Defining peace:
Peace may generally be positive or conducive (negative). The definition of peace may be
subjective as per the perceptions of the people. Conflict is the necessary entity for the movement of the society. Hence it is never antonym of peace.
Definition of peace:
- Peace is the absence or reduction of violence of all kinds. -Johan Galtung
- Peace is non violent and creative conflict transformation.
- Peace is the state of mind in tranquility and harmony and a state in which an individual can achieve his/her highest potential.
Concept of Peace Studies:
An interdisciplinary field that analyzes the causes of war, violence, and systematic oppression, and explores processes by which conflict can be managed so as to maximize justice while minimizing violence. - Daniel Thomas
Peace studies is an interdisciplinary field which involves research reflection and dialogue using the theories in various fields like political science, economics, psychology, International Relations, History, Anthropology, Theology, Sociology etc. in order to
- Understand the causes and impacts of wars and conflict.
- Develop ways and strategies to counter wars and conflicts for conflict transformation
- Make a society where social justice, rule of law and social wellbeing prevails.
Peace studies emphasizes on the notion of "positive peace" developed by Galtung. Therefore, Peace Studies frames peace as positive peace in which there is not just the mere absence of war and violence instead social justice and equality contributes in the harmony of the society and individuals can actually explore their actual potential without restrictions. Positive peace is the state of the society where all forms of direct and structural violence if not absent, are at a minimized level.
The main aim of peace studies is to replace existing conflict culture with peace culture through peace education, promotion of non-violence and reducing all forms of discrimination among the people. Peace studies not only focuses on the people but it also focuses on sustainability of the environment in order to make sure the existing generation and the upcoming generations are not hampered by the environmental hazards which Galtung also defines as a form of structural violence.
In order to address violence, war and peace two broad approaches have been developed within peace studies. One emphasizes on the individual level and focuses on the change of individual behavior in order to promote peace in the society. This is carried out through counseling, peace education, dialogue, mediation, conflict resolution approaches, meditation and other ways which can have a direct impact in the individual behavior in direction of peaceful behavior and relationships.
The second approach emphasizes on the structure and systems which are responsible in promoting and perpetuating conflict in the local and international society. The forms of violence embedded in the culture and structures of any society are held responsible for promotion of violence. Social inequality, discrimination, exploitations, environmental degradation embedded in social, political and economic culture or structure and their relationship to conflict and violence are studied and this approach tends to make efforts to change these structures and cultures to make them just and avoid conflict and violences in the society (Martin).
Phases in approaching peace:
There are three phases approaching to peace developed by Johan Galtung.
Phases in approaching peace:
There are three phases approaching to peace developed by Johan Galtung.
| Up to WWII | During WWII | During Cold War |
| Peace Movement | Peace Education | Peace culture |
| War abolition | Non-Violence | Basic human needs |
| Global Governance | Conflict Transformation | Peace structure |
References:
Martin, G.T. n.d. What are peace studies and peace education?. Peace Studies Minor, Radford University. Web.
Rummel, R.J. (1981). "What is Peace?". In Understanding Conflict and War, Vol. 5, Web.
