielle Guerón)