A ground-breaking new book that dares to bridge the divide between peacemakers and military strategists.
As the world reels from an unprecedented surge in destructive wars and international crises, a new and critically important book challenges conventional wisdom and asks: Can peace be built by dialogue alone? When is the use of force necessary? Is there cause for hope? With 20 unflinching first-person accounts, the book uniquely gives voice to both sides of the conflict resolution debate from seasoned UN negotiators and grassroots peacebuilders to intelligence experts and military veterans.
This book is an essential read for those studying conflict resolution, international relations, or working in the field, looking to know more about the lived experiences of UN officials, translators, ambassadors, NGOs and military personnel.
“At the Heart of Conflict: Talking Resolution is a profoundly hopeful book. In these pages, we hear directly from practitioners who have not only witnessed conflict but have actively worked to transform it. Their voices bring a rare depth and texture to our understanding of mediation and peacebuilding — grappling with the political conditions on the ground and reflecting on how those moments fit into larger historical arcs. These accounts offer more than technical and political insight — they remind us that in the midst of violence and fragility, there are always individuals building bridges, nurturing resilience, and creating space for hope.”
— Dr Christine Cheng, War Studies, King’s College London
“A fascinating insight into the challenging world of conflict resolution that is likely to be as relevant tomorrow as it is today.”
-York Membery, writer and journalist, Sunday Times.