Journal for the Study of Peace and Conflict Editor's Introduction
	From outer space, we've gotten a glimpse of ourselves as a planet, one wet speck of dust whirling among the other spheres, and the reality of our fragile condition has been impressed upon us. However, this vision of our planetary precariousness has not yet begun to inform deeply the structures and policies of our world. There are many hopeful signs that such a transformation of structures and policies can occur. As this 1998-1999 issue of the Journal for the Study of Peace and Conflict goes to print, I would like to focus on one such signal that we may be learning something. Apart from the almost rabid attention focused on the leaders who sit at the top of hierarchical, organizational structures in governments and businesses; there is a growing recognition that authentic leadership must be defined as the coordination and affirmation of partners rather than the management and persuasion of subordinates. There is a growing body of literature that reimages the posture of authentic leadership as one of attentive listening and open dialogue rather than one of proclamation and defense. This issue of the Journal for the Study of Peace and Conflict challenges each of us to take that posture of deep listening and transformative dialogue, to recognize again the need to expand our vision but also our reach. It is not enough for eyes to see; hands and hearts must risk connection. The diversity of viewpoints and broad spectrum of topics in this issue will hopefully stretch us. The Wisconsin Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies is also a hopeful sign that important, transforming partnerships can flourish and grow stronger over time. The institutions of higher education that are contributing members of the Wisconsin Institute continue to put a priority on working together to explore effective solutions for a more humane global community. I would like to acknowledge the thoughtful work of those who served as referees for this edition. Their insightful reading of submissions and extensive critical analysis ensures the quality of the Journal and helps authors refine their research and writing. I would like to thank especially Deborah Buffton, the Associate Editor of the Journal, for her untiring attention to detail and unswerving dedication to quality. Finally, I am very grateful to Sharon Roberts, Executive Secretary of the Wisconsin Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, whose organization, kindness and persistence are the determining forces behind this annual project.
	Gary J. Boelhower Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Marian College, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin © Gary J. Boelhower
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