G8, the United Nations, and Conflict Prevention

Radoslava N. Stefanova, John J. Kirton

'In this important new book, the editors and contributors highlight the G8's role as a platform for major states that hold important positions in other multilateral organisations, such as the European Union and the United Nations...Written by a diverse and exciting group of authors, the book marks a considerable contribution to the scholarly debate on a matter of vital public policy.' Ramesh Thakur, Vice Rector, United Nations University, Tokyo '...the horrific attacks of September 11th have boosted the debate on appropriate securities strategies at the beginning of the 21st century of which conflict prevention is a significant element. The editors of this book have managed to assemble an astute team of leading experts drawn from various fields. I commend them for their comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the strengths and limitations of the G8 process in the area of conflict prevention, of the role which other international institutions as well as nations play, and of the roots and socioeconomic dimensions of conflict prevention...the book is a must for anybody interested in the issue of conflict prevention and the work of the G8.' Dr Friedbert Pflüger, Member of the German Parliament, Foreign Policy Spokesman of the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group 'Conflict prevention is arguably one of the most important tasks in a more and more interdependent world...Among other actors...the G8, by addressing the range of policy contributions and using the comparative advantages available to it, does work to strengthen the ability of the international community in conflict prevention...[This] volume reproduces the most important documents issued by the G8 with respect to conflict prevention. It presents a most impressive array of detailed factual research, broad generalisations, and valuable practical suggestions.' Dr Ludger Volmer, MP, Spokesperson of the Parliamentary Group of Bündnis 90/Die Grünen in the German Bundestag and Member of the Foreign Policy Committee '...con

• Contents: Introduction: the G8's role in global conflict prevention, John J. Kirton and Radoslava N. Stefanova. Part I: The Place, Role and Potential of the G8 in Conflict Prevention: Concentrating the mind: decision making in the G7/8 system, Nicholas Bayne; The intricacies of summit preparation and consensus building, Robert Fowler; The G8 and conflict prevention; from promise to practice?, David M. Malone; The G8 and conflict prevention: commitment, compliance and systemic contributions, John J. Kirton, Ella Kokotsis and Gina Stephens, with Diana Juricevic. Part II: Conflict Prevention: The Political-Institutional Framework: Conflict prevention: performances, prospects and potential, Roberto Toscano; US approaches to international conflict prevention and the role of allies and international institutions, Frank E. Loy; Advancing the European Union's conflict prevention policy, Reinhardt Rummel. Part III: The Socioeconomic Dimension: The G8's role in promoting financial stability, Lorenzo Bini Smaghi; Foreign aid: an effective medicine, an addictive drug, or a social placebo?, Mario Sarcinelli; Socioeconomic vulnerability analysis and the culture of prevention in the globalization era, Umberto Triulzi and Pierluigi Montalbano. Part IV: Conclusion: From good intentions to good practice: the G8 and the future of conflict prevention, Gina Stephens and Kristiana Powell. Analytical Appendices: Performance assessment, overall and by issue, 1996-2002, G8 Research Group; Performance assessment, by country, 1996-2002, G8 Research Group; Commitments and significance by issue, 1994, 2000, 2001, G8 Research Group. Documentary Appendices: Conclusions of the G8 foreign ministers' meeting, Rome, 18-19 July 2001; Statement on Middle East: conclusions of the G8 foreign ministers' meeting, Rome, 19 July 2001; Statement by the G8 leaders (death in Genoa), Genoa, 21 July 2001; G8 communiqué, Genoa, 22 July 2001; G8 foreign ministers' statement on Afghanistan, 26 November 2001; G8 foreign ministers' statement on India and Pakistan, 28 December 2001; G8 foreign ministers' statement on India and Pakistan, 31 May 2002; G8 foreign ministers' statement on Afghanistan, Whistler, 12 June 2002; G8 foreign ministers' progress report on the fight against terrorism, Whistler, 12 June 2002; Canadian chair's statement, G8 foreign ministers' meeting, Whistler, 13 June 2002; G8 initiative on conflict and development, G8 foreign ministers' meeting, Whistler, 13 June 2002; G8 conflict prevention: disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, G8 foreign ministers' meeting, Whistler, 13 June 2002; G8 recommendations on counter-terrorism, G8 foreign ministers' meeting, Whistler, 13 June 2002; Co-operative G8 action on transport security, Kananaskis, 26 June 2002; The Kananaskis summit chair's summary, Kananaskis, 27 June 2002; The G8 global partnership against the spread of weapons and materials of mass destruction, Kananaskis, 27 June 2002; Statement by G8 foreign ministers in connection with terrorist hostage taking in Moscow, 25 October 2002; Bibliography; Index.