In this book, Victoria Fontan questions the pre-established assumptions that exist in peace and conflict studies, and brings forward an alternative epistemology that relates to non-conventional initiatives for peace that exist in various parts of the world. She argues that the first step toward decolonizing peace and conflict studies must be our realization that we are powerless in facing the destruction and injustices that we invariably bring with our peace. "Victoria Fontan is an emissary of the peace to come, and her work is one of the most meaningful contributions to peace studies I know of. If you haven't been lucky enough to be her student, you have the chance now to read this book. I wish every peaceworker the opportunity to nourish their work, and improve our world, by reading it." - Oliver Rizzi Carlson - Newsletter Editor, Global Campaign for Peace Education "This is a thought provoking study, which through a blend of theory, activism, and detailed empiricism, exposes a paradox at the heart of peace thinking: the tension between colonial and universalist epistemology and liberation or self determination. It is a much needed contribution." - Prof. Oliver Richmond - Univ. of Manchester Author of "The Transformation of Peace" (2007) "A key book to rethink the peacebuilding sector and its risk to be part of neo-colonial policies. A milestone for scholars and practitioners in the field." - Dr. Bernardo Venturi - University of Bologna "Passionately written and auspicious, Decolonizing Peace names a serious problem. It gives a voice to people who are dissatisfied by the foreign policy of the West, especially by the Peace Industry or the marketing of neo colonial liberal democracy as the royal path to peace. The latter is counterproductive and generates a deep felt sense of dissonance and disapproval. I am sure the text will draw a great deal of attention, it could start new research programs and contribute to the emancipation of peace research." - Luc Reychler - University of Leuven Voices from Post-Saddam Iraq, Praeger, 2008. Victoria Fontan is Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies and Head, Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at the UN-mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica. She conducted field research in Lebanon, post-Saddam Iraq, DR Congo, Somaliland and Kashmir. Recently, she has been exploring post-liberal dimensions of Peace and Conflict Studies.