To Make the Earth Whole

Marc Gopin is the James H. Laue Professor of Religion, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution, and the director of the Center on Religion, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University's Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution. He is also an ordained rabbi. His website is www.marcgopin.com.

• Chapter 1 IntroductionChapter 2 Foundations of a Global Community through Citizen DiplomacyChapter 3 The State of Religion, Conflict, and Peace: Strategic Foundations for Building Community in a Militant TimeChapter 4 Religious Power and the Future of Global SocietyChapter 5 Networks that Build a Peaceful Future: A New Approach to Incremental ChangeChapter 6 Citizen Diplomacy and Incremental Change: A New Approach to PeacemakingChapter 7 On the Road between Damascus and Jerusalem: A Case Study of Citizen DiplomacyChapter 8 Syria 2006-2008: The Transformation of a RelationshipChapter 9 Diplomacy with a Conscience: The Search for Wisdom in Global EngagementChapter 10 Confronting Ethical Dilemmas of Citizen DiplomacyChapter 11 Insights from the World's Cultures and Religions on Building DiplomacyChapter 12 Conclusions about our FutureChapter 13 The Future in our Hands: Citizens Building a Social Contract Across Civilizations

Marc Gopin—a veteran and seasoned practitioner of citizen diplomacy—has written an important book, that reminds policymakers and non-policymakers alike of the critical role that ordinary people can and do play in helping to resolve conflicts. By setting in motion, in his words, a 'constellation of relationships, cultural gestures and communications', citizen diplomats literally can bring walls of mistrust and hatred tumbling down. Gopin's book focuses on the most challenging arena of all, religious militancy, and brings forth lessons learned that are well worth assimilating in our current diplomacy.