PD Dr. Hans Guenter Brauch, Editor, Pioneers in Science and Practice Book Series;
Peace Research and European Security Studies (AFES-PRESS), Germany

Honouring the Scientific Excellence of Pioneers in Science and Practice,
especially of Peace Scholars: Betty Reardon et al

The book series on Pioneers in Science and Practice published by the largest scientific publisher globally honours the livelong achievements of distinguished scientists of any discipline and country, including Nobel Laureates, and innovative political thinkers and policy makers. One area of expertise is peace research, where besides the volumes on Betty Reardon (vol. 26-27), volumes were published by Arthur H. Westing (vol. 1,13), Johan Galtung (Vol. 5), Dieter Senghaas (vol. 6), Chad Alger (vol. 7-9), Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker (vol. 20, 25). A few distinguished scientists of the South included are: Rodolfo Stavenhagen (vol. 2,3,4), Lourdes Arizpe (vol. 10-12), and Samir Amin (16-17). Many new volumes are in preparation including Nobel Laureates. These volumes are available as books, Ebooks and all texts individually and the readers of 4500 subscribing institutions to the relevant book package may download all books for free what makes them ideal for course adoption globally. A website on each pioneer offers additional information and links to videos and podcasts.

Prof. Dr. Dale T. Snauwaert, The University of Toledo, dale.snauwaert@utoledo.edu

Betty Reardon's Essential Works on Peace Education, Gender and Peace:
Ethical Framework, Conception of Violence, and Pathways of Transformation

Abstract

Dr. Betty A. Reardon is a pioneering and world-renowned leader of peace education and human rights. Her groundbreaking work has laid the foundation for an inspiring new cross-disciplinary field that integrates peace education and the quest for international human rights within a gender-conscious, global perspective. Reardon’s groundbreaking work argues that a feminist, holistic and gendered perspective can serve as the conceptual core of a transformation of our present global system of patriarchy, and it’s culture of violence and war. Her comprehensive work in this area has uncovered the profound symbiotic relationship between patriarchy and the war system, and she calls for a global inquiry into alternatives to the patriarchal paradigm. She argues for a gender-equal and socially just society based on a cosmopolitan ethic of human rights. For Reardon, this vision of a positive human and planetary future is realized through achieving a transformational, fundamental shift in worldview towards a paradigm of peace informed by a gender perspective. Given the wide range and complexity of Reardon’s work, this short commentary will highlight what I perceive as her core ideas. These ideas include: universal human dignity and universal moral inclusion; violence as dehumanization and the core problematic of peace education; a human rights ethical framework; a transformational paradigm of peace; feminism and a gendered perspective on human security, peace, and justice, and peace learning and reflective inquiry.

Prof. Dr. Janet Gerson, USA,International Institute on Peace Education (IIPE)

Reardon’s Peace Pedagogy: Cycles of Engagement and
Reflection Toward Political Transformation

Abstract

Betty Reardon’s peace pedagogy will be explained as an integrating approach for educating for global citizenship, generating theory, and political engagement. Three general processes for cycles of engagement and reflection will be described: formulating the problematic; cultivating multiple, complementary dimensions of reflective inquiry; and generating concrete instruments and forms for further action projects. Examples will be provided from experiences with Reardon in peace education courses; UN/global civil society activism; and Reardon’s innovative pedagogical form, the International Institute on Peace Education (IIPE).