The editors of Beyond Trauma: Cultural and Societal Dynamics have
created a volume that goes beyond the individual's psychological
dynamics of trauma, exploring its social, cultural, politica!, and
ethical dimensions from an international as well as a global
perspective. In the opening address as International Chair of the First
World Conference of the International Society for Traumatic Stress
Studies on Trauma and Tragedy: The Origins, Management, and Prevention
of Traumatic Stress in Today's World, June 22-26, 1992, Amsterdam, The
Netherlands, the conference that formed the foundation for the col-
lected chapters in this volume, 1 commented: This meeting is a landmark
in accomplishing the Society's universal mission. Our distinguished
International Scientific Advisory Committee and Honor- ary Committee,
whose membership was drawn from over 60 countries, the cooperation of
six United Nations bodies, and the participation anei endorse- ment of
numerous nongovernmental organizations and institutions attest to the
Society's emerging presence as a major international forum for profes-
sionals of ali disciplines working with victims and trauma survivors.