Peace and War: Books

Johan Galtung and Daisaku Ikeda are two major figures in international peace studies… Together, through dialogue, they search for ways of interfacing Buddhism and peace. Presented as a dialogue between the two men, Choose Peace explores practical solutions to many of the global problems afflicting the world today. From Publisher

A cross-cultural dialogue between American historian and activist Vincent Harding and Buddhist thinker and leader Daisaku Ikeda that explores the legacy of the American civil rights movement. From Publisher

This moving dialogue between an American author and a Japanese peace activist makes the compelling argument that ordinary people can and must guide their leaders to a safer future free from nuclear menace. From Publisher

One of the 'inventors' of the nuclear bomb, Rotblat very soon turned away from weapons research to make a prolonged and principled stand against the dangers of nuclear proliferation. A physicist of great brilliance, he metamorphosed into a campaigner of admired moral conviction and leadership. This series of dialogues between two leading ethical thinkers brings together the courage and humanity of Rotblat with the spiritual wisdom and global visionary outlook of Daisaku Ikeda. From Publisher

Through these 15 intimate conversations, Elise Boulding, an American Quaker, and Daisaku Ikeda, a Japanese Buddhist, reveal that while journeys in peace may build from vastly divergent locales and traditions, shared wisdom grows from an unwavering commitment to a better world. From Publisher

At the heart of this book lies these two men's mutual commitment to what they characterise as 'soft peace', or the attempt to resolve conflict through empathic engagement with those who hold alternative views. Touching on such vital themes as inter-religious dialogue, the battle against terrorism and extremism, the necessity of education, and the significance of the environment and those common aspects of humanity which all persons share, From Publisher

Themes like human security, the empowerment of women, nuclear disarmament and the centrality of dialogue are throughout informed by an unshakeable belief in the potential and promise of the UN's world mission, as well as by Ikeda's own experience of the cruelty of war and his articulation of Buddhism as a practical route to peace. From Publisher

A lecture delivered at the East-West Center, Hawaii, U.S.A., January 26, 1995. From Publisher

A rigorous analysis of political power, demonstrating that it derives from sources in the society. Even the power of dictators can be destroyed by withdrawal of necessary sources of cooperation. With an introduction to the technique of nonviolent action, its characteristics, history and achievements. From Publisher

The Dynamics of Nonviolent Action examines the complex operation of this technique against a violent, repressive opponent. Ground work which may precede the struggle is explored, as well as basic requirements for effectiveness. Then the focus turns to the initial impact of the nonviolent challenge. From Publisher

This eclectic and thought-provoking series of presentations and interactions is intended to empower community participants with a heightened awareness of how subtle shifts in our attitudes and behaviors can help attain and sustain the culture of peace. From Publisher