In an era marked by mounting global tensions, diplomacy has become increasingly vital. Although developed nations have mechanisms such as translators, language experts and cultural advisors to manage foreign relations, complexities remain, particularly around language, culture and politics. The advent of the internet and AI has eased communication to some extent, but serious gaps persist. Abdul Fattah Ammourah’s Translation and the Politics of Peace addresses these challenges with insight and nuance. Drawing from his diplomatic career, he offers a perspective that is both informed and urgent.
The book explores the interconnections between language, media and politics, showing how meaning often shifts during translation due to cultural and ideological differences. The focus on Arabic and English, two official languages of the United Nations, makes the analysis especially relevant given their distinct worldviews.