New Book by Amartya Sen: Peace and Democratic Society

Peace and Democratic Society

ed. by Amartya Sen

(Open Book, June 2011)

164 pages




Description

Recent acts of terrorism and the current unrest in the Middle East remind us how important it is to understand the relationship between violence, peace and democracy. In a challenging and insightful essay, Amartya Sen explores ideas around 'organised violence' (such as war, genocide and terrorism) and violence against the individual. Highlighting the inadequacies of some of the widely accepted explanations for violence – including the idea that the world is experiencing a 'clash of civilisations' – Sen makes a plea for a global, multilateral debate on the causes of conflict, and an understanding of the multiple identities of the individuals involved.

Contents [preview]

Part 1

"Violence and Civil Society"
by Amartya Sen

Part 2

"Civil Paths to Peace"
Report of the Commonwealth Commission on Respect and Understanding

1. Why do Respect and Understanding Matter?
2. The Nature and Nurture of Violence
3. Poverty, Inequality and Humiliation
4. History, Grievance and Conflict
5. Political Participation
6. The Role of Media and Commonwealth
7. Young People and Education
8. Multilateralism and the International Order
9. The Way Forward and Conclusion

Amartya Sen is Lamont University Professor at Harvard University. His most recent book is "The Idea of Justice" (Harvard University Press, 2009). Amartya Sen chaired the Commission on Respect and Understanding. Among the other members is Professor Kwame Anthony Appiah.

See also the website of the Commonwealth Secretariat.