David Cortright on the 50th Anniversary of the peace symbol, and on ideas in his celebrated new book, PEACE: A History of Movements and Ideas (Cambridge University Press 2008)

Can the theories of peace address current global conflicts and counter terrorism?

Can we use the lessons of peace to counter nuclear proliferation?

What is realistic pacifism?

It is fitting that in a year celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the peace symbol, veteran scholar and peace activist David Cortright offers a definitive history of the human striving for peace and an analysis of its religious and intellectual roots. This balanced and highly readable volume also explores the underlying principles of peace--nonviolence, democracy, social justice, and human rights--all placed within a framework of "realistic pacifism." Peace brings the story up-to-date by examining opposition to the Iraq War and responses to the so-called "war on terror." This is history with a modern twist, set in the context of current debates about 'the responsibility to protect, Darfur, nuclear proliferation, and conflict transformation. Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan calls PEACE, "A hopeful but realistic book that deserves to be read and studied widely." Bishop Desmond Tutu calls it "an exploration of the essential principles and practical means of preventing war and resolving conflict without violence." Father Theodore Hesburgh, C.M.C., calls PEACE "A crowning achievement."

(Video courtesy of University of Notre Dame, 2008).

Order PEACE from Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, or Cambridge University Press websites.

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Tags: david cortright, international diplomacy, peace symbol, peace: a history, realistic pacifism
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