Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Building Peace in America (Peace and Security in the 21st Century)

America may not be at war, but it is not at peace. Recent public and political rhetoric have revealed the escalation of a pervasive and dangerous "us versus them" ideology in the United States. This powerful book is motivated by the contributors' recognition of continuing structural violence and injustice, which are linked to long-standing systems of racism, social marginalization, xenophobia, poverty, and inequality in all forms. Calls to restore America's greatness are just the most recent iteration of dehumanizing language against minority communities. The violation of the civil and human rights of vulnerable groups presents a serious threat to American democracy. These deeply rooted and systemic inequities have no easy solutions, and the destructive nature of today's conflicts in America threaten to impede efforts to build peace, promote justice, and inspire constructive social change. Acknowledging the complexity of building peace in the United States, this volume represents the first step in envisioning a more just, peaceful country-from the grassroots to the highest levels of leadership. The editors have brought together a diverse group of scholars, conflict resolution practitioners, civil society leaders, community peacebuilders, and faith leaders who are committed to pro-social change. Collectively, they examine how best to understand the current issues, deescalate destructive public rhetoric, undermine the "us versus them" polarity, and support those currently working for positive change. Together, the contributors share experiences and perspectives on the past, present, and future of peacebuilding; develop a vision for how we can collectively respond in our communities, campuses, and congregations; and catalyze action during this pivotal moment in America. About the Author Emily Sample is the Executive Director of the Genocide Prevention Program at George Mason University, School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution. In addition to working with GPP, Emily Sample is in the process of earning her PhD in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Previously, she has worked as Associate Director of Education at Holocaust Museum Houston and for the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region Ugandan National Committee on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide and Mass Atrocities, as well as the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. She earned her B.A. from The College of William and Mary and her M.A. in Human Rights and Genocide Studies from Kingston University London.Douglas Irvin-Erickson is Director of the Genocide Prevtion Program at George Mason University, School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Douglas Irvin-Erickson has worked in the field of genocide studies and atrocity prevention in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Cambodia, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Argentina. He is the author of books, chapters, and articles on genocide, religion and violence, human security, international criminal law, and political theory. His current research includes a book on the life and works of Raphael Lemkin, the originator of the word "genocide" who authored the UN Genocide Convention (UPenn Press, 2017). Irvin-Erickson also serves as Editor of Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal, the official publication of the International Association of Genocide Scholars. He holds a Ph.D. in Global Affairs from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and an M.A. in English Literature. He teaches: Human Rights Advocacy (graduate and undergrad) (click for syllabus: 2018, 2019) Human Rights and Inequality (undergrad) (click for syllabus: 2019) Qualitative Methodologies (graduate) (click for syllabus: 2019) Violence: Causes and Alternatives (undergrad) (click for syllabus: 2019) Conflict and our World (undergrad) (click for syllabus: 2018, 2019) Theories of Conflict Analysis and Resolution (undergrad) (2017, 2018) (click for syllabus: 2018) Social Dynamics of Terrorism, Security, an