Engaging Adversaries

Peacemaking and Diplomacy in the Human Interest

By: Mel Gurtov

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eText | 26 January 2018 | Edition Number 1

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This groundbreaking book explores how adversaries in world politics can surmount their differences and disputes and start on the path to peaceful, mutually productive relations. Writing with authority and clarity, Mel Gurtov defines the strategy of deep engagement, examines how it progressed under President Obama with Cuba and Iran, and probes its potential for US–Russian and US–North Korean relations and other critical hotspots. At the core of the book are case studies that highlight the strategy and practice of engagement in both successful and failed efforts. Showing that domestic political obstacles turn out to be more formidable than strategic interests when national leaders seek to engage adversaries, Gurtov draws lessons for diplomacy in ways to engage, such as practicing mutual respect, paying attention to symbols, and using incentives rather than sanctions. At a time when use of force remains the main way governments pursue their interests, Engaging Adversaries is a timely appeal to diplomacy and a reminder that a multitude of ways exist for adversaries to find common ground.

Industry Reviews

While engagement has been a topic of study within conflict resolution and international
relations, Mel Gurtov offers a fresh and original approach. His critique of realism and power politics for focusing on worst-case outcomes is both commonsensical and vitally important. Engagement is what powerful countries should use as a primary mode for resolving conflicts. Thoughtful, well written, and timely, this is an outstanding piece of work.