Product Description

The 20th century was the most bloody in history as sophisticated weaponry killed millions of people. And already conflict in the new century has taken a heavy toll. In today's world, most wars are within countries rather than between states. Often, it is civilians that suffer most, especially women and children. This invaluable guide is excellent for students, peace groups and activists. With tables, maps, case studies and quotes, it looks at how conflict escalates and ways it can be prevented. It examines the changing types of war, including the 'War on Terror' and ethnic conflict such as in Rwanda; the role of diplomacy and the UN, and what steps ordinary people are taking to re-build communities. It also offers ideas and inspiration for creating lasting peace.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #112955 in Books
• Published on: 2006-10-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

About the Author
Professor Helen Ware is Chair of International Agency Leadership (Peace Building) at the School of Professional Development in the University of New England (UNE), Australia. http://www.une.edu.au/

Customer Reviews

Not as good as it could have been
First the good news; the content of this book is interesting and informative.

The bad news is that the text is 'structurally poor', at times it feels rushed and haphazard with problems such as unexplained concepts, poorly chosen and used examples, definitions provided several pages too late, and (thankfully not too frequently) sentences that don't quite mesh together. Oddly, amongst useful and insightful quotes there are those that just seem thrown in, including a description of peace by a 10 year old English schoolboy.

I was expecting a 'no nonsense guide' to impartial and factual, but throughout there is an undercurrent of agenda and viewpoint pushing which spoils the text. Parts of the text are factual, backed up by references, others seem to be throwaway comments by the authors of their personal viewpoint with nothing to support or back it up (not even supporting personal experience).

Overall a disappointing book that should have been much better. If you are still considering buying this book I would recommend that you try to read a couple of pages from an electronic or paper copy first.