The Frontlines of Peace

Livres en dialogue | Presentation of the book
Thursday
20
April
2023
6:30 pm
8:30 pm
Sur les fronts de la paix

On the occasion of the release of the French edition of the book The Frontlines of Peace, on March 16, 2023 in the "Interventions" collection (Éditions de la MSH), the Fondation Maison des sciences de l'homme is organizing a presentation of the book.

This session of the Livres en dialogue series will bring together the author Séverine Autesserre and Julie Gacon, journalist at France Culture.

After the discussion, you will have the opportunity to ask our guest any questions you may have. The meeting will be followed by a moment of conviviality.

Our speakers

Séverine Autesserre is an award-winning author, peacebuilder, and researcher, as well as a Professor of Political Science at Barnard College, Columbia University. Autesserre has been involved intimately in the world of international aid for more than twenty years. She has conducted research in twelve different conflict zones, from Colombia to Somalia to Israel and the Palestinian territories. Her research has helped shape the intervention strategies of several United Nations departments, foreign affairs ministries, and non-governmental organizations, as well as numerous philanthropists and activists.

Julie Gacon hosts the "Cultures Monde" programme on radio France Culture. She has travelled the length and breadth of France for the programme "Sur la route" and the magazine Zadig. She also works for the online journal of ideas AOC.

The book

The word "peacebuilding" evokes a story we've all heard over and over: violence breaks out, foreign nations are scandalized, peacekeepers and million-dollar donors come rushing in, warring parties sign a peace agreement and, sadly, within months the situation is back to where it started—sometimes worse. But what strategies have worked to build lasting peace in conflict zones, particularly for ordinary citizens on the ground? And why should other ordinary citizens, thousands of miles away, care? In The Frontlines of Peace, Severine Autesserre examines the well-intentioned but inherently flawed peace industry. With examples drawn from across the globe, she reveals that peace can grow in the most unlikely circumstances. Contrary to what most politicians preach, building peace doesn't require billions in aid or massive international interventions. Real, lasting peace requires giving power to local citizens.

More information

Publication March 16, 2023
Collection "Interventions", Éditions de la MSH

Published at 8 March 2023