Abstract

Does conflict transformation work? Or is the total rejection of global militarism the only route to peace?

Reviewing developments in the field of conflict transformation, Diana Francis acknowledges the work help it has afforded those engulfed in violent conflict to respond constructively. However, she argues that the dominant culture of power, resting on coercion and violence, must be displaced by the principles of interdependence, kindness and nonviolent solidarity. This is the only way that pacification - efforts to dominate and control - will be replaced by genuine peacebuilding.

Calling upon peacemakers worldwide to embrace and develop the practice of nonviolent power, she rejects the culture and institutions of war and working with movements around the world for global demilitarisation and 'positive peace'.
'Diana Francis's profound reflections on the conflict transformation field will be an inspiration to aspiring peace workers everywhere'
Professor Hugh Miall, Professor of International Relations, University of Kent.
'Reminds us of the values and energy that prompt the best in us, which get lost in settling for expectations like pacification rather than peace. If conflict transformation is itself to be transformed and flourish, it will be along the lines she urges here'
Sue Williams, Director, Summer Peacebuilding Institute, Eastern Mennonite University, USA
'A welcome contribution to an emerging literature which insists on a concept and practice of peace making that is liberating and empowering'
Professor, Tom Woodhouse, Adam Curle Chair in Conflict Resolution, University of Bradford
'In this visionary analysis, Diana Francis offers a practical route out of the brutal cycle of war and violence, which breaks with the sterile ineffectuality of top down approaches. She puts the power where it can really make the difference: with the people'
Kate Hudson, Chair of CND, the UK’s Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
'The so-called 'peace operations' that are proliferating around the world look increasingly like wars. Diana Francis challenges collusion with this military imposition of 'order' and makes a radical re-statement of grass-roots peacebuilding and conflict transformation as an emancipatory praxis'
Howard Clark, Chairperson, War Resisters' International
'Diana Francis has done it again - another practical book mapping the road from peaceful aspirations to peaceful reality'
Bruce Kent, Founding Chair and Vice President of the Movement for the Abolition of War.
'Raises questions that challenge and ensures that questions of values (and morality) are never allowed to sink beneath the weight of policy and programme imperatives.'
Professor Andrew Rigby, Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Studies, University of Coventry.
'Puts her finger precisely on the crucial issues facing anyone involved in building peace today and unerringly gets to the roots of the problems we face. Her analysis is so clear, so perceptive ... What's more, she can write - sharply, incisively, and with a light touch'
Scilla Elworthy, Founder of Oxford Research Group and Peace Direct.
'Argues persuasively that peacebuilding and conflict resolution have been co-opted by donors and governments and have thereby lost their radical edge. A must read book for the 21st century'
Kevin P Clements, Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, Secretary General International Peace Research Association, University of Otago
'Diana Francis is a giant in this field, combining personal passion and commitment with a strong theoretical and academic grounding'
Catherine Sexton, Chief Executive, Responding To Conflict (RTC)