PEACE: The Bemoaning Sound Of The World

Peace is a concept of societal friendship and harmony in the absence of hostility and violence. In a social sense, peace is commonly used to mean a lack of conflict (such as war) and freedom from fear of violence between individuals or groups. Throughout history, leaders have utilized peacemaking and diplomacy to establish a type of behavioral restraint that has resulted in the establishment of regional peace or economic growth through various forms of agreements or peace treaties. Such behavioral restraint has often resulted in reduced conflict, greater economic interactivity, and substantial prosperity.

"Psychological peace" (such as peaceful thinking and emotions) is perhaps less well defined, yet often a necessary precursor to establishing "behavioral peace." Friendly behavior sometimes results from a "peaceful inner disposition." Some have expressed the belief that peace can be initiated with a certain quality of inner tranquility that does not depend upon the uncertainties of daily life. The acquisition of such a "peaceful internal disposition" for oneself and others can contribute to resolving otherwise seemingly irreconcilable competing interests. Peace is not a state of excitement although we are happy when excited, peace is when one's mind is quiet and satisfied.

Discussion of peace is therefore at the same time a discussion on its form. Is it simply the absence of mass organized killing (war), or does peace require a particular morality and justice? (just peace). A feeling of peace must be seen at least in two forms:

1. A simple silence of arms, absence of war.
2. The absence of war is accompanied by particular requirements for the mutual settlement of relations, characterized by terms such as justice, mutual respect, respect for the law, and goodwill.

Promoting Peace In Homes And Communities

• Develop your understanding of the frames of mind that promote conflict and violence against another group

The perception that another group threatens our well-being

A sense of uncertainty about our safety and security

The belief that our own group is superior to another group.

• Develop your understanding of the strong emotions that underpin conflict and violence

Anger about a provoking event and fear of future events can support an aggressive orientation toward others

If anger and fear develop into hatred, others are likely to be perceived as evil; thereby, supporting harmful intentions toward them.

• Pay attention to the ways that language and channels of communication are used to support conflict and violence

The lives of others may be devalued by public rhetoric and media reports that reduce moral concern for them

Beware that public beliefs may be shaped to condone violence against another group and cast aggression in a morally positive frame.

• Recognize that social inequalities are unjust and fuel misery, conflict, and violence

Attune yourself to the social conditions that undermine individual and collective well-being such as poverty and discrimination

Advocate for equality in human rights, health care, opportunities, safety, and security.

• Dig beneath the surface level, negative stereotypes of another group to achieve a deeper understanding of their identity and concerns

Find ways for dialogue and collaborative interaction with people who have diverse backgrounds, different perspectives, and dissimilar values.

• Maintain a critical perspective toward the beliefs and actions of your own group

Be willing to question authority, express dissent, and offer constructive alternatives when your own group’s actions cause harm or compromise social justice and peaceful relations.

• Recognize and appreciate experiences of shared humanity across diverse groups

Extend your perspective and empathy by focusing on the common joys and sufferings of all humans.

• Join groups that have a peace or social justice mission in order to reap the benefits of mutual support and collective action

Donate time and money to such causes.

• Strive for humane understandings and harmonious relations in your own daily life

Learn about and use constructive ways to manage differences and resolve conflict

Practice forgiveness and acts of kindness.

• Find ways to nourish your hope, commitment, and energy for peace

Access information about successful peace initiatives

Find role models to inspire you and like-minded others for support.

Why It Is Necessary To Have Peace

Without peace, it will not be possible to achieve the levels of trust, cooperation, and inclusiveness needed for societies to be resilient to shocks, manage disputes, and adapt to changes in their environments.

The following are three major reasons why we need to build and promote peace anywhere we find ourselves in the world.

1. Because the effects of conflict are far-reaching

The majority of those risking their lives trying to reach Europe are from Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, and other areas beset by violent conflict, insecurity, or political repression. While we can and should respond generously to their immediate plight, a strategic peacebuilding response looks at what can be done at the source. It takes concerted efforts over the medium to long term to help people confront and tackle the root causes and drivers of conflicts and their legacies.

2. Because military answers alone to political problems don’t work

At the heart of many violent conflicts lie issues of inequality, injustice, and exclusion. While criminality can feed on and into a conflict, there are often genuine and unaddressed grievances at play, which are expressed in violence. Military power may be deployed to prevent or defend against an immediate threat, but it cannot resolve underlying political, social, and economic problems and sustain peace. In fact, it can sometimes complicate that task.

3. Because conflict shatters lives and stunts development

More than 1.5 billion people live in countries affected by violent conflict. 59.5 million are currently forcibly displaced worldwide, 19.5 million of them refugees, of which half are children. No low-income conflict-affected country has achieved a single one of the UN Millennium Development Goals which expires this autumn. Peacebuilding approaches, including mediation and diplomacy, dialogue, and participation, are an essential part of the toolkit we need to meet Goal 16 of the new UN Sustainable Development Goals, to ‘promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development’.

A beautiful quote from a renowned personality we can reflect uppon and practice for peace to reign till eternity.

“If you want to end the war, then instead of sending guns, send books. Instead of sending tanks, send pens. Instead of sending soldiers, send teachers.”—Malala Yousafzai, Pakistani activist and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate