By providing an introduction to the field of Peace Studies, this collection of articles from authors of all political persuasions and from many countries, gives the reader an insight into the issues involved in the understanding of peace and conflict in the modern interdependent global system. The topics covered in the book include: what is peace theory and why is it important?; the contribution of feminism to the understanding of peace; the contribution of psychology to the understanding of peace; analyses of different forms of international conflict; various aspects of nuclear technology and related decision-making; political and economic aspects of development in the Third World; and the alternative of nonviolence. The thought-provoking ideas presented here form the basis for discussion in Peace Studies courses as well as providing the general reader with the range of expert knowledge and learned opinion they need in order to be active and informed citizens.