Books

This study presents data from interviews with senior Catholic and Buddhist nuns in the United States who participated in interreligious dialogue. It focuses on how Catholic nuns develop, appropriate, and adapt Buddhist forms and ideas in their daily religious practices, and how Buddhist nuns respond. The authors identify three distinct discursive ...

In The Legacy of Arab-Islam in Africa: A Quest for Inter-religious Dialogue, John Alembillah Azumah reassesses the impact and legacy of Islam on the African continent. The book delves into the cultural, social, and religious influences of Islam on Africa’s diverse communities, exploring the complexities of inter-religious relations between Muslim...

At a time when the world is becoming increasingly interdependent and societies are more multicultural and multi-religious, the concept of religious pluralism faces challenges due to hatred, prejudice, and misunderstanding from both religious exclusivists and dogmatic secularists. In this important and timely book, internationally acclaimed scholar...

Inspired by the 1993 Parliament of the World's Religions, this volume brings together scholars from diverse religious backgrounds to engage in constructive dialogue. It examines how comparative religious ethics can inform interreligious dialogue and vice versa, addressing contemporary moral concerns in a pluralistic world. The book is divided ...

In Sacred Violence: Political Religion in a Secular Age, David Martin Jones and M. L. R. Smith explore the complex relationship between political violence and religious ideologies in the modern world. The book examines the resurgence of political religion, particularly Islamist radicalism, in a secular age. It seeks to understand how ideologies roo...

Ex-Combatants and the Post-Conflict State by Jaremey R. McMullin critically examines the challenges faced by ex-combatants in the reintegration process after a conflict has ended. Drawing on case studies from countries such as Namibia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, McMullin explores the various strategies employed by post-conflict states t...

Violent Societies by Christina Steenkamp offers an in-depth exploration of the complex networks of violence that shape civil wars and post-conflict societies. Drawing on a wide range of theoretical and empirical research, the book examines the various dimensions of violence—including political, economic, social, and cultural—and how these forms...

International Perspectives on Terrorist Victimisation provides a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted experiences of terrorism victims from a global perspective. Edited by Javier Argomaniz and Orla Lynch, this interdisciplinary volume explores the diverse nature of victimisation resulting from terrorist attacks, offering insight into the p...

Disrupting Pathways to Genocide explores the intricate process of ideological radicalisation that leads to genocidal violence, focusing on the factors that facilitate the transformation of political and societal ideologies into violent actions. Elisabeth Hope Murray delves into the psychology of radicalisation, the construction of "otherness,&...

The Origins and Dynamics of Genocide offers a detailed and rigorous analysis of the Guatemalan genocide, focusing on the state's campaign against indigenous Maya populations during its counterinsurgency operations between 1981 and 1983. This work uncovers a largely overlooked chapter in both academic and practitioner accounts of genocide, deta...

Fighting Over Peace explores the phenomenon of post-peace agreement violence, focusing on the role of "spoilers"—violent actors who undermine or derail peace processes after civil wars. The book argues that such violence is not only a predictable political phenomenon but can also be managed if understood within the right framework. By u...

This book examines how democracies can prevail in counterinsurgency operations by implementing appropriate strategies. Focusing on the failure of the U.S. in past foreign wars, Patterson argues that the wrong conclusions were drawn about counterinsurgency, often leading to future defeats. The book stresses the importance of applying a counterinsurg...

This edited volume examines peacebuilding efforts in deeply divided societies through the lens of social cohesion. The book features case studies from countries such as Guatemala, Kenya, Lebanon, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka, addressing how identity, political fragmentation, and conflict influence social cohesion in post-conflict societie...

This book explores how the specific characteristics and nature of the state influence counter-terrorism efforts and shape the progression of violent conflicts. Kieran McConaghy analyzes historical campaigns of terrorism and the responses of states, while considering how factors such as emotion, intra-state cooperation, communication, and competitio...

This book critically examines the post-colonial conflict Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants in Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa. By offering a comparative analysis, it explores DDR's structural and organizational frameworks, target groups, and the leadership roles within the process. The author delves into...

This book contributes to understanding the relationship between nationalism and terrorism, particularly in the context of the United Kingdom. It addresses the intriguing question of why Scottish, Welsh, and English nationalism has not led to significant political violence, unlike Irish nationalism. The author offers a detailed analysis of nationali...

This book challenges the common view that civil wars inevitably hamper economic development, presenting a counter-narrative with evidence from Colombia. It argues that, in some instances, violence from key actors such as the public armed forces and paramilitaries has facilitated economic growth and global trade processes, particularly in the contex...

This book examines the interaction between local and international peacebuilding actors, using the case study of Ituri in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It delves into the ways these actors collaborate, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for improving cooperation in peacebuilding. Through an exploration of perceptions of war, peace, a...

This book explores the role of gender in genocide prevention, examining how socially constructed gender roles influence the onset, execution, and prevention of mass atrocities. Through feminist theory, masculinity studies, and case studies, it highlights the intersection of gender, violence, and international law. Topics include: • Rethinking vu...

This book explores the possibility of politics without violence, challenging the Weberian notion that the state must monopolize violence. Jenny Pearce argues that an interdisciplinary approach—combining natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities—is essential for understanding and addressing violence in its multiple expressions. The b...

This book provides an in-depth analysis of gender dynamics in violent extremism and counter-extremism strategies. Based on research conducted across Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK, it presents insights from communities affected by radicalization. The authors introduce the concept of gendered radicalization, examining how pathw...

This book explores the challenges and opportunities of local peace communities after a national peace agreement has been signed. It examines case studies from South Africa, the Philippines, Burundi, East Timor, Sierra Leone, and Colombia, detailing how local communities cope with reintegration of ex-combatants, displaced populations, law enforcemen...

This book advocates for an ethnographic approach to evaluating peacebuilding efforts in transitional states. It critiques the reliance on externally imposed measures of success and instead highlights the importance of local perspectives in assessing peacebuilding interventions. Drawing from fieldwork in Sierra Leone, the book argues that peace, jus...

After armed conflict, societies must rebuild governance, provide essential resources, and sustain peace. This book explores how governance and natural resource management impact post-conflict stability in 50 conflict-affected regions. It features insights from over 70 experts, including diplomats, military personnel, and researchers, making it an e...

This book examines the role of Unionists and Loyalists in the peacebuilding process in Northern Ireland, analyzing how grassroots efforts contributed to conflict transformation. It explores historical grievances, identity politics, and reconciliation strategies that shaped the post-conflict landscape. The study highlights the strategic peacebuildin...

This innovative textbook bridges the gap between theoretical linguistics and historical linguistics, demonstrating their mutual relevance. Through numerous case studies, the authors illustrate how contemporary linguistic theories can address challenges in historical linguistics and how historical data can inform and refine linguistic theory. The bo...

This edited volume provides a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between human dignity and human security in the context of terrorism and counter-terrorism measures. It delves into the challenges posed by contemporary forms of terrorism and critically examines the responses to these threats, emphasizing the importance of upholding human rights...

This capstone paper explores deradicalization and reintegration programs for returnees in Jordan and Morocco, evaluating the effectiveness, limitations, and best practices. It provides a comparative analysis of policies adopted by both nations and policy recommendations for counterterrorism strategies in the MENA region. The study highlights commun...

Jason Franks' Rethinking the Roots of Terrorism challenges conventional perspectives on terrorism by analyzing its underlying causes and ideological justifications. The book provides a critical assessment of terrorism as a political and social phenomenon, examining its historical, religious, and ideological roots. Key themes include: • Def...

Roger Mac Ginty’s No War, No Peace offers a critical analysis of stalled peace processes and peace accords in societies affected by civil war. The book examines why peace agreements fail and proposes strategies to revive them, making it a key resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners involved in peacebuilding. Key themes include: â...

Sorpong Peou’s International Democracy Assistance for Peacebuilding: Cambodia and Beyond critically analyzes the role of international democracy assistance in post-conflict peacebuilding, using Cambodia as a case study. The book evaluates the effectiveness of external interventions in state-building and democratization, particularly in fragile po...

Bahar Rumelili’s Constructing Regional Community and Order in Europe and Southeast Asia examines the process of regional community-building and how different regions develop their own political orders. The book compares the European and Southeast Asian experiences, analyzing the role of historical narratives, political institutions, and identity ...

Stephan Stetter’s World Society and the Middle East examines the interplay between global societal changes and regional politics in the Middle East. The book explores how international influences and global norms interact with local traditions and political structures to reshape regional dynamics. Stetter provides a critical analysis of reconstru...

Morgan Brigg’s The New Politics of Conflict Resolution challenges traditional Western-centric approaches to conflict resolution by emphasizing the role of difference, identity, and postcolonial perspectives. The book critically examines how power dynamics influence peace processes, arguing that conventional conflict resolution methods often overl...

Chandra Lekha Sriram’s Peace as Governance critically examines power-sharing and governance-based peace incentives as strategies for resolving armed conflicts. The book evaluates inclusion strategies designed to bring armed groups into peace processes, questioning their effectiveness in achieving long-term stability. Through case studies in Sri L...

Susanne Buckley-Zistel’s Conflict Transformation and Social Change in Uganda explores how collective memory, social change, and reconciliation shape post-conflict recovery. Focusing on Uganda, particularly the aftermath of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency, the book examines how societies remember violence and how these memories influ...

Roland Bleiker’s Aesthetics and World Politics provides a systematic assessment of how aesthetics intersects with global politics. The book argues that traditional political analysis often overlooks the role of art, culture, and emotions in shaping world affairs. By incorporating aesthetic perspectives, Bleiker challenges conventional methodologi...

Karina Z. Butler’s A Critical Humanitarian Intervention Approach presents an in-depth analysis of humanitarian intervention from a critical theoretical perspective, questioning the legitimacy, effectiveness, and ethical dilemmas surrounding external interventions in conflict zones. The book critiques traditional interventionist policies and propo...

Roger Mac Ginty’s International Peacebuilding and Local Resistance critically examines the intersection of international peace interventions and local agency in post-conflict societies. He introduces the concept of hybrid peace, where top-down peacebuilding efforts interact with bottom-up local resistance, resulting in complex and sometimes unint...

Sarah Holt’s Aid, Peacebuilding and the Resurgence of War provides a critical examination of international aid interventions in Sri Lanka, focusing on how peacebuilding efforts inadvertently contributed to renewed conflict. Key themes include:The Role of Foreign Aid in Peace Processes – Analyzing how international donors supported post-war rec...

S. M. Farid Mirbagheri’s War and Peace in Islam presents a critical analysis of Islamic political thought, particularly regarding war, peace, and the concept of jihad. The book explores how Islamic principles are interpreted in political discourse, contrasting traditional Islamic teachings with modern Islamist perspectives. Key themes include: ...

Daria Isachenko’s The Making of Informal States explores the process of statebuilding in two de facto states—Northern Cyprus and Transdniestria—that lack international recognition but function with state-like structures. The book provides an in-depth comparative analysis of how these entities develop political, economic, and symbolic institut...

Henry F. Carey’s Privatizing the Democratic Peace: Policy Dilemmas of NGO Peacebuilding critically examines the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in peacebuilding efforts and their relationship with the democratic peace theory. The book explores the increasing privatization of peace efforts, raising questions about the effectiveness, ...

Michael C. Pugh’s Liberal Internationalism: The Interwar Movement for Peace in Britain explores the rise of liberal internationalist thought and its role in shaping Britain’s peace movement during the interwar years. It provides a critical analysis of how intellectuals, policymakers, and activists sought to promote peace, disarmament, and inter...

Hybrid Forms of Peace: From Everyday Agency to Post-Liberalism, edited by Oliver P. Richmond and Audra Mitchell, critically examines how peace manifests in hybrid forms, challenging traditional liberal peacebuilding frameworks. The book introduces the concept of "post-liberal peace", where peace is not solely imposed through internationa...

Visual Peace by Frank Möller explores the intersection of visual representation and the politics of violence. The book delves into how images shape our understanding of violence, conflict, and peace, emphasizing the role of spectatorship and political agency in the process. Through case studies, including visual portrayals of the 1994 Rwandan gen...

This book provides a detailed examination of ethnopolitical conflicts in the Caucasus region, specifically the Nagorno-Karabakh, South Ossetia, and Abkhazia wars. Emil Souleimanov revisits these conflicts, offering a historical, political, and socio-cultural perspective on the causes and consequences of these wars. The book critically analyzes the...

This book delves into the complex issues surrounding child soldiers in post-conflict societies, focusing on accountability, reintegration, and social reconstruction. Kirsten J. Fisher examines the moral and legal responsibility of child soldiers, questioning whether they should be viewed purely as victims or also as perpetrators of war crimes. Thr...

This book critically examines the role of local leadership in international peacebuilding efforts, questioning the dominant paradigm that external actors should guide democratic transitions. Chavanne L. Peercy provides an in-depth analysis of Cambodia, Liberia, and Burundi, exploring how local leaders navigate, resist, or adapt international peaceb...

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of ethnic cleansing in the context of the European Union (EU), exploring how security policies, historical memory, and ethnographic perspectives shape responses to such atrocities. Lynn M. Tesser presents a multidisciplinary approach to understanding ethnic cleansing, drawing from political science, anthr...