The study reported in this volume is an attempt to develop a multilevel theory of violent conflict and war. As such, the study involves: a pretheory for identifying concepts operative at each level, and for explaining how the concepts relate to violent conflict and war.

Preventing violent conflicts and establishing comprehensive lasting peace in some of the world's most turbulent regions has become the new global imperative. But to be effective, peacebuilding must be a multilateral, not a unilateral process. Even for the world's sole surviving superpower, promoting and sustaining durable peace requires communication, co-ordination, co-operation, and collaboration between local, national and international actors, nongovernmental as well as governmental.

In this book, Dennis Sandole explores the theory and practice of peacebuilding, discussing the...