Johan Galtung, one of the founders of modern peace studies, describes his reason for writing this book as a 'systematic effort to give a theoretical foundation for peace research, peace education, and peace action'. As such, it provides a stimulating and wide-ranging panorama of the ideas, theories, and assumptions on which the study of peace is based.

Two definitions of peace underlie this major work. The first definition of peace is dynamic: 'the state of affairs that makes the nonviolent and creative handling of conflict possible'. The second definition is static: 'an absence of direct, structural, and cultural violence'.

This authoritative and original overview is essential reading for students of peace studies, international relations, sociology, psychology, economics and cultural studies, and for all those involved in conflict resolution and peace processes.