Promotions - Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles 2018 -

This book by Cortright (Notre Dame), Seyle (One Earth Future Foundation), and Wall (George Mason) is about governance and peace; its core argument is that governance systems support peace when they have the capacity to ensure security and provide a wide array of public goods, and when they are organized in ways that are inclusive, participatory, and accountable. Governance is about power; it is about who has the political authority to make decisions and influence policy, and how resources and wealth are allocated within society. Good governance signals the ability of governing institutions to deliver the key public goods needed to maintain order and stability. Democracy is an essential element of good governance; its presence may not be a guarantee of peace, but its absence and attempts to suppress it are significant risk factors of war. Economic growth is dependent on policies that protect and support free markets, but markets flourish best in governance systems that promote equality of access, provide social safety nets, enhance human capital, respond effectively to market failures, and guard against exploitation and abuse. The book is extensively researched and is invaluable in understanding governance and causes of peace and conflict.Summing Up: Essential. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals.