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 .
Autorentext
DAVID J. DUNN is a Research Fellow in International Relations at Keele University, UK, where he also teaches Security Studies. He previously spent twenty-five years at Staffordshire University where he taught International Relations and Security Studies. He has published frequently on aspects of peace research and peace studies.
Zusammenfassung
From Power Politics to Conflict Resolution surveys Burton's career, focusing on his consistent critique of the world dominated by power politics. Burton, a former career diplomat, instead attempted to produce a more relevant, critical and practical approach to both domestic and international politics which came to be associated with the term provention. David J. Dunn shows both how Burton strove to find a conceptual apparatus and voice that would address his major concerns and how that compelling and radical approach contributes to our understanding of politics in a time of change and conflict.
Inhalt
Preface and Acknowledgements Introduction Life and Associations The Prelude: International Relations from the Edge Engaging International Relations Leaving International Relations...for? The Ontological Break Towards Provention On the Need for - and Relevance of - Provention Conclusion