The Frontlines of Peace

Meer over het boek

At turns surprising, funny, and gut-wrenching, this hopeful story highlights ordinary yet extraordinary individuals who have discovered how to foster lasting peace in their communities. The term "peacebuilding" often conjures a familiar narrative: violence erupts, foreign nations react, peacekeepers and donors intervene, peace agreements are signed, and yet the situation deteriorates again. What strategies truly work for building enduring peace in conflict zones, especially for those on the ground? Why should distant citizens care? Severine Autesserre, an award-winning researcher and peacebuilder, scrutinizes the flawed peace industry and illustrates that peace can emerge in the most unexpected situations. Contrary to political rhetoric, achieving lasting peace doesn't necessitate billions in aid or large-scale international interventions; it requires empowering local citizens. The narrative showcases the remarkable stories of individuals and organizations effectively addressing violence in their communities. Successful peacebuilding examples worldwide, whether in war-torn or peaceful nations, often stem from innovative grassroots initiatives led by locals, sometimes with foreign support, and frequently using methods overlooked by the international elite. Autesserre’s account emphasizes the radical shifts needed in our approach to cultivate lasting peace, whether in Congo, the United States, or beyond.