Overview

This book brings together the remembrances of Ambassador John W. McDonald, a veteran diplomat whose life serves as a model to those people of vision and action who wish to make a difference in a world that is desperate for the end of conflict. Beginning his career in international diplomacy in post-WWII Berlin and under the Marshall Plan, Ambassador McDonald's 40 years of working with the U.S. government and the United Nations—as well as with various academic institutions and NGOs—offer the reader both inspiration and hope for the future of international peace and cooperation. This international civil servant of extraordinary vision and courage has devoted his life to the successful resolution of conflict through communication. The Shifting Grounds of Conflict and Peacemaking contains the professional life lessons of Ambassador McDonald and offers his insight into international issues, providing frank and informed discussion on the environment, women's rights, the global water crisis, sustainable resources, international development, and, above all, peace. Those looking to be inspired into action should read this book to receive guidance about how one person can make all the difference toward building a lasting peace.

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9780739124253

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Reviews

This memoir by Ambassador John McDonald, so ably compiled with Noa Zanolli, is akin to a modern-day spirit of 'hope', the last often-forgotten element contained in Pandora 's Box. This sorely-needed book evidences that one person can make a difference, like a ripple that becomes a wave to wash away unresolved conflict from the shores of injustice. His life and example, with his partner and wife Christel, is exactly what the next generations requires, to feel hope in an otherwise seemingly helpless world that does not listen. He imbues enthusiasm in his patience, perseverance, practical perennial philosophy, as a principled peace-builder both personally and professionally. What message does a life's work such as his impart to us? What comes to my mind is that individually, institutionally, and internationally, we can all soar above the din, and each have a voice that is heard.--Ernest G. Tannis

This memoir by Ambassador John McDonald, so ably compiled with Noa Zanolli, is akin to a modern-day spirit of 'hope', the last often-forgotten element contained in Pandora s Box. This sorely-needed book evidences that one person can make a difference, like a ripple that becomes a wave to wash away unresolved conflict from the shores of injustice. His life and example, with his partner and wife Christel, is exactly what the next generations requires, to feel hope in an otherwise seemingly helpless world that does not listen. He imbues enthusiasm in his patience, perseverance, practical perennial philosophy, as a principled peace-builder both personally and professionally. What message does a life's work such as his impart to us? What comes to my mind is that individually, institutionally, and internationally, we can all soar above the din, and each have a voice that is heard.--Ernest G. Tannis

Author Information

Ambassador John W. McDonald is a lawyer, diplomat, former international civil servant, development expert, peacebuilder, and the co-founder and chairman of the Institute for Multi-Track Diplomacy. Noa Zanolli is an educator, cultural anthropologist, and mediator. She has held positions in the Swiss government, Agency for Development and Cooperation, as well as in the International Department of the Swiss Red Cross, and was the director of education and research at the Iowa Peace Institute

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