The Frontlines of Peace: An Insider's Guide to Changing the World

Séverine Autesserre's book "The Frontlines of Peace" examines the well-intentioned but flawed peace industry and reveals that peace can grow in the most unlikely circumstances. It suggests that real, lasting peace requires giving power to local citizens and that successful examples of peacebuilding have involved innovative grassroots initiatives led by local people.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The term "peacebuilding" conjures a tale we've all heard countless times: conflict erupts, foreign powers are outraged, peacekeepers and million-dollar donors arrive in a hurry, warring parties sign a peace accord, and, regrettably, within months, the situation is back to where it began, if not worse. But what tactics have been effective in establishing long-term peace in conflict zones, particularly for ordinary people on the ground? And why should other ordinary citizens, thousands of miles away, care?

In The Frontlines of Peace, Séverine Autesserre, an award-winning researcher and peacebuilder, examines the well-intentioned but inherently flawed peace industry. With examples drawn from around the world, she demonstrates that peace can flourish in the most unexpected places. Contrary to what most politicians preach, establishing peace does not necessitate billions in aid or massive international interventions. Genuine, long-lasting peace necessitates empowering local citizens.

Now including teaching and book club discussion guides, The Frontlines of Peace tells the stories of the ordinary yet extraordinary individuals and organizations that are effectively confronting violence in their communities. One thing is clear: successful examples of peacebuilding around the world, in countries at war or at peace, have involved innovative grassroots initiatives led by local people, at times supported by foreigners, often employing methods shunned by the international elite. By narrating success stories of this kind, Autesserre shows the radical changes we must undertake if we hope to build lasting peace around us, whether we live in a war-torn region or a peaceful one.

Weight: 328g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197679197