Swords And Ploughshares: Building Peace in the 21st Century: Bringing Peace to the 21st Century - Paddy Ashdown

Detailed perspective of post conflict handling.

In this book Ashdown looks at some of the problems, issues and political challenges for post - conflict regions.

From his experience as working as a High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegivina, he immediately has some credibility. Some of his points are very simple but very relevant such as his argument that rogue leaders often fear international criminal courts more than wars. It would much more sense if we gave these courts more gravitas and get the despots on trial rather than accept policies that entail colateral damage and all sorts of civilian misery. Please take note US administration.

He also stresses the importance of understanding other cultures. He makes the point, the Muslim religion has a sense democracy in it. Every Imam is elected. These means the Imans and Mullahs must be listened to, if one wishes to guage public opinion. There's undertones as well as some much needed political sense here. We need to understand the Muslim world and culture of Islam.

I think this would be a good book for anyone studying or working in foreign policy. My only critism would be is that, the abudance of facts and detailed diplomatic speak can make it a bit dry to read at times.

Compulsory reading for all the politicians and diplomats currently making policy.

A fascinating book by someone with a great deal of experience. It should be compulsory reading for all the politicians and diplomats currently making policy. At times it is quite heavy for the lay reader like me, but it certainly makes you think about the problems that begin when a military conflict ends. You wonder why people like Mr Ashdown weren't listened to when it was decided to go into Afghanistan and Iraq! I hope this book will make people on both sides of the Atlantic think about the way forward and the consequences of what appears quick and easy military action.

A must buy for those interested in international relations and policy makers.