Processes of the Lesser Peace

Is lasting peace possible? What are the processes by which it can be established? How do issues like human rights and the environment affect the prospects for peace?

These are among the questions addressed in a new book from George Ronald publishers, "Processes of the Lesser Peace."

Published in February 2003, the book contains eight essays by noted Baha'i authors, scholars and specialists on issues relating to the establishment of the "lesser peace," a state of political unity among nations foretold in the Baha'i sacred writings.

Edited by Babak Bahador and Nazila Ghanea, the essays include: " Baha'i Proposals for the Reformation of World Order," by Jeffrey Huffines; "The Environment and the Lesser Peace," by Arthur Lyon Dahl; "The Spiritual Destiny of America and the Achievement of World Peace," by John Huddleston; and "Everything That Rises Must Converge: Global Governance and the Emergence of the Lesser Peace," by Charles Lerche.

"We hope that this book will give to the reader an informed viewpoint of the Baha'i teachings on peace and in a contemporary context," said Mr. Huffines, who is the United Nations representative of the Baha'i community of the United States.

By covering so many aspects of peace, from human rights to global governance to the environment, the book illustrates that peace is not an event but a process, said Mr. Huffines.

"Peace is much more than a diplomatic agreement between governments," he said. "It involves a complete transformation of society, as well as the individuals who compose the society. And what the Baha'i teachings can contribute to this process is a vision in which we are all active participants in this transformation."