“Peace” is an abused, tired catchphrase, continuously invoked and debased, a concept that is often trivialised or used to provide comfort. We have forgotten its true meaning. Why, when we attempt to define peace, do we mostly speak of the absence or cessation of war? Yet, achieving peace remains a powerful existential need, an ideal and an all-encompassing goal for many… and a tangible accomplishment for few. Peace – not to be confused with pacifism – is a genuine intellectual and behavioural challenge, a manifold notion, and a foundation for spiritual and secular undertakings. Above all, its changing architecture never ceases to engage theorists and practitioners in the international arena. Today, in the third millennium, we are disoriented and surrounded by many traditional and non-traditional wars. So, it may still be worthwhile to embrace the idea that peace needs to be achieved. This book traces the idea of peace, highlighting the contribution of women, its past and present status, as well as missed opportunities, visions and lessons drawn from experience.

Arianna Arisi Rota teaches History of 19th-Century Mediterranean Revolutions and History of Diplomacy at the University of Pavia.

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