Author Peter Dixon knows both war and peace, having served as a Royal Air Force pilot and led the charity Concordis Internations in its conflict resolution projects. He’s also very well-informed, and collects a powerfully convincing amount of research, together with personal anecdotes, well-argued theories, and cultural and historical relevance into his book, Peacemakers. Also, he’s a man of faith, hence the subtitle, a Christian View of War and Peace. Most clearly, the author is neither hawk nor dove, but a very practical realist with a clearer vision of the world’s trials, misunderstandings and cruelties than most of the rest of us, and an honest concern communicated through readable and persuasive prose.

What is a “just war”? What did Augustine think it meant? And what responsibilities do nations and supernations—or thoughtful individuals—have in a changing, possibly dangerous world? Do we have to come out against against or for armed conflict, or can our position be more nuanced? And can there ever be peaceful solutions to intractable violence?

The author draws on scripture, history, current events and practical results to give readers both food and direction for thought. And indeed, real food and real direction, it seems, are often vital ingredients for peace. The resulting book is not short, not a quick read, and not a quick fix for the world or for its readers. But it’s an absorbing, well-researched, and well-told tale of the real world, its problems, and its possibilities for peace.

Disclosure: I was given a copy and took way too long to read it. Highly recommended! ( )