Resolving intractable conflicts, especially those involving non-state actors, has become an even more urgent task since the September 11th attacks and subsequent invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.

However, strategies which simply try to hit back at the ‘enemy’, the ‘terrorists’ or political opponents using arms are counterproductive. They increase, rather than decrease, both the level of violence and the yawning chasm between the two sides. The vast superiority in the military and economic power of states is unable to bring peace. New thinking and new approaches are needed.

This pamphlet argues that such strategies will never be successful unless they address the full range of factors that fuel cycles of violence and influence the use of terror over time – including the emotional and psychological effects of violence and humiliation, and the economic, social and cultural contexts that sustain violence.

The authors outline practical actions that have succeeded elsewhere and could be used with positive effect in Iraq, Israel–Palestine and more widely. They propose global measures to support peace processes and prevent and resolve conflict without the use of force. The aim is not just to seek immediate resolutions to armed conflict, but to address and prevent the conditions in which it can be triggered by acknowledging its roots in subjective experience and shared culture.

Hearts and Minds argues that approaches to terror, political violence and insurgency must take human security as their starting point. This is the only route to lasting peace.

Scilla Elworthy specialises in the effectiveness of conflict prevention and resolution methods, and advises political and military policy-makers. She is founder of the Oxford Research Group and Peace Direct.

Gabrielle Rifkind is a group analyst, psychotherapist and specialist in conflict resolution. She is founder of the Middle East Policy Initiative Forum, and human security consultant to the Oxford Research Group.

This project was funded by the Barrow Cadbury Trust.