Peace in their time : war and peace in Ireland and Southern Africa

"This is a study of conflict resolution which concentrates on two particular cases, Northern Ireland and southern Africa, where conflict has been due to colonial domination and settlement of colonialists on the land of indigenous peoples. It brings together views from journalists, politicians and radicals from all sides, and analyzes the learning process involved in conflict resolution, the skill of negotiation, and the concepts of compromise and surrender."--Bloomsbury Publishing.

Conflict resolution is a difficult process with the roots of anger, distrust and hatred often buried deep in the past. Even when papers have been signed and peace declared, the legacy of conflict remains. Peace in Their Time concentrates on two particular cases--Northern Ireland and Southern Africa--where conflict has been due to colonial domination and settlement of colonialists on the land of indigenous peoples. Through face-to-face interviews and close conversations with many of the leading players, Ruth Weiss brings together the views of journalists, politicians and radicals from all sides and analyzes the learning processes involved in conflict resolution, the skill of negotiation, and the concepts of compromise and surrender.

Booknews

A journalist with experience in Europe and Africa, Weiss analyzes and charts the tortuous process of negotiation leading to the present peacehowever flawed and fragilein the two countries. Pointing out parallels between the situations and processes, she discusses the learning process, the negotiating skills, controlling factions and supporters, surrender and compromise slowly gaining ground, the habit of peaceful life becoming ingrained, and the very idea of a return to violence becoming impossible. She includes a chronology in parallel columns. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Introduction - failing the future; how to play peace; conflict resolution; two areas of conflict; land of the fathers; on the way to peace; drums of war; peace - next stop Ireland; the right to march; nationalism, ethnicity and conflict; taking their marching orders; how odd of God; women at war; the violence of injustice; the long war - the paramilitary armies; peace at last in southern Africa; path to peace; tough talks; holding back the clock; all change in Ireland; sparing no efforts; fumbling at the crossroad; never say never again; arms and the men; another chance; unblocking the track; final lap?; end of line; after the war is over; the horror of violence; stretching the stamina; epilogue -no return to conflict This volume analyses and charts the tortuous process of negotiation leading to the present flawed but largely welcomed peace in the troubled territories of northern Ireland and southern Africa