John W Burton A Pioneer In Conflict Analysis And Resolution

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.

The first part of a set of four volumes seeking to provide an historical and theoretical perspective for consideration of theory and practice in conflict resolution and prevention. The other volumes cover the human needs theory, and readings and practices in management and resolution.

Written as an introductory text, this book provides--in simple language--succinct definitions of the terms used in conflict resolution, explains the ideas behind those terms and the process by which conflict is resolved. ...refreshingly simple and direct. This book undoubtedly provides a persuasive overview of the history, basic theory, and practice of resolving conflicts. --REFERENCE REVIEWS

Conflict resolution is now recognized as a major area of research. Yet because of its pervasive nature as a subject, drawing on so many different disciplines, there has long been a need for a reader, bringing together many of the most important and representative essays written to date. This book aims to fill the gap. Equally important, a comprehensive bibliography further anchors the subject - providing academics, diplomats, students and others interested in conflict studies with an excellent basis for future research.

"The book will be of interest to students of conflict and peace studies, both advanced undergraduate and postgraduate, as well as students of International Relations studying conflict resolution."--Jacket.

From Power Politics to Conflict Resolution surveys the development of the ideas of John W. Burton, an Australian civil servant and diplomat who became a prolific author in the fields of International Relations and Conflict Theory. This work, beginning with an introduction to his life and associations, assesses the development of Burton's ideas, at once critical of much of the conventional wisdom of International Relations as well as seeking to be innovative, helping us to understand the issues of peace and conflict in a changing world. A central theme is the development of a framework of ideas which Burton came to call provention .