How do different cultures deal with international law and how does International Law influence the rules and regulations of these cultures? Is International Law an effective tool in protecting cultural heritage, especially in wartime? Does it protect the heritage of cultures in a balanced way? And first of all: what is culture, what is International Law? These important questions were dealt with at the Fourth Conference From Peace to Justice of the Hague Academic Coalition (HAC), which was held in April 2007 in The Hague, The Netherlands. Valuable views, from different angles and perceptions, were presented and discussed. This book is the fruitful result of this Conference, presenting valuable insights, opinions and conclusions of the participants in the subject matter. It will trigger an international debate and search for clarity on these issues. Anyone interested or in any way involved in the harmonization of culture and international law is invited to join the debate, thus contributing to the realization of another important step on the road from peace to security. Paul Meerts is an advisor to the Director of the Netherlands Institute of International Relations 'Clingendael' in The Hague and Professor in Diplomatic Negotiation.

Genocide results from the culmination of conflicts over identity. A group of people that feels threatened by extinction resorts to genocide as a pathologically defensive reaction. This poses a security dilemma that can only be broken by quelling the feelings of threat and fear that prompt mass violence. In order to prevent genocide, it is essential to understand the internal dynamics of identity conflict. It is also important to intervene at the early stages of identity conflict; the parties involved require external help to ease tensions.
In this volume, noted thinkers and practitioners of conflict management, who hail from ten different countries, present ideas on how to prevent identity issues from causing fear and escalating into genocide. They focus on measures for handling the internal dynamics of parties facing identity conflicts, as well as considerations for arranging external assistance. Contributors address the problem of outbidders, actors whose non-conciliatory attitudes put them in positions of leadership in their identity groups. Since political extremism and violence can signal resolve and commitment to a group cause, moderates give way to hardliners. Spoilers, who believe that peace undermines their interests and power, also play a key role in the dynamics of conflicts. Careful attention is necessary to select appropriate third parties who can pull conflicting parties off the course of conflict. The authors discuss the concepts and practices involved in changing structures and attitudes to ease tensions, as well as the measures interveners must take to work in the midst of conflicting groups.

The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), negotiated between 1994 and 1996, is the latest development in the nuclear arms control regime. It continues to serve a vital role in preserving the privileged status of the nuclear weapons states and barring the way to proliferation. Banning the Bang or the Bomb? brings together a team of leading international experts who together analyse its negotiation as a model of regime creation, examining collective dynamics, the behaviour of individual countries, and the nature of specific issues. The book offers practical guidance and training for members of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization future inspectorate to help negotiate their way during an on-site inspection (OSI) in an inspected state. This is a valuable resource for researchers and professionals alike that turns an analysis of what has happened into a manual for what is about to happen.