Peace in Their Time

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.

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 peace<-->however flawed and fragile<-->in 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)

Ruth Weiss is a journalist, author and broadcaster who has worked extensively in the UK, Ireland, Germany, and South Africa.