An Unlikely Dilemma

"This is an excellent book that reaches beyond intellectual niceties that are often removed from the real-life social and economic concerns of the victims of violence and abuse in different parts of the world. It draws on five case studies (Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guatemala, Palestine, and Timor-Leste), where the lives of people are torn apart by lasting oppression, greed, slaughter, and generational defeat. It ponders realistic solutions to what are often perceived as insurmountable problems, which require nations to tackle the major dilemmas facing post-conflict societies. Goran Gunner and Kjell-Ake-Nordquist remind us that sustainable stability requires this dilemma--likely and unlikely--to be resolved."

-Charles Villa-Vicencio

Senior Research Fellow

Institute for Justice and Reconciliation in Cape Town, South Africa



"This book skillfully demonstrates that there is no lasting peace without respect of human rights. Peace and justice have to be pursued as simultaneously as possible. In fact, peace development and human rights are indivisible. The sooner the world realizes this, the safer it will be."

-Jan Eliasson

Former President of the United Nations General Assembly

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sweden