Pioneers in Arts, Humanities, Science, Engineering, Practice

This book charts John W. Burton's transition from practitioner in diplomacy to pioneer in the theory of peace research, thinking on world society and conflict resolution. Born in 1915, given his father's name, it was assumed that he would follow his father and become a Christian missionary. He did not: he joined the Australian Public Service. From a junior position he rose rapidly. He was forthright and some found him irritating, or worse. He progressed to the highest levels of policy-making. Amidst some controversy, he resigned abruptly in 1951. He then worked on his farm outside Canberra, writing avidly. He did not intend to become an academic, but in 1963 he was offered a position in International Relations at University College in London and he accepted. He was key to the foundation of the International Peace Research Association (IPRA) in 1964 and of the Conflict Research Society in the UK, because he thought that words and ideas were not enough: there needed to be instrumentsof change. Looking back, he was, in fact, a secular missionary. His aim? Simple: to change the world.

·    This book is an exploration of how conflict should be reinterpreted.

·    The ideas of his work are a product not of any metaphysical approach, but of experience. 

·    Burton knew the field:  Cold War diplomacy, civil strife, reforming organisations, resistance to change.  He had 'been there' and he found much to criticise. 

·    This book illustrates what he had to offer and explains why. These readings reveal shifts in his ideas, cohering incrementally, integrated into a new framework. 

·    This book presents his pioneering and relevant work. Transcending disciplinary boundaries it will be of interest to students, as well as professionals who address conflict at all levels of society, from family to state.

Known to many as American University’s “peace legend,” Abdul Aziz Said (1930–2021)led an academic career spanning nearly sixty years. Always a forward-looking thinker, Said consistently sought to be among the first to grapple with the leading-edge issues ofhis day, from decolonization and turbulent social change in developing countries to theinfluence of multinational corporations, the normative priority of human rights, culturalaspects of conflict resolution, and the promotion of Islamic-Western understanding. Taken together, his extensive writings, innovative pedagogy, and practical pursuits offera model for engaged scholarship, characterized by dynamic use of the platform providedby a university career to advance international peace, intercultural dialogue, and socialjustice as well as a spiritual ethic emphasizing unity and connectedness among peoplefrom diverse cultural, religious, and racial backgrounds.• Abdul Aziz Said has been an innovator in international relations and peacestudies;• Born in Syria, he completed his higher education in the United States and wenton to teach multiple generations of international affairs students;• He was a leading scholar focusing on global peace as well as Islam and peace;• His writings address salient global issues from the 1950s to the first decades ofthe twenty-first century.

This book provides a broad overview of Professor Raimo Väyrynen’s academic work, his role in international research organizations, and his contributions to policy debates. It offers an interesting review of important political issues during the time span of half a century, from disarmament in Europe to the changing relationship between state sovereignty and transnational forces. Väyrynen has dealt with the changing agenda of peace and international relations, security and the arms race, and the world economy. This book provides comprehensive analyses of the regional and systemic structure of international relations, with the emphasis on conflicts and warfare between nations. It argues that while states, even smaller ones, still matter, transnational issues are increasingly important. Taking a historical perspective, the articles suggest that large-scale violence and arms races have been recurrent and cyclical phenomena in international relations. These events reflect the deep-seated inequalities in the political and economic systems which, moreover, vary considerably between regions.  The publication is important reading for any researcher as well as students, policy-makers and the science-oriented public at large.

•             Traces the changing agenda of international relations from disarmament and the world economy to the changing relationship between state sovereignty and transnational forces.

•             Provides analyses of the regional and systemic structure in international relations, with the emphasis on conflicts and warfare.

•             Argues that large-scale violence and the arms race have been recurrent and cyclical phenomena in international relations.

•             Reviews important political issues from peace and conflict in Europe to the changing power relationship in the world.

This book sets out, through Starr’s personal story, his interest in how the ideas of “intellectual trajectories” and “political memories” could be incorporated into intellectual autobiography, thus exploring how the personal lives of individual academics intersected with their professional interests. By following the development of his approach to research, interdisciplinarity, the logic of inquiry, and the opportunity and willingness framework scholars and researchers will see how his groundbreaking research in Conflict Processes and International Relations Theory developed and were interlinked (especially diffusion, geography and spatiality; the democratic peace and integration; decision making). In addition, graduate students and junior faculty should find useful hints about how to navigate their way through the complexities of becoming both a professional and successful academic and scholar.
•This book provides the most complete treatment of the work and contributions of Harvey Starr, a former President of the International Studies Association. 
•Important for contemporary students of international relations, and their understanding of IR theory and methods.
•Demonstrates an eclectic linking of theoretical, logical, and empirical approaches to the study of IR—providing a critical logic of inquiry to do research.
•Provides insights and blueprints for how to develop interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary scholarship, highlighting geography and social-psychology.
•Affords graduate students and recent Ph.D.s  guidance in the development of research, becoming a professional, and the choices to be made in one’s academic career.

This book is about the importance of nuclear disarmament and the work pursued by Alva Myrdal, a pioneering social activist, diplomat, cabinet minister, and disarmament negotiator. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1982 together with Alfonso García Robles "for their work for disarmament and nuclear and weapon-free zones". Prominent academics, politicians and practitioners have contributed reflections on Myrdal’s achievements and their impact on the world today. Furthermore, a sample of Myrdal’s own writings on nuclear disarmament are included, as well as significant speeches and a bibliography of her publications on nuclear matters.

Alva Myrdal was born in Uppsala, Sweden, in 1902, graduated from college in Stockholm in 1924, and continued higher education at Uppsala University in the 1930s. She was a prolific author and reformer, specializing in social affairs, women’s roles and nuclear disarmament. She was Sweden’s Ambassador to India in the 1950s, for Nuclear Disarmament in the 1960s and 1970s, and a member of the Cabinet 1967-1973. Her most well-known works are "The Game of Disarmament" (1976), "Nation and Family" (1941), and "Women's Two Roles" (1956, with Viola Klein). Her book "The Game of Disarmament" (1976) is a key work in disarmament.

The Alva Myrdal Centre for Nuclear Disarmament was set up at Uppsala University in 2021 to contribute new ideas and concrete measures towards the elimination of nuclear weapons. Both editors are associated with the Centre, Professor Peter Wallensteen as a member of the board and leader of one of its working groups, and Dr. Armend Bekaj as a researcher.

- This book is relevant for students of international relations and policy-makers on issues of peace and conflict.

- It provides background documentation on the difficulties in achieving disarmament.

- It illustrates the significant role women can play to infuse new ideas into a men’s world.

- It shows that Alva Myrdal’s efforts can be an inspiration for new generations.