John Paul Lederach's work in the field of conciliation and mediation is internationally recognized. As founding Director of the Conflict Transformation Program and Institute of Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University; he has provided consultation and direct mediation in a range of situations from the Miskito/Sandinista conflict in Nicaragua to Somalia; Northern Ireland; the Basque Country; and the Philippines. His influential 1997 book Building Peace has become a classic in the discipline. This new book represents his thinking and learning over the past several years. He explores the evolution of his understanding of peacebuilding by reflecting on his own experiences in the field. Peacebuilding; in his view; is both a learned skill and an art. Finding this art; he says; requires a worldview shift. Conflict professionals must envision their work as a creative act - an exercise of what Lederach terms the "moral imagination."
#219222 in Books 2010-08-26Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.00 x .50 x 9.25l; .65 #File Name: 019974758X216 pages
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Gives meaning to much I have observed as a mediatorBy Douglas M. Smith"John Paul Lederach; a theorist of great insight who also happens to be a practitioner of high skill; brings us deep into his own process of learning . . . "So said the well-known author William UryIn The Moral Imagination I learned to look for the important web of relationships that lies hidden behind the violence of a conflict. Such webs contain spaces that may become starting places for reconciliation. Even before violence abates; in such spaces a peace-builder can get started.A skilled and engaging storyteller; Mr. Lederach offers instances from his own experience to illustrate the theories he lays out. For example; he tells how mothers; wives; and daughters built peace in a formerly violent marketplace where all parties needed to shop for necessities.In the arena of workplace reconciliation where I work; Mr. Lederach has helped me assign meaning to much I have observed but not always recognized as important.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Excellent book! Organizations/schools are increasing using as core literatureBy JeremiahExcellent book! Organizations/schools are increasing using as core literature; and has become common reference for my work in peacebuilding.I would also recommend for anyone... easy to understand and follow for people without any background in conflict resolution. For anyone studying or working in conflict resolution or peacebuilding; however; The Moral Imagination is a must read!5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. An amazing book by an amazing authorBy Erin CampeauI am currently getting my Masters degree in International Peace; Conflict; and Development Studies; and this book has served as a text book in almost all my courses. It's easy to read; but not lacking in depth. John Paul Lederach has a way of writing that truly moves and inspires his readers. This is definitely my favorite of his works. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in peace making and conflict transformation.
