Peace & conflict studies / David P. Barash, Charles P. Webel.

Part I. The promise of peace, the problems of war. The meanings of peace -- Peace studies, peace education, and peace research -- The meanings of wars -- Terrorism versus counterterrorism -- The special significance of nuclear weapons -- -- Part II. The reasons for wars. The individual level -- The group level -- The state level -- The decision-making level -- The ideological, social, and economic levels -- -- Part III. Building "negative peace". Peace movements -- Diplomacy, negotiations, and conflict resolution -- Disarmament and arms control -- International cooperation -- Peace through strength? -- International law -- Ethical and religious perspectives -- -- Part IV. Building positive peace. Human rights -- Ecological well-being -- Economic well-being -- Movements toward democracy -- National reconciliation -- Nonviolence -- Toward a more peaceful future.

Setting the standard for an accessible introduction and comprehensive exploration of this vital subject, this introductory text chronicles a plethora of important global topics from pre-history to the present.