Alumni and Friends of the LSE
in the United States

About the Talk
The twenty-first century has seen millions unemployed. It has seen livelihoods undermined by environmental degradation. Middle-class cities in Europe, Asia, and Africa have become cauldrons of violence and resentment. Tribalism, ethnic nationalism, and religious fundamentalism have flared dangerously across globe from Russia to Spain. The use of force is unlikely to help. What works when counter-insurgency has run its course in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and beyond?

Brought together from distant points on the political spectrum, Kaldor, a renowned peace advocate, and Beebe, a career military officer, challenge head-on Condoleezza Rice's declaration that "it is not the job of the 82nd Airborne Division to escort kids to kindergarten," contending that, in fact, it should be. In their new book, The Ultimate Weapon is No Weapon, these authors explore human security and find common ground in a cutting-edge concept that redefines what security means, what security forces should do, and the policies and priorities needed to achieve peace.