Book Review:
We, The People in Search of Global Peace, Security and Conflict Resolution
by Mahboob A. Khawaja. KDP-Amazon Publishing
By Habib Siddiqui
Dr. Mahboob A. Khawaja, a scholar specializing in international affairs, global security, and conflict resolution, brings a lifetime of academic and cross-cultural experience to his latest work. Formerly Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Professor of Political Science at KIMEP University in Kazakhstan, Khawaja is also a prolific author with a deep interest in Islamic-Western comparative civilizations. In We, the People in Search of Global Peace, Security and Conflict Resolution, he presents a sweeping, impassioned critique of the current global order and a visionary call for a new paradigm rooted in peace, justice, and human unity.
Drawing from his extensive academic background and global experience, Khawaja offers a deeply philosophical and morally charged analysis of the crises facing humanity in the 21st century.At the heart of the book is a powerful indictment of the failures of modern political leadership—particularly in Western democracies—and the institutions that claim to uphold peace and security. Khawaja argues that the world is governed by “abnormal politicians” who perpetuate wars, ignore humanitarian suffering, and manipulate global narratives to serve imperialist agendas. He is especially critical of the United Nations and other global institutions, which he sees as having abdicated their responsibilities in the face of genocide, environmental collapse, and systemic injustice.
Khawaja’s writing is both poetic and polemical. He does not shy away from naming the moral bankruptcy of global elites, nor from exposing the complicity of silence in the face of atrocities in Gaza, Ukraine, and elsewhere. His critique is not limited to political actors; he also challenges intellectuals, media, and civil society to awaken from complacency and reclaim their moral agency.
What distinguishes this book is its visionary scope. Khawaja does not merely critique; he proposes a radical rethinking of global governance. He calls for the dismantling of obsolete nation-state systems and the emergence of “cities of peace”—decentralized, human-centered communities that prioritize dialogue, justice, and sustainability. He envisions a world where “One Humanity” transcends borders, ideologies, and ethnic divisions, and where global citizenship is rooted in shared moral and spiritual values.
The book is rich with historical reflection, drawing lessons from the devastation of the World Wars and the persistent failures of post-war institutions. Khawaja warns that humanity stands at a crossroads: either we succumb to authoritarian techno-fascism, or we embrace rationality, free speech, decentralized governance, and the rule of law. This binary framing, while stark, is meant to jolt readers into recognizing the urgency of the moment.
Khawaja’s prose is often lyrical, infused with a sense of spiritual longing and ethical clarity. He writes not just as a scholar, but as a global citizen deeply concerned with the fate of humanity. His call for a “rebuilding of human communication, institutions, and accountability” is both a critique of the present and a blueprint for the future.
However, the book is not without its limitations. Its idealism, while inspiring, sometimes lacks the pragmatic detail necessary for implementation. Concepts like “cities of peace” and “One Global Humanity” are compelling but underdeveloped in terms of how they would function in a world still dominated by entrenched power structures, economic inequality, and geopolitical rivalries.
Moreover, Khawaja’s critique of the West, though often justified, can at times feel overly generalized. The diversity of thought, activism, and resistance within Western societies is not always acknowledged, and the complexity of global conflicts is occasionally reduced to a binary of oppressors and victims. A more nuanced engagement with opposing perspectives would strengthen the book’s analytical depth.
Despite these critiques, the book’s core contribution lies in its moral vision. In an age of cynicism and fragmentation, Khawaja dares to imagine a world governed by empathy, justice, and reason. His insistence that “peace and conflict resolution are attainable” is not naïve optimism but a call to action grounded in historical awareness and ethical responsibility.
In conclusion, We, the People in Search of Global Peace,Security and Conflict Resolutionﾠis a bold, urgent, and deeply humanistic work. It challenges readers to rethink the foundations of global politics and to participate in the creation of a more just and peaceful world. While it may not offer all the answers, it asks the right questions—and in doing so, it contributes meaningfully to the global discourse on peace, justice, and the future of humanity.
About the author: Dr. Habib Siddiqui is a peace and human rights advocate with over four decades of experience defending the rights of displaced and persecuted communities. He has authored more than 20 books and over 1,000 essays on international politics, Muslim history, culture and civilization, and global security.
