View source for Masks of Demons: A journey into the Discovering and Breaking of Stereotypes in a Society in Conflict

{{Book                                           
       |title=Masks of Demons: A journey into the Discovering and Breaking of Stereotypes in a Society in Conflict                     
       |book_image=Mask_of_Demons.jpg
       |author=[[Yiannis Laouris]]
       |editor=
       |publisher=[[Createspace Independent Pub]]
       |pages=262
       |isbn_13=978-1461083207
       |isbn_10=1461083206
       |lccn=                                   
       |bisac=                          
       |year=2011
       |link=[https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12286505-masks-of-demons Link to the book]
}}

==About this book==

This book is less a reporting of historical facts than it is an interweaving of Cypriot history with the author’s own personal story and polymath knowledge of conflict resolution and technology. It takes inspiration from tragic historical events that have happened in Cyprus over the past half-century. It is the story of the organic way in which connections, or coincidences, if you will, seem to conspire to bring the author toward a climax, which is to spread his message of peace among and between so-called “'lifelong”' enemies. Inherent in the writings is the unshaken hope and commitment to peace, especially when expressed by those who have experienced loss and pain at the hands of their enemies. Can 30 peace builders from opposite sides of the Green Line effect change for an entire country divided by war and fear? This poignant and searching tale spans the origins and history of a tiny island gem found at the cultural crossroads of the world, and tells of how the author, one of those 30, strives to demolish the walls of ignorance and open doors to peace and freedom. In the summer of 1974, everything changes for this native of Cyprus. Separated from his parents and family, who were forced to flee their homes and leave everything behind, Yiannis makes his way to his uncle’s farm. With his unique perspective, Yiannis recalls the days of fear and confusion that follow with humor, sensitivity, and a clarity that puts the reader in the shadowy arbor of the farm, where men and boys huddle around an old radio for news. From the mythic stories of the creation of Mount Pentadactylos, to his adoption of technology, philosophy and science in the quest for peace and unity, Masks of Demons is the story of a man who hopes to scale the walls standing between him and self-actualization just as he fights to blast the barriers that divide his beloved island.

==About the author==

[[Yiannis Laouris]] is a medical doctor, neurophysiologist, systems scientist, and peace entrepreneur based in Cyprus. He studied medicine at Leipzig University during the Cold War, completed a Ph.D. in neurophysiology at the Karl-Ludwig Institute (Leipzig), and earned an MS in systems and industrial engineering at the University of Arizona. Trained in Germany and the US, Laouris became known in the late 1990s for his innovative tech4peace.org project, which helped bridge communication divides in conflict settings. He chairs Future Worlds Center, serves as CEO and Lead Scientist, and holds leadership roles in several innovation and peace-focused organizations, including the Institute for 21st Century Agoras and the International Society for the Systems Sciences. A long-standing member of the Conflict Resolution Trainers Group, he has trained thousands in structured dialogue and conflict resolution and remains active in the bi-communal peace movement advocating for the reunification of Cyprus.

Laouris has significantly advanced the science of Structured Dialogic Design and is credited with discovering the Law of Requisite Action. His team works closely with Aleco Christakis, a pioneer in the field, applying these methods to peacebuilding efforts in Cyprus, the Middle East, and pan-European networks. In the early 1990s, he co-launched a groundbreaking initiative introducing IT to young children, reaching nearly 15% of Cyprus’s population and expanding to seven countries. His contributions have been widely recognized, including the 1998 Industrialists and Employers Federation First Award for Creativity and Innovation and the 2008 Award of the Hellenic Society for Systemic Studies.

In addition to his peace and innovation work, Laouris has a strong academic record, having published over 50 peer-reviewed papers, contributed chapters to about 20 books, and presented more than 130 conference papers. Early in his career, working with leading cyberneticians and systems physiologists, he applied digital signal processing to study neural transmission properties and muscle function, making important contributions to neuroscience.

Selected publications of Yiannis Laouris are available at:
*https://www.futureworlds.eu/wiki/Vitae/Yiannis_Laouris/Publications


[[Category: Books]]
[[Category:Books by Yiannis Laouris]]