The ultimate goal of our peacebuilding is an ambitious one, we know, but we set the goals high in order to reach the maximum possible:

• Health and holistic peace for all sentient beings on planet earth with health defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (WHO, 1948) and holistic peace defined as not merely the absence of war, but also the presence of social justice, respect for human rights, and the well-being of individuals (Lederach, 1997).

As discussed in the consulting section of Psychologie Senn, I believe that a deep understanding of the topic, goals, and challenges is crucial for success in peacebuilding. To effectively contribute to this field, it is important to first explore the nature of peace, violence, and war by reviewing some key scholarly definitions.

Definitions

Peace

Peace is a complex, multifaceted concept involving both the absence of violence and the presence of conditions that foster justice, harmony, and social well-being. Scholarly definitions help to broaden the understanding of peace:

Negative peace is the absence of violence, war, or conflict between or within states or groups. Galtung defines "negative peace" as the absence of direct violence, such as war or physical harm. This concept focuses primarily on stopping active conflict, without in this phase addressing the deeper, structural causes of conflict (Galtung, J., 1969).

Positive Peace is more comprehensive concept that includes the establishment of social justice, harmony, equity, and well-functioning institutions that prevent future violence. Galtung also introduced the idea of "positive peace," which goes beyond the absence of war and conflict to include the conditions necessary for a just and equitable society. This involves addressing the root causes of violence, such as poverty, inequality, and oppression (Galtung, J., 1996).

Holistic Peace is not merely the absence of war but also the presence of social justice, respect for human rights, and the well-being of individuals. John Paul Lederach emphasizes that peace is both a process and a goal, involving relationship-building and reconciliation. It requires addressing both immediate issues of conflict and long-term societal needs (Lederach, 1997).

Stable Peace is a situation where war is not only absent but is unthinkable, due to the establishment of cooperative, trust-based relationships between societies (Boulding, K.E., 1978).

Violence

Violence can take multiple forms, including physical, psychological, emotional, and structural. It is not limited to physical harm but includes any actions or systems that cause suffering or limit a person’s ability to live freely and with dignity. Scholarly definitions help to broaden the understanding of violence, emphasizing not only physical violence but also the systemic and social structures that perpetuate harm.

The WHO (2002) defines violence as "the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation.»

Galtung (1969) expanded the understanding of violence by introducing the concept of structural violence, which refers to social structures or institutions that harm individuals by preventing them from meeting their basic needs. This form of violence is less visible but is embedded in social, political, and economic systems.

Psychologist Albert Bandura (1973) described violence as behavior that is intended to harm others physically or psychologically. His theory of social learning suggests that violence is learned through observation and imitation of others, particularly in contexts where it is rewarded or goes unpunished.

Lonnie Athens (1997) in his study of violent behavior, conceptualizes violence as an interactional process rather than a static act. He focuses on how violent individuals develop over time through social interactions.

Conflict

Conflict is understood as a complex, multi-faceted concept involving perceived incompatibility of goals, interests, needs or values between individuals, groups, or nations. this perception can lead to opposition or antagonistic interactions. It can manifest in various forms, from personal disagreements to large-scale political or international disputes. The causes and dynamics of conflict are subject to extensive analysis in fields such as sociology, psychology, and political science.

Rahim (2002) emphasizes that conflict arises from perceived incompatibilities, whether they be goals, values, or interests.

Deutsch (1973) focuses in his defnition of conflict on the actions that one party takes that interfere with the goals or activities of another, highlighting the competitive aspect of conflict.

Pruitt and Rubin (1986) emphasize the perceptual aspect of conflict, where each party believes that their interests or goals are incompatible with the other party’s interests.

Coser (1956) highlights in his definition of conflict a sociological perspective; the competitive struggle for resources or power, often leading to aggressive behavior or antagonism.

Fisher (2000) focuses on psychological aspects of perceived incompatibility that is central to this definition, where it is not only actual conflicts of interest but the perception of such conflict that matters.

War

The nature of war is complex, involving a mix of political, social, and legal elements.

Carl von Clausewitz (1832) one of the most influential military theorists, defined war in his book vom Kriege (On War) « Der Krieg ist eine bloße Fortsetzung der Politik mit anderen Mitteln" ("an act of violence intended to compel our opponent to fulfill our will." He emphasized that war is a continuation of politics by other means, framing war as a rational instrument of national policy.

Quincy Wright (1942) defined war from a sociological standpoint as "a conflict among political groups, especially sovereign states, carried on by armed forces of considerable magnitude, for a considerable period of time, and usually of considerable magnitude." Wright emphasizes the political and social organization of war as a phenomenon that involves entire societies and organized state actions.

From a realist perspective, Kenneth Waltz (1959), in "Man, the State, and War", sees war as a natural result of the anarchic structure of the international system. Without a global authority to enforce peace, states act in self-interest to protect themselves, sometimes leading to war.

Johan Galtung (1969) expands on the notion of war by distinguishing between direct violence (e.g., military conflict) and structural violence (social and political structures that prevent people from reaching their full potential). He sees war as both a manifestation of direct violence and a result of underlying structural issues.

The United Nations Charter (1945) defines war in legal terms as the use of armed force between states or groups within states. The UN seeks to regulate war through international law, classifying conflicts into categories such as international armed conflicts and non-international armed conflicts.

Literature references

Athens, L. (1997). The Creation of Dangerous Violent Criminals. University of Illinois Press.

Bandura, A. (1973). Aggression: A Social Learning Analysis. Prentice-Hall.

Boulding, K. E. (1978). Stable Peace. University of Texas Press.

Clausewitz, C. (1832). On War (Vom Kriege).

Coser, L. A. (1956). The Functions of Social Conflict. Free Press.

Deutsch, M. (1973). The Resolution of Conflict: Constructive and Destructive Processes. Yale University Press.

Fisher, R. J. (2000). Intergroup Conflict. In D. Bar-Tal & R. S. Cohen (Eds.), Stereotypes and Prejudice in Conflict (pp. 65-88). Springer.

Galtung, J. (1969). "Violence, Peace, and Peace Research." Journal of Peace Research, 6(3), 167-191.
Galtung, J. (1996). Peace by Peaceful Means: Peace and Conflict, Development and Civilization. International Peace Research Institute, Oslo.
Lederach, J. P. (1997). Building Peace: Sustainable Reconciliation in Divided Societies. United States Institute of Peace Press.

Pruitt, D. G., & Rubin, J. Z. (1986). Social Conflict: Escalation, Stalemate, and Settlement. Random House.

Rahim, M. A. (2002). Toward a Theory of Managing Organizational Conflict. International Journal of Conflict Management, 13(3), 206-235.

United Nations (1945). Charter of the United Nations.

Waltz, K. (1959). Man, the State, and War. Columbia University Press.

World Health Organization. (1948). Constitution of the World Health Organization. Geneva: World Health Organization.

World Health Organization (2002). World Report on Violence and Health. Geneva: World Health Organization.

Wright, Q. (1942). A Study of War. University of Chicago Press.

Goal of peacebuilding

To create a world where holistic peace prevails and health for all sentient beings is achieved, a coordinated effort across political, economic, social, and cultural domains is required. Here's how these forces could be directed:

Political Forces

• Global Governance for Peace: Governments must collaborate through international organizations like the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), and regional bodies to prioritize global peace and health. Once our goal of peacebuilding is reached, robust conflict prevention measures, such as early warning systems for conflicts. should be installed to prevent the resurgence of conflict.

  • Global Cooperation: Policy frameworks like the Paris Agreement for climate change can be a model for political collaboration on health and peace. Governments must direct resources towards sustainable development, ensure the provision of universal healthcare, and address structural violence.

  • Political Representation: Policies should be designed to ensure adequate representation of all groups including marginalized and vulnerable populations in decision-making processes. This strengthens political inclusivity, fostering peace by addressing inequalities that fuel conflict.

Economic Forces

• Equitable Economic Systems: Economic systems must shift from focusing on GDP growth to models that prioritize human well-being and sustainable development. Frameworks such as the Doughnut Economics model propose an economy that respects both human well-being and planetary boundaries (Raworth, 2017).

  • Resource Redistribution: Global wealth redistribution mechanisms, such as progressive taxation and universal basic income (UBI), can address income inequality. This promotes social stability and addresses economic inequality, which is a significant driver of conflict.

  • Investment in Health and Peace: Governments and businesses should focus on investing in public health infrastructure and education systems to foster long-term peace and prosperity. Investment in mental health services is crucial, as it directly relates to holistic well-being (Sachs, 2001).

Social Forces

• Education and Awareness: Education systems should be redesigned to focus on peace education, conflict resolution, and global citizenship. Incorporating these subjects into curriculums can foster a culture of peace from a young age (Freire, 1970).

  • Community Health Initiatives: Local social structures must be empowered to promote holistic health—physically, mentally, and socially. Grassroots movements and civil society organizations should focus on initiatives such as mental health support, and preventive healthcare.

  • Social Justice: Eliminating social inequalities through systemic reforms addressing racism, gender inequality, and discrimination will reduce the social tensions that lead to conflict (Sen, 2009).

Cultural Forces

• Cultural Exchange and Integration: Encouraging cultural understanding through arts, media, and education can foster empathy and cooperation. Promoting cultural pluralism and reducing cultural exclusion leads to a more peaceful and harmonious society (Nussbaum, 2011).

  • Peacebuilding through Arts: Initiatives that focus on peacebuilding through music, literature, and art can play an influential role in bridging divides between cultures. These cultural expressions create shared narratives that transcend political and economic differences.

  • Holistic Health Cultural Practices: Many cultures have practices that emphasize holistic health, such as meditation, yoga, and traditional healing methods. Integrating these practices into modern healthcare can foster mental and social well-being (Lederach, 1997).

Conclusion

To achieve a state of holistic peace and health for all sentient beings, political, economic, social, and cultural forces must be aligned with values of justice, equity, and sustainability. a cross sectional cooperation is needed and forces must work in synergy. By focusing on systemic change, we can address the root causes of conflict, promote well-being, and achieve the vision outlined by the WHO's definition of health.

Literature:

Freire, P. (1970). Pedagogy of the Oppressed.

Lederach, J. P. (1997). Building Peace: Sustainable Reconciliation in Divided Societies.

Nussbaum, M. C. (2011). Creating Capabilities: The Human Development Approach.

Raworth, K. (2017). Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st Century Economist.

Sachs, J. (2001). The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time.

Sachs, J. D. (2015). The Age of Sustainable Development.

Sen, A. (2009). The Idea of Justice.

United Nations. (2015). Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. United Nations General Assembly.

United Nations. (1945). Charter of the United Nations and Statute of the International Court of Justice. United Nations.

World Health Organization. (2019). Universal Health Coverage: Moving Together to Build a Healthier World. WHO.

Roadmap to peace

Peacebuilding is the process of addressing the underlying causes of conflict, rebuilding relationships, and developing the social, political, and economic infrastructure needed to prevent the recurrence of violence. It involves long-term efforts aimed at sustainable peace, reconciliation, and institutional reform (Galtung, J. 1976; Lederach, J.P., 1997; Boutros-Ghali, B. 1992).

Transforming war into peace involves a combination of diplomatic, social, psychological, economic, and legal methods. Here are key methods used to transition from conflict to sustainable peace:

1. Diplomatic Negotiations and Mediation

• Peace Treaties: Formal agreements between warring parties that outline the terms for ending the conflict (e.g., Dayton Agreement).

• Mediation: Neutral third parties facilitate dialogue between conflicting parties to resolve disputes (e.g., United Nations or International Mediation).

• Track II Diplomacy: Informal dialogue between non-state actors such as civil society groups and influential individuals to open communication when official channels are stalled (Bercovitch & Houston, 2009; Lederach, 1997).

2. Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR)

• Disarmament: The removal of weapons from combatants.

• Demobilization: The disbanding of military units or armed groups.

• Reintegration: Supporting former combatants in their return to civilian life through education, employment, and rehabilitation.

• This is critical in ensuring that former soldiers or militants do not return to violence after conflict (United Nations, 2010).

3. Transitional Justice and Reconciliation

• Truth and Reconciliation Commissions: Investigative bodies that aim to uncover the truth about past atrocities and foster healing, such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa post-apartheid.

• War Crimes Tribunals: Prosecutions of war criminals, such as the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

• Restorative Justice: Involves bringing together victims and perpetrators to acknowledge harm and work towards societal healing (Teitl, 2000; Hayner, 2001).

4. Peacebuilding and Economic Development

• Post-Conflict Reconstruction: Rebuilding war-torn societies by restoring infrastructure, economic systems, and social services. Economic opportunities, especially for young people, reduce the incentives for returning to conflict.

• Development Aid and Peacebuilding: International organizations and NGOs often provide funding for development programs to promote education, healthcare, and employment.

• Peace Education: Programs that teach the value of peace, tolerance, and conflict resolution to prevent future conflict (Galtung, 1996; World bank, 1998).

5. Humanitarian Aid and Support

• Humanitarian Relief: Immediate provision of aid, food, and medical support to war-torn populations, which helps stabilize regions in the aftermath of war.

• Refugee and Displacement Solutions: Ensuring safe return or resettlement for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) is crucial for long-term peace (UNHCR, 2012).

6. Cultural and Social Healing

• Peacebuilding Through Art and Culture: Art, music, and storytelling can play a crucial role in healing after conflict by fostering empathy, creating shared narratives, and promoting reconciliation.

• Dialogue Programs: Creating spaces for people from opposing sides to engage in dialogue, express grievances, and find common ground (e.g., Seeds of Peace initiative) (Lederach, 2005).

7. Security Sector Reform (SSR)

• Reforming the military, police, and judicial systems to ensure they serve the interests of peace and human rights rather than perpetuating conflict.

• SSR ensures that security forces act impartially and are held accountable, thereby preventing a return to authoritarianism or violence (Schnabel & Ehrhardt, 2005).

These methods, when applied collectively, contribute to transforming war into sustainable peace by addressing the root causes of conflict and creating systems that promote stability, justice, and reconciliation.

Sources

Bercovitch, Jacob, and Houston, Allison. "The Study of International Mediation: Theoretical Issues and Empirical Evidence." In Handbook of International Conflict Management, 2009.

Boutros-Ghali, Boutros. An Agenda for Peace: Preventive Diplomacy, Peacemaking, and Peace-keeping. United Nations, 1992.

Galtung, Johan. "Three Approaches to Peace: Peacekeeping, Peacemaking, and Peacebuilding." In Peace, War, and Defense: Essays in Peace Research, vol. 2, 1976, Christian Ejlers.

Galtung, Johan. Peace by Peaceful Means: Peace and Conflict, Development and Civilization, 1996.

Hayner, Priscilla. Unspeakable Truths: Transitional Justice and the Challenge of Truth Commissions, 2001.

Lederach, John Paul. Building Peace: Sustainable Reconciliation in Divided Societies. United States Institute of Peace Press, 1997.

Lederach, John Paul. The Moral Imagination: The Art and Soul of Building Peace, 2005.

Schnabel, Albrecht, and Hans-Georg Ehrhart. Security Sector Reform and Post-Conflict Peacebuilding, 2005.

Teitel, Ruti G. Transitional Justice, 2000.

United Nations Department of Peace Operations. Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) guidelines, 2010.

UNHCR. The State of the World’s Refugees: In Search of Solidarity, 2012.

World Bank. Post-Conflict Reconstruction: The Role of the World Bank, 1998.

Transforming war into peace