Peacemaking

These reflections trace how over some thirty-five years as a criminologist, the author's thinking has evolved, principally to replace notions of 'crime' and 'criminal justice' with the notions of 'violence' and 'peacemaking'. Pepinsky traces the evolution of the criminal justice system in the United States since 1973. He discusses how he came to embrace the radical feminist view that patriarchy and the 'politics of fear' can provide explanations for the rise in incarcerations in the US, as well as for other forms of systemic power in society. The author's own current research paradigm rests on the concepts of 'violence' and 'peacemaking', which are explored and defined in turn. The book concludes with practical suggestions on how to transform violence, as defined herein, into safety, security, and trust among those involved in conflict.