Introduction

Abstract

This volume has two main areas of focus. It provides first a theoretical–conceptual background, representing a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art/state-of-science knowledge of six topics central to the Project: (1) Attitudes and Ideology; (2) Conflict studies; (3) People-to-People interventions; (4) Psychosocial impact of political violence; (5) Forgiveness and reconciliation; and (6) The Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Chapter 8 then consists of a comprehensive analysis of three-and-one-half years of BPKP implementation, in which we present an evaluation of all aspects of BPKP. We consider the multiple ways in which BPKP made its own ‘facts on the ground’ by bringing together disparate persons and knowledge. Launched in a region that is infamous for its violent intractability, BPKP was anything but a simple project.

Building sustainable peace challenges every human being on the planet. It is not the exclusive preserve of those living in zones of conflict.

—Kevin P. Clements