A review by alexdpar
The Frontlines of Peace: An Insider's Guide to Changing the World by Séverine Autesserre

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.75

Peace education has certainly followed that liberal model the author argues needs transforming. Ever since reading their second book and reconstructing my own notions for what it means to be a peace builder, I’ve had a hard time finding the right people and causes to support. But this book certainly points you in the right direction. I found myself once again attacking some preconceived notions I’ve learned through higher education. I’ve also found myself becoming more invested in localized and grassroots movements, which are lessons I have taken into my research and employment programs. Not all of my clients have been happy with my arguments of extended peace building time frames and calls for a more localized bottom-up approach. Which maybe that is a sign itself the typical international model still needs work. 

And while the authors other works certainly feel like case studies and more academic, I would argue that this book should be given to anyone in an introductory peace studies class as it helps them re-evaluate their priorities and motivations. It is certainly personal and full of emotional and persuasive material. Worth the read for anyone who wants to make a change anywhere.