Quality Peace

This insightful book, Quality Peace, analyzes effective peacebuilding strategies through statistical comparisons of war outcomes and highlights essential conditions for lasting peace.

In Quality Peace, renowned peace researcher Peter Wallensteen presents an extensive examination of peacebuilding, identifying effective and ineffective strategies for conflict resolution. Through rigorous statistical analysis, the book compares two outcomes of war—negotiated settlements and military victories—particularly in the context of the post-Cold War era. Wallensteen's findings emphasize that for lasting peace, three critical conditions must be satisfied: the dignity of the losing party must be preserved, security and the rule of law must be established for all involved, and the settlement must allow for a sufficiently long time horizon to foster a sense of normalcy.

Wallensteen meticulously dissects each of these conditions, applying his insights to various contexts such as interstate conflicts, civil wars where rebels seek to overthrow the state, and separatist movements. He further explores the concept of world order and the crucial role that major power dynamics play in local peace initiatives. This comprehensive approach provides valuable understanding of how different war outcomes influence post-war conditions and the broader implications for peacebuilding strategies.

Quality Peace stands out as a compelling and well-argued contribution to the field of peace research. It not only invigorates academic discourse but also holds practical significance for peace practitioners. By offering a thorough analysis of the factors that contribute to sustainable peace, Wallensteen's work is poised to become an authoritative reference in the study and practice of peacebuilding.