Hamelink defines peace as conceived of moments of celebrating human togetherness, with deep fractures that polarize society standing in the way of collectively celebrating togetherness and posing a serious existential risk to humanity.

This book provides a robust conceptualization of peace. Hamelink defines peace as conceived of moments of celebrating human togetherness, with deep fractures that polarize society standing in the way of collectively celebrating togetherness and posing a serious existential risk to humanity. ‘Deep dialogue’ is the form of human cooperative communication that is needed to build communities that can overcome polarization. This is the most difficult form of human conversation as it is based upon trust, mutuality, patience and freedom, and requires safe, non-threatening spaces, but this book explains how to overcome the essential obstacles that prevent this dialogue. To curate a ‘deep dialogue’ we must turn to humanity’s unique resource: our ability to communicate pro-socially and cooperatively.

“For far too many media and communication scholars, the notion of "peace" is an unexamined, ghostly North Star. In this unique, scholarly and personal exploratory expedition Cees J. Hamelink dramatically remedies such a troubling and debilitating vacuum.” (Oliver Boyd-Barrett, Professor Emeritus, Bowling Green State University, USA)“We live in a world of increasingly perilous global crises. It is imperative that we better understand the roles and responsibilities of communication in, for and about peace. Cees J. Hamelink provides a refreshingly accessible, thoughtful and panoramic entree into this urgent field. He makes a persuasive case for deep dialogue and compassion-filled communication as fundamental to both the practice and pursuit of peace.” (Simon Cottle, Professor of Media and Communication, Cardiff University, UK)

Argues that celebrating human togetherness is central to the preservation of peace Curates a new conceptualization of peace Outlines the key roadblocks that prevent productive, collaborative communication