Soldiers at Peace - by J Schafer (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This is the first scholarly study of soldiers and guerrillas demobilized after the civil war in Mozambique (1979-1992). The book examines former soldiers' - from both sides - return to civilian life, and how their identity as veterans plays out in the political sphere.

Review Quotes

"This book makes a very important contributionfor scholars and policy-makers concerned with the dynamics of warfare, post-conflict transitions, and governance throughout the developing world."

- Stephen Lubkemann, Assistant Professor of Anthropology and International Affairs, The George Washington University

"The notion of new wars, fought by drug-crazed young combatants driven by opportunist greed, has grabbed the attention of journalists, politicians and some academics. Africa, in particular, has been seen as the 'home' of such violence. Focusing on Mozambique, this book offers a much-needed antidote. It is a balanced, carefully-researched assessment of combatants in the Mozambique war, how and why they fought, and what they have contributed to the remaking of post-war society. This fine study conveys the important message that it is a fatal mistake to strip war of its social content. Its implications havewide significance and application."

- Paul Richards, author of Fighting for the Rain-Forest: War, Youth, and Resources in Sierra Leone

"Jessica Schafer explores the experience of soldiers after the long liberation struggle and civil war in Mozambique, and shows why this experience has been different. She is a brilliant fieldworker in a difficult context, and her interviews enable her to paint a vivid picture of the lives of ordinary soldiers both during the war and after. This is an excellent volume - theoretically informed, denselyresearched, sympathetically written, and full of comparative interest."

- William Beinart, Professor of Race Relations, and Chair, School of Interdisciplinary Area Studies, University of Oxford

About the Author

JESSICA SCHAFER is Post-Doctoral Fellow, Department of History, University of Victoria, British Columbia, USA.