What is the relationship between leadership and peace? What kind of leadership styles, processes and strategies are required to gain a deeper understanding of local context while at the same time maintaining the trust and cooperation of host authorities and other stakeholders on the ground? As concerns mount about the continued relevance and efficiency of UN peace operations, Youssef Mahmoud - who led several challenging peace missions in Africa - draws on many years of experience to offer insights into how political leadership might be exercised to help restore and nurture peace.

Mahmoud makes the case for a paradigm shift in the type of leadership required to bring about strong, global diplomacy for peace. Making extensive use of the authors' unique personal experiences in Burundi, Central African Republic and Chad, the book offers an unparalleled insight into the leadership challenges of complex and often seemingly intractable conflict situations.

Dr. Youssef Mahmoud is Senior Adviser at the International Peace Institute (IPI) and a Visiting Professor at the African Leadership Centre at King's College London. Before retiring from the United Nations in January 2011, he was the Secretary-General's Special Representative and Head of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT). From 2007 to 2009 he served as Executive Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Burundi (BINUB).

Albert Mbiatem is an alumnus of the African Leadership Centre at King's College London, UK.