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.

This fictitious conversation between George W. Bush and Osama bin Laden, framed in a dream and well structured as if professionally facilitated, advances a possibility, a vision: it demonstrates how two arch-enemies can end up cooperating. Its aim is to provoke and to trigger something in the minds of people who grapple with the question: What could we do other than to resort to oppression, force, war, terror, and violence because of ideological differences and opinions about how we might produce more justice in the world?

The dialogue revolves around one of the most pressing and serious issues of our times. Yet, the material is presented as a satire. This dialogue is truly the stuff that dreams are made of. But dreams and hopes continue to inspire, and perhaps some day they will not seem so crazy after all.

The author is versed in conflict management, mediation and nonviolent communication. The text can well be used as a teaching tool. It will also contribute to many good conversations.