The Frontlines of Peace - Séverine Autesserre

The Frontlines of Peace

By Séverine Autesserre

  • Release Date: 2021-02-01
  • Genre: Political Science

Description

At turns surprising, funny, and gut-wrenching, this is the hopeful story of the ordinary yet extraordinary people who have figured out how to build lasting peace in their communities The word "peacebuilding" evokes a story we've all heard over and over: violence breaks out, foreign nations are scandalized, peacekeepers and million-dollar donors come rushing in, warring parties sign a peace agreement and, sadly, within months the situation is back to where it started--sometimes worse. But what strategies have worked to build lasting peace in conflict zones, particularly for ordinary citizens on the ground? And why should other ordinary citizens, thousands of miles away, care? In The Frontlines of Peace, S?verine Autesserre, award-winning researcher and peacebuilder, examines the well-intentioned but inherently flawed peace industry. With examples drawn from across the globe, she reveals that peace can grow in the most unlikely circumstances. Contrary to what most politicians preach, building peace doesn't require billions in aid or massive international interventions. Real, lasting peace requires giving power to 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 confronting violence in their communities effectively. 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 take in our approach if we hope to build lasting peace around us--whether we live in Congo, the United States, or elsewhere.

Reviews

  • Inspiring!

    5
    By msc@24
    In times that feel increasingly divided, Séverine Autesserre’s The Frontlines of Peace is full of hope. Her work will both motivate and provide you with the tools to build peace in your own community and beyond, built upon insight from years of firsthand experience and careful research. Autesserre shares breathtaking stories of triump and heartbreak with love and empathy for every person and place you meet in this book. She is deeply honest with the reader, letting you into her world, so that you are right with her on the ground in conflict zones in gatherings of elite peacebuilders. What makes this story unique is that Autesserre doesn’t focus on the wrong. Instead, she focuses on where peacebuilding has been successful and explains how these processes can be repeated. Her lessons are for everyone, not only those in the peacebuilding industry, but any reader looking to build peace in their own neighborhood. I believe the subtitle is perfectly apt; Autesserre’s ideas really have the power to change the world.

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