"Perceiving Perceptions" is a scholarly book that addresses the conditions under which formerly hostile parties come together and strive for a peaceful resolution, rather than allowing violence to escalate further. The author, Dean G. Pruitt, a social psychologist, examines the role of perceptions and cognitive processes of the conflict parties in this context. The book presents the controversial Readiness Theory and tests its scientific value through the lens of the conflict in Chechnya and the North Caucasus. Through qualitative research and a variety of sources, it analyzes the dispositions and perceptions of the main actors and evaluates the predictions of the theory. The findings indicate that the Readiness Theory and its cognitive variables are insufficient as an explanatory model for conflict studies.